Ninja Gaiden 4 Receives A Swift And Exciting Story Showcase

Not to be confused with the retro trilogy part of the same series, this version of Ryu Hayabusa takes place in the world created by Team Ninja, which started back on the Xbox with the 2004 released title. It has been 13 years since the last numbered title in this series, which was in 2012 with Ninja Gaiden 3.

Ninja Gaiden 4 hopes to be a return to the formula, with Platinum Games of Bayonetta fame working with Koei-Tecmo in hopes of bringing in players both new and old. As their previous entry in the character action genre, Bayonetta 3, released fairly recently on the Nintendo Switch–though it was a bit of a far cry from the previous entries the Umbra Witch has starred in.

With this being the first brand new entry in the 3D titles since the release of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, which was a spinoff of the Ninja Gaiden titles, which released on September 27th, 2014, and was a game that was critically panned by fans at the time.

Who do you play as in Ninja Gaiden 4?

Much like the recently released Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Ryu Hayabusa is not the main focus of the game. As in the case of this title, you take on the role of Yakumo, a new ninja brought into the series from the Raven clan. Though unlike with Ragebound, the black ninja himself still remains a playable character, joining Yakumo on his adventure.

While they seem to be new faces, we can hope to see very familiar gameplay with both of the ninjas. Much like the introduction of Nero in Devil May Cry 4 or Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 2. Unleashing the power and speed that is known of a ninja, with a sword as sharp as ever to carve your enemies with.

What is the story behind Ninja Gaiden 4?

In the story trailer, which was shown off during yesterday’s Gamescom presentation, another look was given to the game, highlighting some of the story beats of the title. The Hayabusa and Raven clans are those who fight to maintain the peace of their world. While the Hayabusa clan typically receives the spotlight, alluding to Ryu being the usual protagonist in these titles, the focus in this story is centered around Yakumo–a member of the Raven clan.

Engaging in exciting, fast-paced battles against beings seemingly bigger than him, Yakumo uses his techniques as a ninja to swiftly move around and look cool while doing it. All in hopes of being able to slay the “dark dragon,” as spoken about during the trailer. With even Hayabusa doubting the abilities of this new ninja, testing his power in order to prove his worth in defeating the evil.

When to expect this title to be released?

Players will be able to engage in ninja combat with this new and long-awaited entry in the Ninja Gaiden franchise on October 21st, 2025. A special costume of Yakumo is being given as a bonus to those who pre-order the title. It will release on the Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as on the PC via the Steam platform. With owners of Xbox’s Game Pass being able to experience the title for free as it releases later this year, though can otherwise be purchased on its own without the subscription.

It appears as though 2025 is looking to be an uplifting year for fans of the adventures that involve our beloved Hayabusa, with both Ragebound as a retro revival and this title proving to provide fans with two ways to enjoy the long-lasting yet difficult series as usual.