As promised, Xbox Game Studios revived the 3D Ninja Gaiden series this morning with the release of the fourth mainline entry. Development was handled by PlatinumGames under creative oversight from Team Ninja.
The new game thrusts players into a futuristic Tokyo shrouded in the Dark Dragon's corruption. Series staple Ryu Hayabusa teams up with Yakumo, a new master ninja from the rival Crow Clan. The heroes' mission: purge the evil tainting the entire city. Gameplay delivers a high-octane third-person slasher in true PlatinumGames fashion. Just hours before launch, the embargo on final reviews lifted.
Critics have praised the title, awarding it an average of 83 on Metacritic (Xbox version) and 81 on OpenCritic with an 87% recommendation. Standouts include the refined combat system and improved accessibility over the previous three entries. Drawbacks?
Linear missions and a lackluster story didn't win everyone over. Overall, reviewers agree Ninja Gaiden 4 is a must for fans craving top-tier slashers from PlatinumGames. Here's what the final reviews say:
GamesRadar+ — 100/100
Ninja Gaiden 4 is the stunning return to form for the series that I didn't even know I needed. It picks up the baton from the second game, runs with it, and stabs the nearest lumbering demon in the face. It's a triumph of the genre that gives us fluid, engrossing combat that rewards patience and skill, plus a Bloodbind system that adds a roguelike element allowing you to push beyond your limits.
Almost every second spent with Ninja Gaiden 4 is pure joy. It's one of the best genre entries I've ever played. Controls are tight, thoughtful, and versatile. It may take time to master the basics, but once the combat clicks, the game truly shines. — Oscar Taylor-Kent
DualShockers — 95/100
I wasn't sure what to expect from Ninja Gaiden 4 at first, as it seemed like it couldn't live up to my hype. But the more I play, the more I love it. The combat is the perfect evolution of the series. Devs kept what I loved from Ninja Gaiden 3 and made it more approachable with modern game design conveniences. Camera and aiming can be finicky at times, but they fade away once I'm immersed, slicing through foes with my favorite weapons. It's the gold standard for dynamic, spectacle-filled 3D action. I just hope we don't wait another decade for the next one. — Jake Valentine
Noisy Pixel — 85/100
After finishing Ninja Gaiden 4, I kept thinking about how rare it is for sequels to honor their roots while trying something new. The story feels rushed, and some fights underdeveloped, but in terms of action, this has everything I loved about the Ninja Gaiden series. Yakumo may not yet rival Ryu Hayabusa's icon status, but he's earned his spotlight, and I'm eager for more of his tale. The game hones skills you didn't know you had, and post-credits, you'll crave perfect runs to refine your style. It's classic action reimagined for today, reminding me how much I missed the simple thrill of A-to-B traversal where only mastery and style matter. It's punk rock—tough and endlessly satisfying, just like Ninja Gaiden should be. — Azario Lopez
Metro GameCentral — 80/100
Honestly, I feared PlatinumGames had lost their edge, but this game is remarkably close to their best. It proves the studio still has talent in spades. Ninja Gaiden never sold massively, so I'm unsure what Microsoft expects, but Ninja Gaiden 4 is one of Xbox Game Studios' strongest releases and a personal favorite of the year.
In short: It's not just a Ninja Gaiden revival but an unqualified Platinum win. It lacks innovation, but masterful mechanics make up for it.
Pros: Stellar combat—fluid, thoughtful, and accessible at base level, especially with difficulty options. Solid graphics and gripping boss battles.
Cons: Gameplay lacks originality and flair; tutorial load times are a real drag. — Geoffrey Bunting
Hardcore Gamer — 70/100
Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers both delight and frustration. On one hand, fights can be thrilling with deep move sets and combos. On the other, the story, pacing, linear missions, and some enemy designs fall flat. Ryu Hayabusa feels like a side character, and we get no real bond with newcomer Yakumo. Still, the battles make it worthwhile, echoing Metal Gear Rising's flair—they're dynamic, smooth, and absurdly gory. Ultimately, it's a solid 10-hour romp, hampered by iffy design choices. — Adam Beck
Ninja Gaiden 4 is available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, including Game Pass from day one. Early Steam user reviews are "Very Positive" at 89%.
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