Early Impressions of Ninja Gaiden 4 Emerge from Closed Demo
Anticipation for the upcoming release of Ninja Gaiden 4 is building, as select journalists recently had the opportunity to dive into a closed demo version of the game. This exclusive preview, which featured four chapters, offered a glimpse into the next evolution of the iconic action series. Based on their hands-on experience, reporters have shared their initial thoughts and detailed what players can expect.
Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a significant narrative shift by featuring two playable protagonists. Alongside the series' stalwart hero, Ryu Hayabusa, players will also control Yakumo, a brand-new ninja master hailing from the rival Raven Clan. Yakumo takes center stage in the new storyline, battling the corruption of the Dark Dragon across a futuristic Tokyo landscape.
A Fusion of Action Titans: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames
Previews consistently note that Ninja Gaiden 4 remains true to the essence of its 3D predecessors while simultaneously evolving the formula with elements reminiscent of PlatinumGames' renowned character action titles. Both Ryu and Yakumo offer distinct combat styles and abilities, yet share a similar control scheme. Yakumo, in particular, is described as more emotional and agile.
The collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames was crucial for the game's development. Masakazu Hirayama, Director and Producer at Team Ninja, emphasized this partnership: "This game wouldn't have been possible without PlatinumGames' collaboration. Our main goal was to combine the best ideas from both studios while preserving the core of Ninja Gaiden. If we had decided to create Ninja Gaiden 4 independently, we wouldn't have achieved what we have. It was truly fruitful cooperation. Of course, due to our different approaches to game design, there were times when we debated the project's direction. The key question was always: 'How can we leverage PlatinumGames' strengths in Ninja Gaiden while maintaining the series' foundation?'"
This PlatinumGames influence is most apparent in the game's frenetic action sequences, where gameplay seamlessly transitions into dynamic cutscenes.
Refined Combat and Strategic New Forms
Ninja Gaiden 4 is being praised for its meticulous refinements and overall enhancements to the classic formula, extending even to the design of its boss battles. Journalists faced two bosses in the demo, both leaving a positive impression not only for their mechanics but also for their impressive presentation. The only minor critique noted was one boss's area-of-effect attack that blended too closely with the floor color, making it difficult to avoid.
Mitchell Saltzman from IGN described the combat system as an improved version of Ninja Gaiden 2's. Players can utilize light and heavy attacks, shurikens, and Ryu's signature move that allows for rapid enemy closing and quick decapitations. A significant new addition is the enhanced forms for both Yakumo and Ryu, activated by holding the left trigger.
"You’ll need to use these forms primarily to break through enemy defenses when they start blocking your standard attacks. They’re also useful for defending against one of the many especially powerful red-glowing attacks that some large enemies and bosses like to use," Saltzman explained. Yakumo's Blood Crow Form enables him to wield a massive blood sword, delivering wide-area attacks, while Ryu's Shimmering Form allows for unhindered rapid sword strikes, usually reserved for his fully charged ultimate techniques.
Linear Progression with Side Distractions
The demo revealed a linear level design. The IGN reviewer noted the absence of the series' traditional collectibles like golden scarabs or crystal skulls. However, the main story progression is supplemented by various side activities, including dedicated combat challenge rooms and terminals offering additional quests. These quests range from the classic "defeat a certain number of enemies in the area" to more creative objectives like "find demons disguised as pumpkins."
While the demo provided a wealth of abilities, journalists did not get to experience the progression system firsthand, as Ryu and Yakumo began with many pre-unlocked skills and tools. Similarly, the in-game currency for purchasing items and abilities was present but not usable in the demo.
A Few Reservations and Character Design Critique
Not all early impressions were entirely positive. Wes Fenlon from PC Gamer pointed out a common modern gaming trope: the pervasive use of yellow paint to highlight interactive platforms and walls, which he found particularly jarring in the game's linear environments. Furthermore, he expressed reservations about Yakumo's controls, finding the new hero too erratic and fast-moving. In contrast, Ryu reportedly feels consistent with his previous iterations.
Fenlon elaborated on his concerns regarding Yakumo: "I recently spent a lot of time playing the upcoming Chinese action game Phantom Blade Zero, and the difference in physics is just astonishing. In Phantom Blade Zero, you’ll feel like a true martial artist, and your character will feel like a human, even when you’re leaping through the air. Meanwhile, Ninja Gaiden 4’s new hero feels more like a small doll moving at light speed. In previous Ninja Gaiden games, Ryu certainly couldn't boast the same precision of movement as Phantom Blade Zero’s protagonist, but he definitely felt weightier. In my opinion, this is just one of the small differences that makes NG4 feel more like a PlatinumGames slasher than the older entries in the series. And finally, Yakumo looks like he's from a third-rate shonen anime that will be forgotten after a season. I'm sorry, but his design isn't cool."
Looking Ahead
Despite some mixed feedback, Ninja Gaiden 4 promises to deliver an intense action experience with a fresh narrative perspective. The game is set to release on October 21 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, featuring Russian text localization. For those eager to try it themselves, a demo will be available at the Xbox booth during gamescom 2025 in Cologne, running from August 20 to 24.
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