Over the past ten years, FromSoftware’s game style, known as “Souls-like” games, has gained significant popularity. However, director and producer of Ninja Gaiden 4, Yuji Nakao, expressed a fondness for the older action game style prevalent in the 2000s during an interview with Xbox Wire. He hinted at the possibility that there may be gamers who share his sentiments about this classic gaming era.
Nakao reminisced about his childhood years, which were marked by the peak period for 3D hack-and-slash action games such as Ninja Gaiden Black and Devil May Cry. These games were highly sought after and topped the video game rankings back then. However, he noted that these types of games are now less common, particularly with the rise in popularity of FromSoftware’s approach to action RPGs.
In a way that’s close to my heart, I was raised amidst the glory days of 3D hack-and-slash games, Nakao shared. It seems that the kind of games we were brought up on are becoming increasingly scarce in more recent times. On the contrary, there has been an impressive surge in the popularity of what are now known as “Souls-like” games.
Absolutely, I’ve delved into and appreciated numerous games similar to the Souls series. However, it seems that the nostalgic charm of ‘3D slash-action’ games has become harder to come by recently. While this might just be my own longing speaking, it feels as though action game enthusiasts are yearning for that classic experience once more. Don’t you think it’s high time we all revisit those exciting combat sequences?
Nakao expresses optimism that Ninja Gaiden 4 might rekindle interest in the traditional style of action games. He added, “If it manages to establish itself as a significant player in modern slash-action and sets a new standard for the genre, I would be delighted. And if Ninja Gaiden 4 could inspire renewed enthusiasm for slash-action games, then that would be an even greater achievement.
Additionally, he mentioned that Ninja Gaiden 4, as suggested by its trailers, seems to fall short of embodying a typical contemporary action game. This is particularly noticeable when contrasted with other forthcoming action titles such as Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic and the revamped God of War franchise from Santa Monica, which boast more modern aesthetics.
In conversations with Team Ninja regarding the upcoming _Ninja Gaiden_, PlatinumGames jokingly notes that it’s hardly a contemporary game due to its difficulty level. Nowadays, games lean towards being more user-friendly, but _Ninja Gaiden 4_ buckles the trend by becoming significantly harder instead. So don’t be disheartened!
In discussions with Team Ninja about the next iteration of _Ninja Gaiden_, PlatinumGames humorously remarks that it doesn’t resemble a contemporary game because of its toughness. Nowadays, games are generally designed to be easier, but _Ninja Gaiden 4_ takes the opposite approach by becoming exceptionally challenging instead. So don’t worry about it!
In June 2025, a fresh trailer for Ninja Gaiden 4 was unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase. Apart from offering glimpses into some exciting new gameplay, this trailer has also confirmed that Ninja Gaiden 4 will be released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 21st. Meanwhile, you can take a look back at how the studio marked the 21st anniversary of the 3D games in the Ninja Gaiden series, which honored the 2004 debut of the original Ninja Gaiden game on Xbox, that happened in March.
As you wait for Ninja Gaiden 4’s release, here are 10 things you need to know about the game.
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2025-06-09 14:42