Ninja Gaiden 4 Return Sparks Controversy Over Censorship in Gaming World

Beware, ninjas seem to be popping up everywhere, as the creators from Team Ninja have astonishingly announced that the popular Ninja Gaiden series will resurface with not one but two upcoming games!

At the Xbox Developer Direct event, it was revealed that gaming’s iconic ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, is set to return to households worldwide with a fresh installment in his renowned series, titled Ninja Gaiden 4, and also a remastered version of one of his most popular games, Ninja Gaiden II Black. The remastered game will be available instantly on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, while the fourth installment is being planned for release in Fall 2025. The announcement of these games has left many fans excited about their potential to become long-lasting classics; however, there are concerns arising from a controversial trailer about Ninja Gaiden 4 that was shared on YouTube.

The sneak peek trailer for Ninja Gaiden 4 unveils thrilling gameplay, including zipping along rails to dodge oncoming subway trains, speeding a motorbike across what appears to be a crumbling neon-lit bridge, and slaying various monsters in the series’ signature over-the-top style. The upcoming installment will introduce a new young ninja character named Yakumo, and based on the plotline revealed so far, it seems to stay true to the series’ roots and could be an exciting evolution for the franchise.

However, there’s some apprehension among gamers and long-time enthusiasts regarding the remaster of Ninja Gaiden II Black.

In the trailer for the enhanced edition of Ninja Gaiden II Black, quick glimpses of the game’s female characters were included during the PlayStation presentation. However, the version uploaded to the Xbox YouTube channel mysteriously left out these women. Despite many gamers yearning for a return to the immersive worlds gaming offers after industry debates, long-term fans are concerned about potential censorship of their cherished ninja characters.

The female characters from this series – Ayane, Momiji, Kasumi, and Rachel – are admired for their beauty and versatility, as they skillfully fight enemies using swords, daggers, and enchanted weapons. These characters resemble supermodels and have sparked numerous cosplay interpretations and fan artwork at conventions and gatherings worldwide. Their iconic appearances contribute to the game’s appeal for many fans. However, some players are concerned about a recent trailer for the Xbox version, as it suggests changes in the ladies’ design and costumes. This trend, popularized mainly from the 2010s onwards, often involves less stylized characters, particularly in games produced by Western studios. This shift has been linked to decreasing sales figures in many cases.

In the remastered version of the game, a specific cutscene reveals that one of the non-playable characters has a more modest outfit when facing monsters compared to the original version. Upon closer inspection, it appears that many other background characters also have altered outfits, leading some to believe this could be a stylistic choice. Fan-recorded gameplay footage shows that the main female characters’ outfits remain faithful to their initial design, with players appreciating how visually stunning these characters are with the updated graphics. However, there has been discussion regarding possible changes in body representation and proportions compared to the original, which some interpret as censorship. Yet, others suggest that these differences might stem from the new artistic direction or the game’s improved engine technology.

A noticeable number of outfits in this game appear to be more exposing compared to many other games within the industry, especially those released by Team Ninja in recent times.

Studio Team Ninja, renowned for creating games like Ninja Gaiden, Hyrule Warriors, and Dead or Alive, has had an intricate and debatable journey in the video game industry. Known for their games from the 80s that were as tough as steel nails, their productions of the 2000s featuring stylish and visually appealing female characters, and action-packed gameplay across decades, they have established themselves as a seasoned game development company with an over-the-top style that sets them apart.

However, while Team Ninja has created a brand centered around cool and attractive ninjas, they have also faced criticism for certain decisions made over the years, particularly concerning the localization of some of their popular titles in Western markets. This could be seen as bold, leading to apprehension in localizing them—a move that left many gamers yearning for a revival of gaming elements from past decades feeling disappointed.

Controversy has arisen over Team Ninja’s practice of applying different content standards between their Western and Eastern releases. Fans on social media platforms like X have debated whether a game that alters character design can still be considered true to its origins or if it betrays the fanbase. Some fans are excited about the game’s dynamic action and daring outfits, which rival those seen in Venice Beach, while others express frustration over perceived censorship in Western versions. Some defend the creative choices as justification for new character proportions or clothing styles, but other players view these changes, even if minor, as further instances of unwarranted censorship.

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2025-02-23 00:56