Fans of Ninja Gaiden have long waited for a true sequel, with the franchise’s last major entry, Ninja Gaiden 3, released in 2012 and widely criticized. However, 2025 has brought a major shift, with the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 and a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2, reviving the fast-paced action series after nearly 15 years. After getting a hands-on preview of the demo, I’m here to share my thoughts on whether this new chapter lives up to the legacy of its predecessors—and whether it successfully addresses the flaws of Ninja Gaiden 3.

A Strong Start, But What About the Plot?

The Ninja Gaiden franchise hasn’t been known for its strong storytelling, with previous installments mainly using plot as a backdrop for the action. The new demo for Ninja Gaiden 4 includes four missions, two of which serve as tutorials to familiarize players with new mechanics and story elements. The protagonist, Yakumo, from the Raven clan, stands out with an emotional depth that previous protagonists lacked. He’s not just throwing around one-liners but is on a mission with real stakes, and the supporting characters also have intriguing motives.

That said, while the plot is a step up, there’s a small gameplay hiccup when characters communicate with Yakumo through his earpiece. His slow movement during these conversations feels jarring in a game that thrives on fast-paced combat. It’s a minor issue, but in a game that’s all about fluid action, it does affect the rhythm.

Combat That Feels Better Than Ever

The most significant improvement in Ninja Gaiden 4 is the faster, more fluid combat. The game builds on the formula of weak and strong attacks to create complex, brutal combos. Fans of the series will be pleased to see familiar moves like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow from the start. But the biggest new feature is the Bloodraven Form, where Yakumo manipulates blood to transform weapons into powerful forms, adding a fresh layer to combat.

In my demo, Yakumo used two weapons: a rapier and a double katana. The rapier, when activated in Bloodraven Form, transforms into a massive drill capable of shredding enemies, while the katanas become a gigantic blade, fast but dealing less damage. Switching between these weapons during combat feels satisfying and adds depth to the gameplay. There’s also a new mechanic that lets you cancel an opponent’s regular attack with your own, keeping the action relentless.

Fighting regular enemies is manageable on normal and hard difficulties, but boss fights are where the challenge really kicks in. The demo featured two bosses—a samurai general and a kitsune (fox-woman)—both of whom had two phases, with the second phase proving much tougher. Boss Rush mode is also available, allowing players to face off against previous bosses again, with customizable difficulty and healing items.

The Return of Ryu Hayabusa

While the demo primarily features Yakumo, I was able to test Ryu Hayabusa in a boss fight. As expected, the iconic ninja is just as skilled as ever, though his combat style is more grounded compared to Yakumo’s faster, more dynamic moves. Ryu can also enter a special combat mode, similar to Yakumo’s, by filling up a ki bar through successful attacks. It’s clear that Ryu’s style hasn’t aged a bit, offering a refreshing contrast to the new character.

A Fresh Direction, but Still Classic Ninja Gaiden

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces some changes, like the ability to lock onto enemies and a camera system that ensures a better view of the battlefield. These adjustments make the game more accessible and easier to control, especially during hectic boss fights. The addition of extra challenges at checkpoints also enhances the exploration aspect of the game, especially in the visually impressive, neo-cyberpunk version of Tokyo.

The game’s fast combat, bloody action, and deep boss fights show that Ninja Gaiden 4 is fully aware of its strengths. It may even surpass what Ninja Gaiden 3 could have been, offering everything fans love with more polish and attention to detail.

I’m looking forward to October, when Ninja Gaiden 4 officially releases. From what I’ve seen, it’s shaping up to be a fast, brutal, and ultimately satisfying return to the series’ roots.

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