Ninja Gaiden 4 Review — The Return of a Legendary Challenge

It’s been over thirteen years, but Ninja Gaiden is finally back — and yes, it’s every bit as brutal, stylish, and unforgiving as fans hoped. With a brand-new protagonist, returning legends, and a thunderous soundtrack that hits harder than a Dragon Sword slash, Ninja Gaiden 4 revives the series in spectacular fashion.

I’ve spent the last week carving through its campaign, unlocking nearly every achievement, and even diving halfway into Master Ninja Mode just to give you the most complete picture possible. So, does Ninja Gaiden 4 master its deadly craft, or does it fall into purgatory and earn a D-rank? Let’s find out.

Story

For the first time in the franchise, the story follows a new hero — Yakumo, a warrior from the rival Blood Raven Clan. His people have long stood in opposition to the legendary Hayabusa Clan, but this isn’t your typical clan war. Instead, the story centers on a desperate effort to stop an ancient evil that’s been lurking for centuries, threatening to consume the world.

Throughout the journey, Yakumo is joined by allies like Yumi, as the group pursues a mysterious priestess who holds the key to defeating this darkness once and for all. The plot is fast-paced, melodramatic, and drenched in the kind of over-the-top energy you’d expect from Ninja Gaiden.

And yes — Ryu Hayabusa returns. Every time he appears, the screen practically explodes with intensity. His presence alone is a constant reminder of what made Ninja Gaiden great to begin with. That said, his role is limited to a few chapters, which feels like a missed opportunity. While Yakumo is a strong lead with a unique arc, the franchise still feels anchored to Ryu’s legacy — and many fans will likely crave more of the dragon ninja himself.

Still, Ninja Gaiden 4’s story does a solid job balancing legacy and innovation, introducing fresh faces while paying respect to its roots.

Gameplay – Combat and Platforming

Let’s get to what really matters: the combat. Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t just revive the series’ signature gameplay — it perfects it. Every slash, counter, and dodge feels deliberate and precise. There’s zero room for button mashing; every encounter demands rhythm, timing, and skill.

Yakumo embodies duality in combat. His standard mode plays much like Ryu’s — fluid combos, acrobatic strikes, and iconic moves like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow make their glorious return. But with Bloodraven Mode, activated via the left trigger, things get wild. This transformation channels blood magic, letting Yakumo morph his weapon into deadly new forms — from crimson katanas to spinning spears — each with unique combo trees and abilities.

At the heart of it all lies the Bloodbind Ninjutsu system. It rewards aggressive play by amplifying your power the more you press the attack, but one mistake can cost you dearly. Veteran players will love chaining multiple weapon forms mid-combo for devastating results — it’s fluid, technical, and absolutely exhilarating.

Of course, no Ninja Gaiden would be complete without its infamous boss battles. These duels are pure chaos: fast, punishing, and intensely cinematic. Some bosses telegraph attacks with red indicators that can only be countered in Bloodraven Mode, forcing you to think on your feet. These moments remind you exactly why Ninja Gaiden was once the gold standard for action games.

Progression and Side Content

The depth here is impressive. Ninja Gaiden 4 features an expansive upgrade system, offering over two dozen new moves and combos to unlock using the coins you earn from missions. New weapons continuously evolve your playstyle, from brutal scythes to elegant twin blades, ensuring combat stays fresh from start to finish.

Outside the main campaign, there’s plenty to explore. The Purgatory Trials are optional arenas where you wager a portion of your health for high-stakes rewards. Side missions, found at Yumi’s stations, offer extra objectives — from mini-boss hunts to collectible challenges — adding real variety to the pacing.

Once you’ve conquered the main story, Master Ninja Mode unlocks, pushing the difficulty to nearly masochistic levels. It’s a thrilling throwback to old-school Ninja Gaiden brutality, reserved only for the bravest players. You can also replay chapters as Ryu Hayabusa, which is a fantastic bonus even if his gameplay sections are limited.

Difficulty and Accessibility

Make no mistake — Ninja Gaiden 4 is hard. Even on Normal, it demands precision, patience, and adaptability. But thankfully, Team Ninja and Platinum have included options for newcomers. Hero Mode returns, lowering enemy aggression and boosting your survivability. There are even auto-block and auto-parry assists for those who just want to experience the story.

That said, the real magic happens when you play it as intended. Ninja Gaiden has always rewarded mastery through pain, and Ninja Gaiden 4 is no exception. I died plenty of times — but every defeat made each victory that much sweeter.

Performance on Xbox

Performance is outstanding. On Xbox Series X, Ninja Gaiden 4 offers three modes:

• Framerate Priority: 60fps at near-4K (renders around 900–1000p)

• Graphics Priority: 30fps, full 4K output at 1440p internal

• 120fps Mode: Ultra-smooth 120fps at 1080p output (720p render)

  
  

I stuck with Framerate Priority — and it was glorious. Combat feels buttery smooth, and visual clarity remains excellent. Even during massive boss fights, I never saw the frame rate drop. The Series S also delivers a solid experience, holding 60fps at lower resolutions without major compromises.

Final Verdict

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return for one of gaming’s most iconic action franchises. It balances old-school challenge with modern fluidity, offering brutally satisfying combat, deep progression, and enough extra content to keep you hooked for weeks.

While some fans may miss Ryu’s larger presence, Yakumo more than proves himself worthy of carrying the torch. Backed by PlatinumGames’ silky-smooth combat design and Team Ninja’s trademark intensity, this is the Ninja Gaiden revival fans have been waiting over a decade for.

Fast, furious, and absolutely unforgiving — Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t just honor the legacy. It evolves it.