Platinum Games Heading up Newly Announced Ninja Gaiden 4

There’s nothing quite like seeing a beloved franchise left to rot by its publisher or developers without a good reason. This bitter reality is what fans of the Ninja Gaiden series from Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have had to face, with no new instalment released in over a decade. The good news? That long drought is finally ending, as Ninja Gaiden 4 has been officially announced!

During the Xbox Developer Direct event, Team Ninja confirmed that Ninja Gaiden 4 is real and coming. That is already exciting, but even more so when you consider that Team Ninja is not doing this alone. The game is being worked on by Platinum Games as well, a studio renowned for its mastery of action games.

Ninja Gaiden 4 will introduce a new protagonist named Yakumo, who must face a familiar threat for those who have followed the franchise over the years. Set in a more futuristic Tokyo, the debut trailer also featured the series’ previous protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, who is to be another playable character.

Yakumo will have two fighting styles he can switch between at any time. The first is Bloodraven, which reflects the classic Ninja Gaiden sword-fighting style. The second is Nue, which focuses on fast, ranged attacks—something Koei Tecmo pointed to as something never before seen in any Ninja Gaiden game.

While it will be presented as a stylish action game with the signature approach we’ve come to expect from Platinum Games, Team Ninja assures that Ninja Gaiden 4 will cater to all kinds of gamers. It’s designed to challenge and test the skills of veteran Ninja Gaiden players while also providing a comfortable space for newcomers to enjoy a thrilling adventure.

Key Features of Ninja Gaiden 4

• 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.

This isn’t the only Ninja Gaiden title fans can look forward to. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is available now, while Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set for a Summer 2025 release.

Xbox Game Studios will serve as the publisher for Ninja Gaiden 4. The game is set to launch in Fall 2025, though a specific date has yet to be announced. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Gamers who subscribe to Game Pass can also play it on day one.