About Ninja Gaiden 4
Making a spectacular comeback, Ninja Gaiden 4 plunges the player into a Tokyo devastated by a cursed rain born from the remnants of the Black Dragon. Although the creature has been defeated, its influence continues to poison the city, and nothing—and no one—seems capable of bringing the sun back to shine over the ruins and a civilization that has fallen. To counter a growing threat, Ryu Hayabusa, a true legend among ninjas, has joined forces with the O.D.D. (Order of the Divine Dragon) militia. But standing in his way is Yakumo, a young ninja from the Crow Clan, sent to eliminate Seori, the priestess of the Black Dragon.
Behind this apparent conflict lies, in truth, a plot that is less black-and-white than one might think at the start of the adventure. Initially adversaries, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa are bound by a fate more complex than it seems. It is in the shoes of this new antihero that an extraordinarily intense adventure unfolds in the heart of a devastated Tokyo. True to its legacy, Ninja Gaiden 4 remains a pure, fast-paced, and (very) challenging action game, where every battle relies on combos executed with surgical precision, millimeter-perfect dodges, and lightning-fast counters. It’s a real feast for the eyes!
The game opens with spectacular battles on a train racing at breakneck speed. This fast-paced tutorial lays the groundwork for an action game true to the spirit of the series. Extremely dynamic and reliant on reflexes, Ninja Gaiden 4 is built around rapid-fire combat where combos, dodging, and counterattacks are essential for survival. Several difficulty levels allow you to adjust the challenge, but the game retains its legendary difficulty.
Graphically, Ninja Gaiden 4 adopts a dark and highly industrial artistic style. This won’t appeal to everyone—especially those who preferred the more authentic style of the early games—but this choice fits well with the darker storyline of the later installments. The ceaseless rain falling from the remains of the Black Dragon blankets a ruined Tokyo, and it is within this world that you must navigate—without ever truly leaving the urban environments, which we would have liked to see more varied. The enemies—who are none other than the O.D.D. troops—wear cybernetic armor that, in some ways, evokes a fusion of advanced technology and Japanese tradition. The lack of diversity is offset by a nonstop intensity, except during a few interactions with Umi and the other protagonists.
Why Should I Play Ninja Gaiden 4?
Ninja Gaiden 4 is an action-adventure game that marks the return of the legendary ninja series, combining fast-paced combat, acrobatic movement, and challenging encounters. Set in a dark, futuristic world, it puts players in control of Yakumo, a young ninja who must master a wide range of techniques, weapons, and defensive moves to overcome increasingly dangerous enemies. With its demanding combat mechanics and spectacular, often brutal action, the game stays true to the series' reputation for intense ninja battles.
The gameplay places a strong emphasis on combat mastery. Yakumo can perform light and heavy attacks, throw projectiles such as shurikens, and use blocks and dodges to defend himself. With precise timing, he can counter incoming attacks and gain the upper hand in battle. Charging heavy attacks allows him to unleash devastating strikes, while his Bloodraven Form grants access to even more powerful techniques. His cursed blades, the Takeminakata, can transform into a long-range weapon in this form, expanding his offensive options. This varied arsenal makes combat dynamic and rewarding, undoubtedly one of the greatest strengths of this fourth installment.
Movement also stays true to the series' traditions. Yakumo can run along walls, climb certain surfaces, and move with remarkable agility. As he progresses, he learns new techniques from Tyran, a martial arts master of the Raven Clan who helps him develop his combat skills. Umi, a communications specialist who supports Yakumo throughout his mission, also provides assistance. Players can interact with her at designated locations to access useful items and supplies.
The level design is largely linear, with long corridors and dedicated combat arenas. However, certain sequences, such as the rail section in the second chapter, add variety to the experience. The grappling hook further enhances movement, but Ninja Gaiden 4 remains primarily focused on fast-paced action and technical challenges. Quick reflexes and a good understanding of enemy attack patterns are essential to success.
Fortunately, the game offers adjustable difficulty settings, including a Hero mode with optional combat assists such as automatic blocking and dodging. These features make the experience more accessible to newcomers or players who want to focus less on mastering complex combat mechanics. However, the spectacular, often gory combat remains a defining part of the experience regardless of the chosen difficulty.
Is Ninja Gaiden 4 Free-to-play?
No, Ninja Gaiden 4 isn't a free game. You have to buy it before you can download it. Tah said, the game is included in the Xbox Game Pass, making it available for all subscribers without further fees. The game stays true to the series' DNA while modernizing it for the new generation of consoles.
Where Can I Download Ninja Gaiden 4?
Rated M for Mature due to its explicit violence, Ninja Gaiden 4 is available on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is included in the Xbox and PC Game Pass catalogs upon release, where you can download it or play it via cloud gaming.
What Games Should I Play If I Enjoy Ninja Gaiden 4?
Developed by Shift Up, Stellar Blade is an intriguing option for action fans. Players take on the role of Eve, a warrior navigating a ravaged, futuristic world. Much like Ninja Gaiden 4, the game emphasizes precise combo execution, fluid combat, and spectacular presentation. Its post-apocalyptic setting and challenging gameplay make it a worthy spiritual successor to the genre.
The remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black modernizes a classic without betraying its essence. Players reunite with Ryu Hayabusa as he battles demons and mystical warriors in a series of intense fights and exploration sequences. The graphics have been updated, the animations are smoother, and new characters like Ayane and Rachel enrich the experience. Despite a rebalancing of the difficulty, the game remains challenging and true to its original identity: a concentrated dose of brutal and demanding action.
From Capcom, Devil May Cry 5 remains an essential benchmark in the genre. The story centers on Nero, Dante, and the mysterious V, each with their own unique fighting style. With mechanical arms, summons, and spectacular attacks, the game delivers battles of rare intensity. A true tribute to the series’ choreographed action sequences, Devil May Cry 5 captivates with its fast pace, dynamic rhythm, and rich gameplay. The Special Edition adds the character Vergil and enhanced visual effects thanks to ray tracing.
