Ninja Gaiden 4 Unveils High-Speed, Gory Action in Latest Preview

Can Ninja Gaiden still shine in 2025, with soulslikes ruling the high-skill action genre? I played Ninja Gaiden 4 last weekend, and my verdict is a resounding yes—it’s a thrilling, high-octane standout. Among all the games I explored at recent showcases, this was my favorite, especially as a lifelong fan who holds Ninja Gaiden Black as the pinnacle of action gaming. I left the demo exhilarated.

My 25-minute session with Ninja Gaiden 4 wasn’t enough to rank it within the franchise’s legacy, but it delivered the signature adrenaline rush of feeling like an unstoppable warrior while still pushing my skills. PlatinumGames, leading with Team Ninja’s support, nails that distinct Ninja Gaiden vibe. “It’s a fast-paced experience,” said Yuji Nakao, PlatinumGames’ producer and director. “We aimed to modernize the speed while staying true to the series’ core.” He emphasized their divergence from the soulslike trend.

Ninja Gaiden 4: June 2025 Screenshots

I controlled Yakumo, a young Raven Clan member, in Chapter 1—not the campaign’s opening, which is a tutorial, but close enough. Set in a near-futuristic Tokyo after Ninja Gaiden 3 (which we politely ignore), it marks the Dark Dragon’s return. I missed playing as Ryu Hayabusa, but Yakumo’s dynamic moveset kept me hooked.

Ninja Gaiden 4 pushes the series’ gore to new heights. Yakumo wields classic moves like the Izuna Drop alongside unique Bloodraven attacks, activated by holding the left trigger and pressing X or Y. These wide-ranging strikes require precise timing, and my failure to master them cost me in a tough late-chapter battle. Sadly, I didn’t reach the Chapter 1 boss, showcased in the video above.

Veteran players will feel at home, though new mechanics demand adaptation: parry with a well-timed right trigger, decapitate foes mid-wall-run with Y, or unleash an Ultimate technique using Blood Essence—replacing Ninpo for Yakumo—gathered from fallen enemies. Stealth assassinations add tactical depth.

Would you choose Soulslikes or classic action games like Ninja Gaiden?

I prefer Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry-style gamesSoulslikes are my go-toNeither really grabs me

AnswerSee Results

Ninja Gaiden 4 feels lightning-fast, with Yakumo’s sprint outpacing Ryu’s from past titles. The gore is unrelenting—blood sprays in chaotic bursts, drenching Yakumo in visceral crimson. It’s a spectacle, even in the game’s opening level, as seen in the gripping sequence above.

The camera, a past pain point, now feels smooth and unobtrusive, a major win based on my session. More time is needed to confirm, but it never frustrated me once.

Difficulty is flexible—you can swap from Hard to Normal mid-boss or opt for Hero mode, though I didn’t test its leniency. On Normal, repeated failures in tough fights grant helpful items, like a healing elixir I received after struggling. Checkpoints ease the stress of hunting for save points, and a red-eyed raven lets you unlock skills or practice moves with in-game currency.

Collectibles, dubbed Gourdys, are cute creatures nabbed via quick-time events. I snagged one with two button taps—future ones may get trickier, with potential rewards still unclear.

As a 20-year fan, I approached Ninja Gaiden 4 with sky-high expectations. PlatinumGames and Team Ninja seem poised to deliver, blending blistering combat with undeniable flair. Even when I died, I was grinning. With Ninja Gaiden 2 Black earlier this year, the promising Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Sega’s Shinobi revival, and this October 21 release, 2025 could be a golden year for ninja action.