After more than a decade, the legendary Ninja Gaiden series is returning. Ninja Gaiden 4 brings a fresh protagonist, faster combat, and a darker world. We got access to the preview demo, and here’s everything you need to know about how it plays, how it looks, and why it might be the comeback fans have been waiting for.
A New Chapter in the Series
The game is set years after the events of Ninja Gaiden 3. This time, you play as Yakumo, a member of the Raven Clan. His mission is to kill a priestess named Seori in a cursed version of Tokyo.
At first, it sounds like a straightforward assassination job. But the story quickly twists. Seori is actually the one who sealed away the Dark Dragon, a dangerous force now destroying Tokyo. The mission starts to unravel, and soon, bigger secrets come to light.
One of those secrets? The legendary Ryu Hayabusa is still around. His presence hints at deeper connections between him and Yakumo, but the demo keeps this mystery alive.
A Darker, Broken Tokyo
The Tokyo in Ninja Gaiden 4 is not the glowing, bustling city you remember. It’s a decaying, chaotic place filled with dragon corruption. Neon signs flicker. Roots of corruption crawl over buildings. The city feels alive, but in a dangerous, sick way.
This setting adds to the tension. Every fight feels like it’s happening in a world on the edge of collapse. The design blends old Japanese architecture with cyberpunk elements, creating a mix of beauty and decay.
Combat – Fast, Brutal, and Precise
Combat has always been the heart of the Ninja Gaiden series. The good news? Ninja Gaiden 4 stays true to its roots while adding fresh elements.
From the start, controlling Yakumo feels sharp. Movements are quick and smooth. Attacks respond instantly. You can switch between aggressive offense and careful defense with ease.
Classic moves are back. The Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop return, letting you launch enemies and slam them down with style. These moves feel powerful, with the right amount of impact and speed.
But Yakumo is not just copying Ryu. His main special ability is Bloodbind Ninjutsu. This skill lets him transform his weapon into a stronger, deadlier form for a short time. Combined with his Bloodraven Form, he can cut through groups of enemies in cinematic style.
Shurikens are still here too. They are not strong, but they help extend combos. Using them at the right time can keep your attack streak going and boost your score.
Combat Requires Focus
This is not a button-mashing game. Ninja Gaiden 4 rewards precise timing and punish players who attack without thinking. One wrong dodge can lead to a quick death.
Enemies have patterns you need to learn. Normal difficulty feels fair but a bit easy for veterans. Switching to hard mode changes the game completely. Enemies become faster and more aggressive, forcing you to stay sharp.
Healing and special attacks depend on Blood Essence orbs. These drop from enemies or can be found in the environment. You have to choose — heal yourself or charge your Ultimate Techniques.
Movement and Traversal
Yakumo moves like a true ninja. He’s fast, agile, and always in motion. Traversal is more advanced than before, with wires and rails joining the classic wall-runs and double jumps.
These new tools are not just for movement. You can use them in combat to reposition, dodge, or launch surprise attacks. They make fights feel like choreographed action scenes.
Tokyo’s broken skyline is perfect for these mechanics. You can zip between rooftops, run across walls, and strike enemies from above. The momentum never stops.
Extra Modes and Ryu’s Return
The demo also includes a Challenge Mode. This lets you replay chapters with modifiers, try out different strategies, and even switch characters.
Yes — you can play as Ryu Hayabusa. He feels heavier and more precise compared to Yakumo’s faster style. Both are fun, but Yakumo’s airy movement might appeal more to new players.
There are also boss trials, where you face strong enemies in small arenas. These could become even more exciting in the full game, especially if leaderboards or co-op modes are added.
Visual Style and Atmosphere
The art direction mixes cyberpunk with dark fantasy. Temples are fused with machinery. Streets are filled with cursed tech. The result is a Tokyo that feels dangerous and alive.
Lighting and particle effects are impressive, especially for a preview build. Combat animations are fluid and easy to follow, even during intense action. Blood effects are plentiful but not overwhelming.
The environments are not open-world, but they feel large enough to encourage exploration. Verticality plays a big role, and the new traversal tools make exploring fun.
Demo Issues and Early Impressions
Since this is an early build, a few problems popped up. Switching difficulty mid-chapter caused a save issue, forcing a restart. Some camera angles got awkward in tight spaces.
However, these are small issues for a preview version. None of them break the game, and they are likely to be fixed before release.
Final Thoughts – A Promising Comeback
After more than ten years, Ninja Gaiden 4 feels like the comeback fans have been waiting for. It respects the series’ history while introducing new ideas.
The combat is fast, precise, and satisfying. The movement system is fun and opens up creative ways to fight. Yakumo is a strong new lead, and Ryu’s presence adds weight to the story.
The world design is striking, mixing neon cyberpunk with dark, cursed energy. The challenge is still here for those who want it, especially on higher difficulties.
While the demo had some minor issues, it also proved that Ninja Gaiden 4 is more than just a safe sequel. It’s a bold step forward, and October 21, 2025, can’t come soon enough.
Ninja Gaiden 4 – Quick Facts
- Release Date: October 21, 2025
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Developer: PlatinumGames Inc., Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo Games
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Players: Single-player
- ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
If this preview is anything to go by, sharpen your blades. Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to deliver fast, bloody, and stylish ninja action for a new generation of players — while keeping long-time fans satisfied.