Ryu Benched, Platinum-Fueled Yakumo Steals the Show in Ninja Gaiden 4

Team Ninja and PlatinumGames have teamed up on Ninja Gaiden 4, a new 3D entry that keeps the series’ core combat while adding a faster protagonist and fresh mechanics. The game focuses on newcomer Yakumo from the Raven clan, leans on Platinum’s design DNA, and launches on October 21 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.

1. Overview
2. Combat
3. Difficulty and training
4. Weapons and gear
5. Ryu and playable options
6. Release and review details

Overview

In Ninja Gaiden 4, Team Ninja hands the lead role to Yakumo, a younger Raven-clan ninja, while series mainstay Ryu Hayabusa appears only in limited sections. The game runs about 15 hours for a standard playthrough and aims to modernize the 3D Ninja Gaiden formula without abandoning what made the series distinct.

Combat

Combat keeps the franchise’s light and heavy attack chains, infinite shuriken, and classic finishing moves such as the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. However, Yakumo adds a new layer with Bloodraven techniques that power up basic moves, break enemy stance, or change weapon behavior. As a result, offense and defense both feel deeper compared with earlier 3D entries.

Players can learn new moves by spending in-game currency, and the game offers many defensive options: block, parry, dodge, perfect block, perfect dodge, Bloodraven block, and grapple-evade. At first, the variety can overwhelm, but leaning into Yakumo’s dodge — which has echoes of Bayonetta’s Witch Time — is a viable strategy for many encounters.

Difficulty and training

Team Ninja and Platinum include multiple on-ramp options. For example, the game provides frequent training areas and tutorials so players can test abilities in low-stakes settings. Consequently, new combat systems are introduced and practiced before they are required in live fights.

Additionally, Ninja Gaiden 4 has an easier setting called “Hero Mode” that auto blocks and auto evades, allowing players to study enemy placement, camera behavior, and combat flow. Players who prefer a steeper test can disable assists and move up to Master Ninja difficulty later.

Weapons and gear

Yakumo starts with twin blades called the Takeminakata and gains several other weapon types during the campaign. These include a rapier that can transform into a drill-lance when powered by Bloodraven energy, a staff that becomes a hammer, and assassin tools like bombs and large throwing stars paired with mechanical arms.

Ryu and playable options

Ryu Hayabusa appears in a few recycled story missions and can be used to replay certain chapters, but the bulk of playtime centers on Yakumo. Therefore, players wanting substantial Ryu playtime will find only limited opportunities in this entry.

Release and review details

Ninja Gaiden 4 releases on October 21 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. The game was reviewed on PS5 using a prerelease download code provided by Microsoft.