Ninja Gaiden 4 made a big impression at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, with new footage showing off its stunning boss fights and sharing snippets of its story. Fans of the historic ninja action-adventure series should expect fast-paced combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 as they challenge its powerful foes and square off against at least one friendly familiar face.
Originally developed and published by Tecmo before its merger with Koei, the history of Ninja Gaiden games traces its roots all the way back to 1988, when the original game was released as an arcade exclusive. Making the jump to Nintendo in North America the following year, it set the pace for the future as one of the hardest NES games ever released, and its legacy has included more than 20 different releases across more than three decades.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Collaboration Idea Credited to Phil Spencer
Xbox head Phil Spencer is being credited for Ninja Gaiden 4's developer collaboration, which offers great potential for the upcoming hack-and-slash.
Ninja Gaiden Gamescom 2025 Trailer Shows Off Tough Boss Fights
A new trailer revealed at Gamescom shows Ninja Gaiden 4 protagonist Yakumo unleashing lightning-fast chains of blade-based attacks, along with aid from traditional ninja gear like a giant throwing star and some high-tech gadgets like a pair of massive back-mounted mechanical claws. Likewise, players should be prepared to face off against opponents who are packing some heavy armaments and supernatural powers, including a mech-like suit of armor and the ultimate showdown with the Dark Dragon himself.
The storyline of the game, as detailed in the trailer, will move the Hayabusa clan out of the spotlight, letting a member of the Raven clan take a shot at leading the game's cast. While only shown in a cutscene, it appears that Yakumo will cross blades with the original Ninja Gaiden protagonist Ryu Hayabusa at least once, as Ryu challenges him to prove his mettle if Yakumo believes he has what it takes to face off against the Dark Dragon. It's unclear whether this encounter will allow players to actually pit the two ninjas against each other in combat, but it leaves some exciting possibilities for fans of the series.
Fans will have to wait until October 21 to get their hands on the next chapter in the Ninja Gaiden franchise. Still, it should be a treat for members of Microsoft's subscription service, as reports from back in June stated that Ninja Gaiden 4 will be a day-one game on Game Pass. As fans wait for its release to roll around, they can also experience some classic 2D hack-and-slash action in Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, which launched across multiple platforms on July 31.
Ninja Gaiden 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- October 21, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games, Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
WHERE TO PLAY
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow.
The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
- Franchise
- Ninja Gaiden
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- PC Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- October 21, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
