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| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | DLC & Pre-Order | Preview Review | Review |
NINJA GAIDEN 4 combines Team Ninja's refined combat with PlatinumGames' stylish hack-and-slash action. Read on to learn how it plays, what it's about, and everything else we know so far.
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NINJA GAIDEN 4 Gameplay
NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a third-person action-adventure hack-and-slash game that continues the series' legacy of fast-paced, no-holds-barred ninja combat. According to the developers, the game blends Team Ninja’s refined combat philosophy with the dynamic, stylish action gameplay of PlatinumGames to deliver a thrilling experience.
Players will step into the role of Yakumo, wielding the Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform weapons and unleash devastating attacks. Alongside these new abilities, classic techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow return, providing a balance of innovation and nostalgia. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also makes his return with a revamped yet familiar arsenal of tools to master.
Traversal mechanics are getting a fresh twist, with new features like wires and rails enabling dynamic movement across Tokyo’s environments—often while engaging in intense battles. Director Nakoa notes that these mechanics allow for more fluid exploration and combat integration, offering something new for long-time fans of the series.
Combat will demand quick shifts between offense and defense, reminiscent of the difficulty level in NINJA GAIDEN 2. Yakumo’s Bloodbind Ninjutsu also grants him access to his Bloodraven Form, enabling powerful moves like the Bloodbath Kill,
which bisects enemies in a single strike and delivers large-scale, high-damage attacks.
Rain will play a significant role in the game’s aesthetics, influencing the atmosphere and visual design of Tokyo and its environments. The developers promise that NINJA GAIDEN 4 will bring together the best elements of the series while introducing new mechanics and challenges to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers.
Game Modes
The game features four difficulty levels: Hero, Normal, Hard, and Master Ninja. Hero Mode offers accessibility options such as Auto Evade, Auto Block, and Auto Assist, making it easier for newcomers to enjoy.
At the other extreme, Master Ninja Mode is the toughest challenge and can only be unlocked after completing the story. It also contains a brutal sub-mode called Death Wish, where growth elements are reset, and the difficulty escalates to an even harsher extreme.
Purgotory
Within each chapter of Story Mode, players can discover hidden trials called Purgatory, accessible through torii gates located off the main path. These trials pit you against relentless waves of enemies, and entering requires sacrificing a portion of your character’s health. One of the most extreme challenges is the Realm of Hell, where entry demands giving up 75% of your health before the battle even begins.
Training Mode
A new standalone training mode is in Ninja Gaiden 4, which will help players learn moves and practice better before diving into battle.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Story
Set years after the events of NINJA GAIDEN 3, the story introduces Yakumo, a new protagonist tasked with saving a dark and chaotic version of Tokyo.
According to the developers, Yakumo will face Ryu Hayabusa in pivotal encounters, with the former protagonist serving as both a significant challenge and a key milestone in Yakumo’s journey. The story explores themes of adversity and personal growth as Yakumo strives to overcome the challenges that stand in his way.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Plot
The city has been ravaged by the return of the Dark Dragon, plunging it into disorder. Yakumo must confront cybernetic ninja soldiers, monstrous creatures, and the revival of the Dark Dragon while uncovering a destiny that connects him to the legendary ninja, Ryu Hayabusa.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Setting
NINJA GAIDEN 4 is set in a near-future Tokyo trapped in an endless rain of miasma. With the revival of the Dark Dragon, it has been invaded by otherworldly creatures that both Yakumo and Hayabusa must face to save the city from the brink of destruction.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Characters
Ryu Hayabusa
Ryu Hayabusa is a powerful ninja of his clan and the protagonist of the Ninja Gaiden series. Though Ninja Gaiden 4 focuses on Yakumo’s exploits, the legendary hero cannot ignore the arrival of a new threat, and so he steps out of the shadows, Dragon Sword in hand, as the secondary protagonist of the game.
Yakumo
Yakumo is a young ninja of the Raven clan and is on his way to becoming a Master Ninja. He is emotionally distant and rarely shows any trace of passion due to his strict training and rigid upbringing. He would eventually cross paths with Hayabusa in a fight to stop a newly revived threat.
Ayane
Ayane is a kunoichi of the Mugen Tenshin clan and the half-sister of Dead or Alive series protagonist Kasumi. Having worked with him on multiple occasions, Hayabusa called for her help once again.
Seori
Seori is a priestess of the Dark Dragon who is central to one of Yakumo’s missions. She seems to be hiding something underneath her playful exterior and is leading the young ninja down a dark path.
Umi
Umi is a communications specialist of the Raven clan and Yakumo’s guide during missions. Voiced by Yui Kondo (Jp) and Elizabeth Tsong (En), she doesn’t make a physical appearance beyond the penguin avatar she uses.
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