Is Ninja Gaiden Still Relevant in 2025?

In a gaming landscape dominated by soulslikes and high-skill action titles, one might wonder if classic franchises like Ninja Gaiden still hold their ground. I had the opportunity to play Ninja Gaiden 4 last weekend, and my verdict is clear: absolutely yes. Not only does it continue to thrive, but it also injects a new level of speed and brutality that makes it feel more exhilarating than ever. Among all the games I tested during recent showcases, Ninja Gaiden 4 stood out as my top pick, reaffirming my belief that Ninja Gaiden Black remains the pinnacle of action gaming.

First Impressions and Gameplay Feel

My brief 25-minute hands-on session was far from enough to fully grasp where Ninja Gaiden 4 will sit within the franchise’s hierarchy, but it was enough to make me feel like an unstoppable killing machine. The game is fast—so fast that even Yakumo, the young warrior I played as, moves with lightning speed, surpassing Ryu Hayabusa’s agility in previous titles. PlatinumGames, leading the development, aims to modernize the franchise without losing its core essence, and they’re making a strong start.

Yuji Nakao, a producer and director at PlatinumGames, emphasized that the game is designed to feel contemporary while staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s roots. “We wanted to ensure it feels like a high-speed, modernized ninja adventure,” Nakao explained. “And we’re deliberately going against the trend of soulslikes.”

Setting and Characters

The demo took place in Chapter 1, where I played as Yakumo, a member of the Raven Clan. This isn’t precisely the game’s opening, but close enough to set the tone. The action unfolds in a near-future Tokyo, set after Ninja Gaiden 3, featuring the return of the Dark Dragon menace. While I didn’t get to play as Ryu Hayabusa in this demo, I am eager to do so in the future. Still, Yakumo’s gameplay made a memorable impression, and I had a blast fighting through the initial encounters.

Blood and Violence: More Intense Than Ever

Ninja Gaiden 4 pushes the envelope further in terms of brutality. It’s noticeably bloodier than previous entries, with crimson spray erupting from every cut, splattering across Yakumo’s armor like scenes from a horror film. Bloodraven attacks, a new move set exclusive to Yakumo, involve holding down the left trigger and pressing X or Y. These attacks have a larger area of effect but require longer wind-up times—something I need to master before facing the first major boss of the game, which I unfortunately didn’t get to see in action.

In my experience, the gory visuals and fast-paced combat create an intense, vampire-inspired atmosphere, making every fight feel visceral and visceral. Watching the gameplay footage, you’ll see just how savage and stylish the combat can get—only from the first level.

Refined Mechanics and Player Controls

Fans of the series will find familiar mechanics, but with a fresh twist. Timing blocks with the right trigger to counterattack remains crucial, as does wall-running and executing swift takedowns on enemies. Yakumo’s Blood Essence system allows for powerful ultimate moves—holding Y while uncollected Blood Essence remains on the battlefield, ready to unleash devastating attacks on the remaining foes. Stealth kills are also still part of the arsenal, emphasizing the importance of tactical combat.

The game’s speed is a highlight; Yakumo’s movement feels faster than Ryu’s in earlier titles, adding to the adrenaline rush. It’s a natural evolution that keeps the gameplay exciting and challenging.

Visuals and Camera Improvements

One of the most noticeable improvements is the camera system. Over the years, camera issues have plagued the franchise, but in 2025, Ninja Gaiden 4’s camera now works smoothly, never distracting or obstructing gameplay. This enhancement alone significantly elevates the overall experience.

Additionally, the game’s gore and visual effects are more intense, with blood fountains spraying in every direction during combat. This level of violence enhances the visceral feel, making every sword swipe and slash feel impactful.

Difficulty, Assistance, and Replay Features

Players can switch difficulty modes on the fly, such as lowering from Hard to Normal if a boss proves too tough. An easier mode, called Hero mode, is also available—though I didn’t test it myself. Normal mode includes helpful features, like receiving a large healing elixir after multiple failed attempts, easing the frustration of tough encounters.

The checkpoint system has been improved to reduce stress, allowing for more strategic placement of save points. A new visit from a red-eyed raven unlocks combat skills in exchange for in-game currency, adding depth to character customization. There’s also a practice mode to help players familiarize themselves with moves, though I didn’t explore it during my brief demo.

Collectibles and Additional Content

Collecting Gourdys remains a fun side activity. These adorable creatures are obtained through quick-time events, typically involving simple button taps. While collecting them doesn’t seem to provide immediate rewards, it adds a charming layer of exploration to the game. As the campaign progresses, it’s possible that these collectibles will unlock new content or upgrades.

Final Thoughts and Excitement for Release

Going into this hands-on experience with high expectations, I was prepared for disappointment if PlatinumGames and Team Ninja failed to deliver. Fortunately, they seem to be on the right track. The game’s speed, brutality, and refined controls made me smile even when I was killed—an indicator that Ninja Gaiden 4 is shaping up to be a worthy successor. The blend of style and intense combat makes me eager to dive back in and explore more.

With Ninja Gaiden 4 launching on October 21, I believe the franchise is poised for a triumphant return. Between the recent success of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the promising Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, and other revitalizations in the genre, this new installment could revive the series for a new generation of fans. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

Emma Blake

Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.