Team Ninja and Platinum Games shocked gamers with the announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4* as the surprise game reveal during the Xbox Developer Direct. While the title suggests a sequel, the new game introduces Yakuma, a protagonist opposed to Ryu Hayabusa, the series’ iconic hero. A producer explained that Tokyo has been transformed into a chaotic place after time passed since *Ninja Gaiden 3*, with the Dark Dragon, a recurring antagonist, unleashing havoc. Yakumo will face off against his foes and Ryu Hayabusa in this updated story.
The game is set in a futuristic Tokyo overrun by monsters from another dimension, where Yakuma uses fresh ninja skills like wall jumps and rail grinding to navigate hazards. The game features two combat styles: Bloodraven, inspired by the series’ classic sword fighting, and Nue, known for fast, ranged attacks that create non-stop action. Platinum Games, behind titles like *Bayonetta* and *Nier: Automata*, has extensive experience crafting high-speed action games.
A sense of fairness in combat is maintained, with enemies designed as masters of defense but never at a disadvantage to players. *Ninja Gaiden 4* is expected to release in fall 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. For those looking for an older version, Koei Tecmo also revealed that *Ninja Gaiden 2: Black*, a remake of the series’ second game, is now available on PC and consoles with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements.
Source: https://www.espn.com/gaming/story/_/id/43535969/ninja-gaiden-4-announced-ninja-gaiden-2-remake