Ninja Gaiden 4 Review: The Triumphant Return of the Raven Clan

From the partnership of two of the biggest names in action gaming comes a game that pushes the genre to new heights and marks the triumphant return of a legend.

Ninja Gaiden 4 - Announcement Trailer

Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the triumphant return of a legendary franchise, pushing it to new heights through the collaboration of two action powerhouses: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames.

The result is a seamless fusion of their design philosophies, delivering a gameplay experience that is both intricate and perfectly balanced – gripping players from the first moment to the final showdown. This fourth installment goes beyond obsessing over every detail: it honors the characters and the legacy of the series, weaving a story that, while familiar in its beats, remains intense, immersive, and full of unexpected twists.

And yes, Ninja Gaiden 4 hides far more than a single secret… are you ready to uncover them all in our review?

The Narrative of Ninja Gaiden 4

Ninja Gaiden 4 picks up directly after the first two installments of the saga, deliberately overlooking the events of the third, and begins in the wake of the legendary Black Dragon’s defeat at the hands of Ryu Hayabusa. Its lingering power unleashes a cursed rain over Tokyo, enveloping the city in an apocalyptic haze of menace and foreboding.

At the heart of the story is Yakumo, a warrior of the Raven clan, who sets out on a perilous journey through crumbling city streets and ancient temples, determined to end the Black Dragon’s threat once and for all. The narrative, tightly woven and expertly paced, keeps players on edge at every turn, constantly raising questions: why has Ryu Hayabusa turned hostile? What secrets lie behind the enigmatic Seori, one of the game’s most magnetic characters, impossible not to become attached to?

The Lifeblood of Ninja Gaiden 4

The combat system of Ninja Gaiden 4 is the game’s beating heart, a flawless fusion of razor-sharp technique and visceral brutality, born from the combined genius of Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. From the very first strike, the game reveals a staggering depth: each blow, whether light or crushing, delivers immediate, weighty feedback, rich in tactile and sensory satisfaction. Landing hits on enemies is endlessly gratifying, especially when a complex encounter culminates in a brutal, choreographed finisher – a true sensorial crescendo that celebrates the player’s skill and precision.

Combat variety is further amplified by three special weapons alongside the standard swords, each boasting a unique fighting style. All are perfectly balanced, devastating in the right hands, and designed to reward strategic play. At the core of the system lies the new Bloodbind Gauge, a pivotal mechanic that dictates the rhythm of battle: Yakumo can fill it gradually over time or accelerate its charge by dispatching foes. Once charged, the gauge unleashes powerful attacks and unique special moves capable of breaking through the defenses of formidable bosses or obliterating the most resilient enemies.

Every weapon comes with its own skill tree and purchasable combos, essential for the toughest fights but costly to unlock. This forces careful decision-making, particularly in a first playthrough, encouraging players to experiment and master each tool with near-surgical precision. Defense remains equally crucial: Ninja Gaiden 4 achieves the remarkable feat of rendering enemy attack patterns perfectly readable. Players can risk a perfectly timed, high-stakes parry to unleash devastating counters, or choose a safer, more measured parry – less risky but upgradeable in both duration and resilience. The combat system reaches its apex with the Ultimate Attack, the game’s most powerful ability, which unfolds across three distinct levels:

• Blue Level: By charging the heavy attack to the blue vortex, Yakumo unleashes a rapid, devastating flurry capable of decimating even the most resilient foes.
• Red Level: Pushing the charge further into the red vortex triggers a relentless storm of slashes, capable of taking down two enemies simultaneously.
• Maximum Frenzy: When the gauge is fully charged and both analog sticks are activated, Yakumo releases a supreme strike, obliterating all nearby enemies in a spectacular display of raw power.

The Thrill and Art of Acrobatic Platforming

Ninja Gaiden 4 truly excels in its platforming, seamlessly fusing acrobatic gameplay with narrative and pulse-pounding action. The Grappling Hook unleashes thrilling, vertigo-inducing sequences across rails and suspended structures, letting players navigate complex obstacles or reach elevated positions to execute precise, strategic maneuvers and surprise attacks.

Equally essential is the Glider, which harnesses air currents to access hidden or hard-to-reach areas. Its full potential is showcased in the visually striking Mountain Temple level, where platforming challenges are taken to their absolute peak.

Welcome Back, Ryu Hayabusa!

The legendary Ryu Hayabusa makes his long-awaited return in a role that may seem secondary at first glance, yet proves essential to both the narrative and Yakumo’s personal journey. In one of the game’s later chapters, right after one of its most gripping and unforgettable sequences, players get the chance to step into Ryu’s shoes. What follows is pure power: devastating strikes, blistering speed, and a combat style that feels completely distinct from Yakumo’s own.

Ryu fights solely with his katana, but his power gauge allows him to shift both form and fighting style, pushing his attacks to the point where enemy defenses become almost meaningless. In New Game Plus, players can even tackle the entire campaign as Ryu – a loving tribute to longtime fans, a symbolic bridge between past and future, and perhaps even a subtle hint at a passing of the torch, as a few key late-game moments seem to suggest.

A Tribute to Seori

Shrouded in mystery at first, Seori quickly proves herself one of Ninja Gaiden 4’s most compelling and unforgettable characters. Charming, sharp, intelligent, and fearless, she wins players over from the very first encounter – her charisma magnetic, her presence impossible to ignore. Her personal journey, intertwined with the intricate relationship she shares with Yakumo, drives some of the game’s most powerful and emotionally resonant moments, building all the way to that unforgettable scene. A character destined not only to linger in the hearts of fans, but perhaps to hint at the very future of the series itself.

Opening the Door to Newcomers Without Betraying Veterans

While keeping the hardcore spirit that has always defined the series, Ninja Gaiden 4 achieves a level of challenge and accessibility never seen before. The opening tutorial sets a new standard for clarity and pacing, guiding players through the core mechanics without ever feeling overwhelming. A full range of difficulty options allows players to shape the experience to match their own style and skill. Automatic parrying and other optional assists make the game more approachable for newcomers, while maintaining the depth and intensity that veteran players expect. A significant step toward reaching a wider audience – and a clear indication of the ambitious possibilities that could shape a future sequel.

Our Verdict

When two masters of the action genre join forces, the result is something rare and extraordinary: an experience that can redefine the genre and herald the triumphant return of a timeless legend. Ninja Gaiden 4 embodies precisely this – the triumphant revival of a historic franchise, where Team Ninja’s surgical precision merges seamlessly with PlatinumGames’ boundless inventiveness, delivering a gameplay experience that is intricate, profound, and impeccably balanced.

Surpassing this standard of excellence will be the true test for anyone bold enough to pick up the mantle. Ninja  Gaiden has returned – more powerful, more relentless, and more ambitious than ever – ready to drag players, sword in hand, into a legendary and unforgettable adventure.