The Master Ninja Is Back, But with a New Face
After more than a decade of waiting, Ninja Gaiden 4 has finally landed, and the reviews are flooding in. Developed in a landmark collaboration between the series’ original masters, Team Ninja, and the stylish action virtuosos at PlatinumGames, this revival has been one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. The verdict? Critics are almost unanimous in their praise for the game’s combat, hailing it as one of the best action systems ever created. However, the game’s new protagonist, story, and level design have proven to be far more divisive, painting a picture of a game with god-tier highs and some frustrating lows.
Many outlets are calling it a welcome return to form for the franchise, but one that stumbles in its attempt to balance the old with the new. Let’s slice into the details.
The Unquestionably Brilliant Combat
If there’s one thing every reviewer agrees on, it’s that the action in Ninja Gaiden 4 is absolutely phenomenal. Building on the foundation of the beloved Ninja Gaiden 2, the combat is described as incredibly fast, fluid, and brutally challenging. IGN called the combat system “among the very best I’ve ever seen,” praising the ruthless enemy aggression that forces players to use their entire moveset in a thrilling fight for survival. The Gamer agreed, stating it’s the “best the series has felt to play,” perfectly recreating the classic feel while adding new layers of depth.
Enemies are smart, relentless, and will punish players who try to spam the same moves. This intense pressure, combined with the trademark gore and dismemberment, creates the kind of white-knuckle action that the series is famous for. This is pure, uncut, top-tier character action that sets a new bar for the genre.
A Tale of Two Ninjas: Divisive Story and Characters
While the combat is universally loved, the story and its new protagonist, Yakumo, have been a major point of contention. The plot centers on Yakumo, a ninja of the Raven Clan, on a mission that puts him at odds with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa. Many critics found the story to be the game’s weakest element. Game Informer called the plot “nothing to write home about, with predictable melodramatic beats,” while IGN found the new hero “bland” and the story to fall “completely flat.”
PC Gamer was particularly critical of a late-game segment where players are forced to play as Ryu Hayabusa, retreading old levels with a limited moveset, calling it a “tedious contractual obligation.” However, some outlets like XboxEra found the story to be “occasionally clever” and a step up from previous, more nonsensical entries in the series. This split opinion suggests that your enjoyment of the narrative will heavily depend on your tolerance for anime-style melodrama.
The Critical Scoreboard
Here’s a look at how some of the major outlets scored the game:
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| AltChar | 95/100 |
| COGconnected | 90/100 |
| IGN | 8/10 |
| CGMagazine | 8/10 |
| Cerealkillerz | 7.5/10 |
FAQs About Ninja Gaiden 4
- Who developed Ninja Gaiden 4?
It was a collaborative effort between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, with Platinum leading the development. - Is Ryu Hayabusa the main character?
No, the primary protagonist is a new character named Yakumo. Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role and is briefly playable. - How is the combat?
It is universally praised as being exceptionally fast, fluid, deep, and challenging, building on the mechanics of Ninja Gaiden 2. - Is the game as difficult as the originals?
Yes, reviewers confirm that the game maintains the series’ trademark high level of difficulty. - What are the main criticisms?
The most common complaints are a weak and predictable story, a bland new protagonist, and uninspired or linear level design in some sections. - Is it a good game for newcomers?
While the story is self-contained, the high difficulty might be a barrier for some. However, critics note that the combat is so satisfying that it’s a must-play for any fan of action games.
Conclusion
The consensus on Ninja Gaiden 4 is clear: it’s a game of incredible highs and noticeable flaws. The combat is, without question, a masterpiece and a new benchmark for the action genre. For many, that alone is more than enough to make the game a must-play. However, if you’re looking for a compelling story or groundbreaking level design, you may come away slightly disappointed. Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a phenomenal action game attached to a mediocre adventure. It’s a triumphant, if imperfect, return for the Master Ninja, and a bloody good time for anyone who lives for the thrill of the fight.