Ninja Gaiden 4 Review: A Bloody, Brutal Return to Form
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Ninja Gaiden 4 revives the hack-and-slash legacy with intense, gory combat that’s faster and more satisfying than ever. Co-developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, and published by Xbox Game Studios, it introduces Yakumo, a new ninja from the Raven Clan, replacing Ryu Hayabusa as the lead. With new mechanics like Bloodbind Ninjutsu and Gleam Form, it’s a 12-hour gauntlet of demon-slaying fury, available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (including Steam and Game Pass). It’s punishing, rewarding, and perfect for action fans, but falters outside combat.
What Works: Peak Ninja Combat
The combat is phenomenal, often called the series’ best. You control Yakumo in sprawling arenas, fighting cybernetic soldiers and demons with rapid combos, Izuna Drops, Guillotine Throws, and Ultimate Techniques. Dismemberments are key to quickly downing tanky enemies, with blood-soaked visuals amping up the gore. PlatinumGames’ influence adds stylish flair: dodge into Bloodraven assaults, use a grappling hook-blade or wingsuit for aerial attacks, and chain weapon swaps mid-fight. Wall-running, rail-grinding, and hook-swinging enhance battles and traversal. Upgrades via Weapon EXP unlock new techniques, though early progression feels stingy. Higher difficulties are relentless yet fair, blending classic Ninja Gaiden brutality with soulslike precision.
Ryu Hayabusa returns for side missions with Ninpo magic, but these feel like less dynamic replays of Yakumo’s levels. Still, the game’s highly replayable, with customizable difficulty for newcomers.
What Doesn’t: Bland Story, Repetitive Design
Yakumo’s a bland, edgy protagonist, and the predictable story—interdimensional threats and flat villains—is forgettable. Level design reuses environments, with gimmicky surfboard sections and repetitive enemy waves dragging out fights. Side quests and challenge rooms lack inspiration, and while traversal (parkour, wingsuit dives) is fun, weapon and enemy variety feels limited. Performance is solid on high-end hardware but dips on base Xbox Series S. The game struggles with identity—too much Platinum flair in spots, not enough classic Ninja Gaiden purity elsewhere.
Critical Reception and Community Buzz
With a Metacritic score of 82, critics praise it as a top Xbox title of 2025 and a worthy, punishing sequel that excels in combat. Scores range from 8/10 (PC Gamer: “Bloody good combat carries it through”) to 9.5/10 in early leaks, with outlets like GameSpot and Game Informer lauding its “master ninja” execution. On X, players call it the best action game of 2025, a solid return to form where combat carries the experience. Some note the Game Pass launch dilutes its “event” feel, but it’s loved by veterans and accessible to new players.
Verdict
Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers heart-pounding, stylish ninja carnage, making it a must-play for series fans and action enthusiasts. Combat alone justifies the $70 price (or free via Game Pass), but the weak story and repetitive design hold it back from greatness. It’s proof that old-school ninja fury still cuts deep, even if Yakumo doesn’t outshine Ryu.