The Xbox Developer Direct had been teasing a mystery game that would be showcased during it since the event was announced earlier this month. Several rumors had suggested it would be part of a longstanding Japanese title. We now know this to be true as this mystery title was revealed to be a new entry in Team Ninja‘s classic Ninja Gaiden series, entitled simply Ninjas Gaiden 4.
This will be the first new entry in the series in over a decade, with Ninja Gaiden 3 having released in 2012 to mixed reviews, shortly following the departure of former studio head Tomonobu Itagaki who is best known for the revival of the Ninja Gaiden brand, as well as fighting series Dead or Alive withe both featuring lead character Ryu Hayabusa. Team Ninja in the following years went on to be known for souls-like games such as Nioh, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and last year’s Rise of The Ronin which I gave a 9 out of 10 in my review.
Team Ninja will not be developing the title alone as the trailer clarifies that Metal Gear Rising: Revengance studio Platinum Games will also be working on the game. Producer and Direct Yuji Nakao from Platinum Games Stated during the deep dive showcasing gameplay:
We are staying true to the challenge and deep action that defines the Ninja Gaiden series while incorporating the speed and dynamic expression of PlatinumGames
Unlike past titles in the Ninja Gaiden series, players will not take the role of Ryu Hayabusa for the entirety; instead, they will play as a young ninja by the name of Yakumo. Hayabusa will still be in the game and will be playable at some points, but serves a “pivotal role” as Yakumo’s rival. It appears though that both. The trailer showcases an extremely fast-paced hack-and-slash system, cutting up demons in a twisted and rain-slicked vision of Tokyo.
If this wasn’t good enough, Team Ninja also announced Ninja Gaiden II Black, a remake of arguably the best game in the series using the unreal engine and boasting more fluid combat. This title is available today to purchase today, or download with Game Pass. This serves as an added treat to ease the wait for the next full entry in the series.
Ninja Gaiden 4 did not get a full release date, but it is slated to release in the Fall of 2025. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC, and Game Pass.
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