The long-awaited return of the Ninja Gaiden franchise has fans buzzing with excitement, as a new hour-long gameplay video for Ninja Gaiden 4 dropped recently, showcasing the intense, high-octane action that the series is known for. Co-developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, this latest installment promises to blend the best of both studios’ expertise, delivering a visually spectacular and mechanically precise experience. Set for release on October 21, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Ninja Gaiden 4 is shaping up to be a landmark entry in the legendary hack-and-slash series. Uploaded by YouTuber GamersPrey, the hour-long gameplay footage offers an uninterrupted look at Ninja Gaiden 4, free of commentary, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the action. The video highlights the game’s fast-paced combat, featuring a new protagonist, Yakumo, alongside the iconic Ryu Hayabusa. Set in a rain-soaked, cyberpunk-inspired Tokyo under the influence of the malevolent Dark Dragon, the game’s aesthetic is a striking blend of futuristic chaos and Ninja Gaiden’s signature dark atmosphere.
The gameplay showcases a refined combat system that fuses Team Ninja’s precision-driven mechanics with PlatinumGames’ flair for stylish, dynamic action. Players can expect to wield Yakumo’s Bloodbind Ninjutsu, which transforms weapons for devastating attacks, alongside classic techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. A new “perfect guard” mechanic, reminiscent of PlatinumGames’ Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, allows players to counter enemies with precision, earning blood essence to unleash ultimate techniques. This seamless integration of offense and defense feels both fresh and faithful to the Ninja Gaiden legacy.
Yakumo’s Bloodraven Form, a standout feature, enhances attacks and alters weapon properties, though developers noted it required significant balancing to ensure it complemented the combat rather than overshadowing it. The footage also highlights the game’s vertical level design, with Yakumo utilizing rail traversal and wall-to-wall jumps to navigate chaotic environments, adding a layer of fluidity to exploration.
The partnership between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, two titans of the action game genre, has been a focal point of excitement for Ninja Gaiden 4. In an interview with the Iron Lords Podcast, Team Ninja’s Game Director Masakazu Hirayama elaborated on the collaboration, calling it a “dream” pairing. He emphasized that Ninja Gaiden is a vital IP for Team Ninja, and the decision to work with PlatinumGames was driven by their shared passion for high-speed, stylish action games like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata.