REVIEW Ninja Gaiden 4: Does Ryu Hayabusa’s Comeback Honor the Legacy?
Ninja Gaiden 4 throws players into a cyberpunk Tokyo drenched in acid rain, where ancient ninja traditions clash with futuristic chaos. A bold experiment that mixes PlatinumGames’ flair with Team Ninja’s precision — but does it work?
Tokyo, the City Beneath the Black Dragon
Since Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Tokyo has fallen under a cursed sky. The body of the slain Black Dragon floats above the city, dripping toxic acid rain that corrodes everything below. The paramilitary group ODD, clad in high-tech armor, guards the ruins to prevent any resurrection — and Ryu Hayabusa stands with them.
But, Ninja Gaiden 4 story follows Yakumo, a young ninja from the Raven Clan. His mission: rescue a captive priestess and escort her to the Dragon’s corpse to complete a sacred ritual that will seal the monster forever. The catch? Ryu is his enemy.
Blood, Steel and Neon — A Fusion of Styles
Yakumo’s adventure feels like a meeting between Ninja Gaiden and Bayonetta. Combat is fast, fluid, and soaked in blood. You chain light and heavy attacks, slice off limbs, and perform cinematic executions.
Controls are tighter than ever, with perfect dodges and timed blocks replacing old-school parries. It’s an accessible but still demanding system — rewarding timing, aggression, and spatial awareness. When combat flows, it’s pure adrenaline.
The Bloodraven Awakens
Yakumo’s defining mechanic, the Bloodraven Mode, transforms his weapons into monstrous extensions of will. Dual blades fuse into a crimson katana, the rapier becomes a devastating drill, and the staff turns into a rocket-powered hammer.
Enemies glow red when vulnerable, signaling the moment to unleash a “blood attack” — a brutal move that breaks their guard and resets the flow of combat. Each weapon has unique blood attacks, pushing players to master range and rhythm. It’s a thrilling addition that deepens strategy — at least at first glance.
Hi! This is Hirayama from Team Ninja. I serve as Director on NINJA GAIDEN 4.
With the release of NINJA GAIDEN 4 just ahead of us, I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly touch on one of the game’s defining characteristics: its rich combat variety. This new entry retains… pic.twitter.com/LdqX8PhkiM — Team NINJA (@TeamNINJAStudio) October 15, 2025
A Game Torn Between Two Eras
The real struggle lies beneath the surface. Ninja Gaiden 4 can’t decide whether it wants to honor its roots or embrace modern design. Older games demanded precision — learning enemy frames, punishing whiffs, mastering every technique. Here, posture-breaking blood attacks make that knowledge optional.
Before unlocking “Master Ninja” mode, difficulty comes more from visual chaos than smart design. Fights are flashy, but sometimes shallow. Veterans may find the early hours too forgiving.
Ryu Hayabusa’s Return — And His Limited Role
Ryu appears on the cover, but his presence in the story is minimal. He’s playable in a few missions, wielding elemental jutsus like fireballs and tornadoes. The twist? His levels are nearly identical to Yakumo’s, recycling environments across Tokyo’s districts — from acid-soaked streets to industrial hangars.
Gone are the globetrotting adventures of past games. Instead, the city’s massive, empty spaces replace the tight, claustrophobic arenas that once made Ninja Gaiden so intense.
Replay Value and Hardcore Challenges
Despite its uneven campaign, Ninja Gaiden 4 redeems itself with post-game content. A Combat Simulator offers 15+ survival challenges, boss rushes, and ranking systems rewarding flawless play. Achieving top scores requires speed, precision, and mastery — the spirit of the old series still lives here.
Yes #NINJAGAIDEN4 has several difficulty settings.
Hero mode – Learn your ninja powers and enjoy the story Normal – The true path of a ninja Hard – Adversity awaits All 3 modes can be changed any time. Master Ninja – No mercy. No switching. Git gud kid.☠️ pic.twitter.com/IPvzlt4hEn — Team NINJA (@TeamNINJAStudio) October 9, 2025
Verdict — A Stylish Misstep
Ninja Gaiden 4 is not a bad game — just an unfinished idea. Its cyberpunk Tokyo is stunning, its combat explosive, and its accessibility commendable. But the soul of the series — that ruthless, demanding edge — has been diluted.
When Ninja Gaiden demanded perfection, it was thrilling. When it forgives too much, it loses its bite. PlatinumGames’ flair meets Team Ninja’s heritage, but the fusion feels incomplete. Still, when the rhythm clicks — when you dodge, counter, and strike in perfect sync — it reminds you why this franchise mattered in the first place.
What about you? Did Ninja Gaiden 4 win you over or leave you nostalgic for the old days? Share your take in the comments — the fight for Tokyo’s soul is far from over!
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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