Ninja Gaiden 4 – 10 Things You Need to Know

Following decades of no news and only one partially refreshed trilogy, it’s been confirmed – Koei Tecmo has revealed a fresh installment of the beloved Ninja Gaiden series during the latest Xbox Developer_Direct. Unlike spin-offs like Ninja Gaiden: Rise of the Ryu that paid tribute to the original NES games, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a genuine sequel and the most recent main title, following on from 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3.

Among the highlights, you’ll be thrilled to know that “Ninja Gaiden 4” is slated for release this Fall on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, with an added advantage of being available on Game Pass simultaneously. Here are ten fresh insights about “Ninja Gaiden 4”, features that long-time series enthusiasts will find truly captivating.

Collaboration With PlatinumGames

The revelation of a new Ninja Gaiden game was certainly unexpected, but what really took everyone by surprise was the news that Team Ninja isn’t working alone on it. They are teaming up with PlatinumGames, known for hit games like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising, to create Ninja Gaiden 4. On Xbox Wire, Fumihiko Yasuda, head of Team Ninja, revealed that the close relationship between Koei Tecmo’s President, Hisashi Koinuma, and PlatinumGames’ CEO, Atsushi Inaba, led to this collaborative development project.

It was clear that PlatinumGames had the right skills for developing the new Ninja Gaiden game, and with backing from Microsoft’s Phil-san, we collaborated with them to move forward in creating an entirely new version of Ninja Gaiden.

Return to Tokyo

In the upcoming sequel, players will find themselves back in Tokyo, but this time the city is shrouded in darkness. The reason for this transformation is that the Dark Dragon, previously defeated by Ryu Hayabusa in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, has resurfaced and is not a happy camper. His ashes have enveloped the city in a toxic rain, causing it to decay. Your mission remains the same: traverse Tokyo’s intricate pathways and face treacherous enemies to vanquish the Dark Dragon once and for all. There may be some surprising twists along the way – such as how exactly the Dark Dragon came back – that we can’t wait to discover!

A New Face

In this iteration of the game, players will encounter the adventure from a fresh point of view. A new playable character named Yakumo emerges, belonging to the rival Raven Clan and poised to become a Master Ninja. His mission is to defeat the Dark Dragon. While our series hero, Ryu Hayabusa, remains playable, his role throughout the game is yet to be fully revealed. What adds intrigue is that Yakumo often crosses paths with Ryu in opposition, though the exact reasons behind this are unclear at this time. The strained relationship between their clans certainly doesn’t aid understanding their animosity.

Team Ninja and PlatinumGames decided to introduce a fresh protagonist instead of Ryu Hayabusa, as stated by Director and Producer Yuji Nakao. The reason behind this choice was to make the series more welcoming for newcomers who may not be familiar with previous installments. However, they also ensured that long-time fans would still find enjoyment in the game by incorporating Ryu Hayabusa into the story, positioning him as a substantial challenge and an opportunity for growth for the new character, Yakumo.

High-Speed Combat

From the gameplay previews we’ve seen so far, it’s clear that Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant comeback to the lightning-fast combat that was iconic for its 3D series. The central concept is “adversity,” which is evident throughout every stage as Yakumo encounters various dangers, including Fiends and an organization responsible for maintaining order in Tokyo (potentially those menacing cyberpunk-like samurai adversaries). The action seldom pauses, even while navigating through the rain-soaked streets of Tokyo.

Bloodraven Form

Overcoming numerous adversaries simultaneously, finding ways to triumph or even survive, has been a fundamental principle in this series. In terms of innovation, Yakumo introduces an intriguing new asset – the Bloodraven Form. As Nakao explains, it’s “a skill that controls one’s own and enemies’ blood,” which essentially means using a colossal bloody weapon to slash through multiple dangers all at once.

If you meet specific requirements, a “Bloodbath Kill” occurs, swiftly dividing opponents with remarkable speed (and an impressive red and black split-screen effect). This feature sets it apart by enabling players to quickly shift the balance of the battle in their favor. Additionally, its grisly appearance is another attractive aspect.

1v1 Battles

Indeed, it’s not just minor opponents you’ll encounter. Prepare for intense one-on-one fights against adversaries far stronger than yourself, who will be vigilant and able to move at Yakumo’s pace. Mastering their movements and finding the optimal moments is crucial for victory. So far, we’ve come across several formidable foes, such as a massive cybernetic samurai and a malicious figure wielding a parasol. And let’s not forget about the battles against Hayabusa himself.

New and Returning Moves

As a fervent fan, I’m thrilled to see The Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop making a comeback with an elegant flair, and it’s not just limited to Ryu this time! Yakumo can now harness their power too (each character boasting a unique martial art style). Team Ninja is also hinting at the introduction of brand-new moves that haven’t been part of the series until now. The Ultimate and Obliteration Techniques are back, with the latter showcasing brutal finishes on Order forces – from beheadings to disembowelments – in the latest gameplay previews.

More Verticality and New Traversal Options

In addition to its intense combat, Ninja Gaiden emphasizes quick movement and travel options. The developers, Team Ninja, are focusing on increased verticality, with classic wall jumps and runs making a return. Players will also be able to slide along rails, jumping from one to another as needed, and use a grappling hook for crossing distances. Given that Tokyo is in ruins, navigating through the city involves dealing with collapsing structures and roads.

70-80 Percent Complete

If there’s any uncertainty about whether Ninja Gaiden 4 will be released this year, Nakao has clarified that the game is approximately 70 to 80 percent finished and the teams have progressed to the refining phase. PlatinumGames plans to collaborate closely with Team NINJA to ensure every detail exceeds fan expectations. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will stick to its Fall release schedule – there might be adjustments considering another major open-world game is set to launch at the same time. Nonetheless, things seem to be proceeding as planned.

Regardless, Nakao emphasized sharing additional details to let fans fully appreciate how thrilling and entertaining the game is. Furthermore, as both a fan and a creator, Nakao pledged to work tirelessly to provide an experience that will please everyone.

Potential Demo

From the same Xbox Wire interview, there’s an exciting possibility of a demo. Yasuda expressed his delight about announcing this and hoped it would bring pleasure to fans, stating, “We’re considering options for letting you try it out yourself, so keep an eye on our updates.

For those who know Team Ninja’s past projects, it won’t come as a shock that they are planning a beta for “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.” Just like how “Nioh 1” and “2” had betas before their releases, which helped enhance the overall gaming experiences, “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty” is also likely to have one. Koei Tecmo has followed this pattern with other games too, such as the latest “Dynasty Warriors: Origins.” So if you’re eager to play, there might be an opportunity before the official launch date arrives.

2025-01-29 17:43

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