After 13 years, the next main entry in the Ninja Gaiden series has finally arrived.
One of the oldest action game franchises makes its return, and it’s more explosive than ever.
From 8-Bit To 4K: The Legacy Of Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden is one of the most storied action franchises in video game history. The first installment was released in 1988 on the NES and introduced the protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who has remained the central figure of the entire series ever since.
Over the decades, Ninja Gaiden evolved from a classic 2D title into a modern 3D series. In the 2000s, Team Ninja brought the franchise to contemporary consoles and gave it a new visual identity. Through it all, Ryu Hayabusa remained the central character, continuing to embody the legacy of the brand to this day.
After the third main installment in 2012, Ninja Gaiden disappeared from the public eye for a long time. Still, the name remained a constant in gaming history, often tied to rumors of a possible return. Now, more than a decade later, the series returns with Ninja Gaiden 4, continuing a legacy that spans over thirty years.
Gameplay Takes Center Stage
At the center is Yakumo, a ninja of the Raven Clan and the new protagonist of the series. While Ryu Hayabusa does appear, both the story and the combat system clearly revolve around Yakumo. Ninja Gaiden 4 stays true to its roots, focusing on fast, precise close-quarters combat. Yakumo can wield various weapons, each offering distinct movement patterns, without turning the system into a collection mechanic.
A central element is the Bloodraven Form, which Yakumo can activate once his energy gauge is filled. In this state, his attacks become more powerful, the battles more intense, and the presentation noticeably bloodier. The extreme gore is part of the game’s style and defines its visual identity.
Over 30 Years Later, The Fight Goes On
After more than three decades, Ninja Gaiden remains a series that constantly reinvents itself without ever forgetting its roots. Ninja Gaiden 4 proves that the heart of the franchise has never been in its visuals or characters, but in the combat itself. With Yakumo, a new chapter opens upon the old foundations. It is the return of a legend that was never truly gone.
What do you think? Did you play Ninja Gaiden 4? Let us know in the comments!
