NINJA GAIDEN 4

Ninja Gaiden 4 marks a bold return to the franchise, blending the classic high-speed, brutal combat of Ninja Gaiden with PlatinumGames' signature polish and flair. Players praise the game for its snappy, responsive, and challenging combat system, which many consider among the best in the genre. The introduction of a new protagonist, Yakumo, brings fresh gameplay mechanics and weapon variety, although longtime fans miss the spotlight on Ryu Hayabusa, who appears mostly in later chapters and has a limited moveset. The game features striking cyberpunk aesthetics, smooth 1080p/60fps performance, and an outstanding soundtrack that complements the intense action. Despite some repetition in level design and occasional UI/quality-of-life issues, the game delivers a satisfying experience filled with gore, complex combos, and engaging boss fights. It honors the legacy of late creator Tomonobu Itagaki and stands as a challenging, thrilling hack-and-slash title for both newcomers and series veterans.

However, the game is not without flaws. Some criticize the limited presence and weapon options for Ryu, recycled levels during his segments, and a story that feels predictable and less fleshed out. The level design is sometimes repetitive, with linear paths and lack of exploration. Certain mechanics like enemy magnetism, checkpoint systems, and rail sections receive mixed feedback. Still, the combat depth and overall polish make it a standout in modern action games.

Highlights

Players widely praise Ninja Gaiden 4's combat system as fast, brutal, and deeply satisfying, combining Ninja Gaiden's core elements with PlatinumGames' flair. The variety of weapons and smooth on-the-fly switching add complexity and excitement. Graphics and performance receive commendations for their sleek cyberpunk style and stable 1080p/60fps gameplay. The soundtrack, featuring vocals by Victor Borba, enhances the intense atmosphere. Boss fights are engaging and challenging, and the game offers modes like Chapter Challenge and Training Mode for replayability. The game captures the nostalgic spirit of the series while innovating with new mechanics and a fresh protagonist, Yakumo, who many players find enjoyable to play.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the limited role and moveset of Ryu Hayabusa, the series' iconic protagonist, who is playable in only a fraction of the game and restricted to one weapon initially. Many players feel his chapters recycle levels and bosses already encountered with Yakumo. The story is considered predictable and underdeveloped, with Yakumo's character described as generic and overly edgy. Level design is often called repetitive and linear, lacking secrets or alternative paths. Gameplay mechanics such as enemy magnetism reduce positioning strategy, and some quality-of-life issues like slow death screens, inconvenient checkpoint systems, and unskippable cutscenes frustrate players. Rail grind sections are generally disliked and considered out of place.