Ninja Gaiden Series is a popular action-adventure game with roots as far back as the original 1988 arcade game NINJA GAIDEN (Ninja Ryukenden in Japan). This series captivated fans in various forms over the years with eye-catching swordplay, 2D to 3D with swift traversal, and ninjutsu techniques. This action game features ninja Ryu Hayabusa as its protagonist and the series was originally known as ‘Ninja Ryukenden’, which means ‘Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword’ in Japan.
The word ‘Gaiden’ in the North American title means ‘side story’ in Japan. The series gained much popularity after its release and has shipped over 7.7 million copies. It is also popular for being the first console game to have presented the story in cinematic cutscenes. To everyone’s surprise, it was announced that Ninja Gaiden will have a new sequel in 2025. This article will shed light on what is new for the upcoming version of the Ninja Gaiden Series. So, keep reading to learn more about the game.
About the Ninja Gaiden series
Ninja Gaiden Series is a media franchise based on action video games by Tecmo that has a history going back to 1988. The Ninja Gaiden series is one of the legendary games that the fans mention when asked about the quintessential action game. To the players’ surprise, the Ninja Gaiden Series launches a new version of the game: Ninja Gaiden 4. They are back with a bang, offering a new playable character and gameplay. Ninja Gaiden 4 was revealed as the mystery fourth game shown at Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct 2025. It is expected to be released in the fall of 2025.
The gamers are excited about this new launch after more than 10 years. The game is set in a devastated, post-apocalyptic Tokyo filled with dark visuals, and even though it offers fresh gameplay and new enemy types, it is built on and modernizes the classic and familiar functions. Team Ninja and Platinum Games developed this game and it is published by Xbox Game Studios. It will be available for Xbox Series S/X, PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), and PlayStation 5.
What’s new in Ninja Gaiden 4
In Ninja Gaiden 4, a new main playable character is expected, a young ninja prodigy called Yakumo. Even though a new character is introduced in the upcoming series, the previous protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa does appear in the story. The game is a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3 but it offers a more cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation. Its high-speed combat is what established Ninja Gaiden as an action game series and the new version is even more advanced.
The game is expected to have an engaging Epic Hack and hack-and-slash combat that fuses philosophy with stylish, dynamic action gameplay. Players can use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform their weapons and unleash devastation upon their enemies. Players can also use legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow.
In Ninja Gaiden 4, the legendary Ryu Hayabusa is back with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. The game offers a customizable player experience, pushing the game into a more adventurous level full of twists and turns. Apart from the fresh gameplay, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces the return of an ancient enemy. It features an endless rain miasma that hangs shortly of Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection.
The fate of the city lies in the hands of the young ninja prodigy, Yukumo, and the players have to fight their way through the cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures. Also, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself to free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city down.
An overview of the game
Ninja Gaiden 4 is said to be the first new game in the series since Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z in 2014. Here is an overview of the new game:
Characters
- Yakumo Yuji Nakao- A new playable character who is a young prodigy and master ninja from the rival Raven clan.
- Ryu Hayabusa- The legendary playable character who uses classic moves and tools.
New Gameplay
- Play Styles- The character Yakumo has two play styles, Nue and Bloodraven while the legendary character Ryu Hayabusa uses classic moves.
- Traversal- The new version offers advanced mechanics like ninja runs, wires, rials, grappling, and slides.
- Enemies- New enemy types are introduced in Ninja Gaiden 4, including cybernetic ninjas.
- Combat- There is fast-paced combat with new move sets, Bloodbath Kill, and Bloodbind Ninjutsu.
Accessibility
- HERO PLAY STYLE- It is a mode that provides automatic support in challenging situations or combats.
- Easier Modes- This indicates that some rereleases of previous titles have added easier modes.
Set in the near-future Tokyo and focused on battling against a dark curse that consumed the city, this action game promises to set out against overwhelming odds. This new version of the Ninja Gaiden series will feature fast-paced and brutal combat set in a cyberpunk aesthetic with a gray, rainy atmosphere that is unsettling and dark.
The fans are going to go wild because, apart from the legendary character Ryu Hayabusa who has classic moves, a new young ninja is introduced with a unique fighting style in order to manipulate blood for powerful attacks. On the other hand, the game will incorporate elements of a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (Moba) in which players will be able to engage in an intense, strategic combat against others in dynamic urban battlegrounds.
Even though a new character is introduced, Ryu Hayabusa still is a significant part of the story and can be played by the player. This will provide a familiar yet more adventure-filled experience. Also, regarding the setting of the game, it takes place in a rain-soaked, cyberpunk-like version of Tokyo which is affected by the Dark Gragon’s curse.
Conclusion
The Ninja Gaiden series significantly impacted the gaming industry by popularizing the fast-paced, highly responsive, and challenging character action genre. This series has established a benchmark for intense gameplay on consoles, which is why it has a huge fan base. Ninja Gaiden series has pushed the boundaries of action game design by implementing precise controls, a high difficulty curve, and deep combo systems. This makes the players actively engage with combat mechanics. Ninja Gaiden 4 was a surprise announcement from the Xbox Developer Direct in January 2025, making the fans hyped.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is an upcoming action-adventure game set in a rain-soaked, cyberpunk-like version of Tokyo that is under the curse of the Dark Dragons. It was developed by Team Ninja and published by Xbox Game Studios. This new version introduces a new protagonist, portrays the return of Ryu Hayabusa, has a cyberpunk Tokyo setting, and is focused on more challenging combat. However, to get the full idea regarding the game, we should wait till its release.
