Info about NINJA GAIDEN 4:

Official game description:
Deluxe Edition
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Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch 
Experience a return to the intense, high-octane action of NINJA GAIDEN with the Deluxe Edition.  
Experience a return to the intense, high-octane action of NINJA GAIDEN with the Deluxe Edition! The Deluxe Edition includes:
• NINJA GAIDEN 4 base game
• Future Gameplay Content "The Two Masters"
• Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
• Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
• Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
• Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
• 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
• Additional In-Game Items such as Life Elixirs, Incense of Rebirth, Kongou Iron Brew, and more!
About the Game
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The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
**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.

Release date: Oct 20, 2025

Categories: Hack and Slash, Real-time Combat, Character Progression, Gore-focused Combat, Single-player Story, Boss Fights, Resource Management, Character Customization


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Exhilarating & Innovative Combat (weight 0.99): Players consistently praise the game's combat system as fast-paced, fluid, responsive, and deeply satisfying. It introduces innovative mechanics while evolving the series' DNA, offering a unique and exhilarating experience that stands out in the genre.
- Strong Audiovisual Presentation (weight 0.64): The game is praised for its impressive modern graphics, visually appealing style, and excellent soundtrack. The music, especially during boss fights and in menus, enhances the overall immersive and engaging experience.
- Accessible Yet Challenging Difficulty (weight 0.62): The game offers a well-balanced difficulty, with options like Hero mode and free difficulty changes making it accessible for new players while still providing a peak challenge for veterans on harder modes. This ensures a broad appeal.
- Modernized Ninja Gaiden Experience (weight 0.51): The game is celebrated as a true return and modernization of the Ninja Gaiden series, blending classic elements with new ideas. It's seen as the sequel Ninja Gaiden 2 deserved, offering a fresh yet familiar feel that appeals to both veterans and newcomers.
- Improved Boss Battles (weight 0.43): The boss fights are a significant improvement over previous titles, offering challenging and satisfying encounters. Players appreciate the refined mechanics, engaging direction, and the immense satisfaction derived from defeating difficult bosses.
- PlatinumGames' Positive Influence (weight 0.38): The collaboration with PlatinumGames is highly lauded, with players noting their signature combat style, UI, and overall polish. This partnership is seen as a key factor in the game's high quality and innovative feel.
- High Gore & Visceral Action (weight 0.35): The game's brutal violence, dismemberment, and copious amounts of blood and gore are a major draw for players. These elements contribute to a stress-relieving and intensely satisfying combat experience.
- Excellent Performance & Optimization (weight 0.34): Reviewers frequently highlight the game's exceptional optimization and smooth performance across various settings. This contributes significantly to the overall enjoyable experience, especially compared to many other modern releases.
- New Protagonist Yakumo's Appeal (weight 0.19): The new main character, Yakumo, is well-received for his cool design, engaging gameplay, and abundant moves. Players appreciate the fresh perspective he brings to the series, seeing him as a worthy addition to the franchise.
- Ryu Hayabusa's Legacy & Mobility (weight 0.05): Ryu Hayabusa's presence and high mobility are appreciated, with players noting his flexibility and effectiveness in combat. The game is seen as a great continuation of his legacy within the series.
- Expanded World & Mechanics (weight 0.05): The game introduces new elements like health potions, various other potions, and hidden areas, along with the return of features like the 'Purgatory' (Underworld Path). These additions contribute to a richer and more expansive experience.

Common complaints:
- Poor PC Performance & Optimization (weight 0.39): The PC version suffers from severe optimization issues, including inconsistent frame rates, frequent crashes, stuttering, and a lack of essential graphics settings. Players report unplayable performance even on high-end hardware, making the experience frustrating.
- Lacks True Ninja Gaiden Identity (weight 0.28): Many players feel the game deviates significantly from the core identity and gameplay of the Ninja Gaiden series, comparing it unfavorably to previous titles and other action games. This includes changes to combat, difficulty, and overall feel, leading to a sense of disappointment among long-time fans.
- Unresponsive Controls & Camera Issues (weight 0.26): Players report sticky, unresponsive controls and significant camera problems, including the camera getting stuck on walls and poor lock-on functionality. These issues severely hinder gameplay and contribute to a clunky, uncomfortable experience.
- Tedious Combat & High Difficulty (weight 0.22): Combat is described as repetitive, boring, and overly difficult, with long, tedious boss battles and an abundance of small, high-damage enemies. The game's difficulty feels unbalanced, requiring excessive potion use and leading to a grindy experience.
- Dated Graphics & UI (weight 0.1): The game's graphics are considered dated, with blurry visuals, low-quality textures, and inconsistent cutscenes. The UI is also criticized for being cluttered and aesthetically unappealing, contributing to a generally unpolished visual experience.
- High Price for Perceived Quality (weight 0.09): Players feel the game is overpriced for its perceived quality, especially given the technical issues and deviations from the series' standards. The deluxe edition's pricing for outfits is also considered excessive.
- Frustrating Skill Progression System (weight 0.06): The skill progression system is criticized for being complicated, meaningless, and frustrating. Basic abilities are locked behind purchases, and learned skills are lost upon death, creating an awkward and unnecessary grind.
- Excessive Parkour & Scripted Moments (weight 0.06): The game features an excessive amount of parkour and takes away player control during crucial moments in favor of scripted sequences. This design choice, along with generic level art, detracts from the overall gameplay experience.
- Simplified Combat Mechanics (weight 0.06): The combat system has been simplified, with the removal of classic forward-input combos and a reduction in overall move variety. This change is seen as a downgrade from previous Ninja Gaiden titles, impacting the depth and precision of combat.
- PlatinumGames' Perceived Shortcomings (weight 0.04): Some players express disappointment with PlatinumGames, suggesting they are reusing old ideas, struggling with technical aspects like lighting and camera, and failing to grasp the essence of the Ninja Gaiden IP. This feedback is based on limited player sentiment.

Gameplay feedback:
- Dual Protagonist Gameplay (weight 0.2): The game features two playable characters, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa, each with distinct combat styles and enhanced forms. Yakumo is the new main protagonist with four unique blood weapons, while Ryu, the returning character, has a more direct, single-weapon approach, with his moves largely based on Ninja Gaiden 3RE.
- Enhanced Forms & Weapon Upgrades (weight 0.13): Both protagonists have enhanced forms (Nueyami and Flash Blossom) that alter weapon moves and enable 'Break Attacks'. Weapons can be upgraded with experience points, and Yakumo's blood weapons offer distinct styles and ultimate techniques.
- Influence from Other Action Games (weight 0.13): The game incorporates elements from other titles, with some players noting similarities to 'Ghostrunner' due to its hyper-speed action and parkour sections. Boss battles are also compared to 'Nioh' in their design.
- High Difficulty & Learning Curve (weight 0.12): Consistent with the Ninja Gaiden series, the game is challenging, often leading to player deaths even on normal difficulty. Players need to respect enemy attacks and master the combat system rather than relying on simple hack-and-slash tactics.
- New Resource Management System (weight 0.12): The game introduces two new resources: the Bloodwedge gauge, consumed by Bloodblade combos and Ninpo, which recovers over time or by attacking; and the Rampage gauge, which builds up from taking damage or attacking and slowly depletes when inactive. These add a new layer of strategic depth to combat.
- Refined Combat Mechanics (weight 0.11): Combat is fast, responsive, and emphasizes precise guard, dodge, and clash mechanics. Successfully executing these actions allows for powerful counter-attacks. The game also introduces 'Break Attack' to interrupt strong enemy attacks, especially when using enhanced forms.
- Customization & Accessories (weight 0.08): The game offers various customization options, including the return of accessory slots. Players can unlock and equip multiple accessories, each providing passive advantages in battle.
- Side Quests & Exploration (weight 0.04): While the main story is linear, secondary missions encourage players to revisit previous areas. These side quests often involve hidden objectives, unique enemies, rare items, and special challenges like 'Purgatories'.
- Enemy Design & Spawning (weight 0.04): Enemies are relentless, constantly tracking the player and offering little chance to attack. The spawning mechanism is similar to Razor's Edge, often featuring multiple waves of enemies in a single encounter, including new 'Gundam-like' foes.
- Improved Camera System (weight 0.03): The game features an improved camera with a lock-on feature. Camera settings allow for auto-locking to new enemies after a kill or to the currently attacked enemy, and it auto-rotates during combat.

Performance notes:
- Generally good performance and optimization (weight 0.24): Many players report excellent performance, with stable high frame rates (120+ FPS) at various resolutions and settings, even on high-end systems. The game is noted for running smoothly without stutters or significant drops for a large portion of the player base.
- Specific optimization tips (weight 0.16): Players have found that adjusting certain settings, such as 'Object Quality' to medium or turning off FSR and enabling frame generation, can significantly improve performance. This suggests some settings might be particularly demanding.
- Good Steam Deck performance (weight 0.12): The game reportedly runs well on the Steam Deck, with the fan remaining inaudible, indicating good optimization for portable play.
- Missing or locked graphics options (weight 0.03): Players noted that DLSS is locked on Quality Mode, there are no Ray Tracing (RT) options, and no frame interpolation feature. The game does have dynamic scaling and various anti-aliasing options.
- FSR quality concerns (weight 0.02): While FSR offers various modes, players note a considerable degradation in image quality when using it. Some suggest trying FSR4 as a replacement if the image appears blurry.
- Limited CPU utilization (weight 0.01): One player observed very low CPU utilization (10-30%) on an i5 14400f, which could indicate a potential bottleneck or inefficient use of CPU resources.

Recommendations:
- Mixed Reception, Strong Core Gameplay (weight 0.29): Player sentiment is divided, with many recommending the game for its exhilarating action and complex stylish combat, especially for fans of the genre or Ninja Gaiden. However, a significant portion advises caution due to various issues, suggesting it might be better suited for Game Pass or a sale. Despite the mixed feelings, the core gameplay is often praised as a highlight.
- Ninja Gaiden Legacy & Expectations (weight 0.18): The game is frequently compared to the Ninja Gaiden series, with some fans loving it as a spiritual successor and others feeling it doesn't live up to the legacy. It's recommended for those who enjoy Ninja Gaiden or similar fast-paced action games, but some long-time fans have reservations.
- Performance Issues Need Fixes (weight 0.13): A major concern among players is the game's performance, particularly on PC. Many reviewers state they will only recommend the game or change their negative reviews once optimization issues are resolved. This indicates a critical barrier to enjoyment and broader recommendation.
- Wait for Sale or Discount (weight 0.08): Many players, especially non-hardcore fans, advise waiting for a sale or discount before purchasing the game. This sentiment is often linked to performance issues or perceived value at full price, leading some to refund their purchase.
- Difficulty Adaptation Required (weight 0.04): The game presents a significant challenge, especially on higher difficulties. Players are advised against starting on hard mode immediately, and newcomers may need time to adapt to the complex mechanics and controls.
- Desire for Future Content (weight 0.03): Players express enthusiasm for future content, including DLC and potential sequels. There's also a specific request for female ninja DLC or playable female protagonists, indicating a desire for expanded character options.
- Audio Preferences Noted (weight 0.02): One player suggests playing the game in Japanese and mentions being okay with turning off subtitles and voices, indicating potential issues or preferences regarding the game's audio presentation.
- Improve Keyboard/Mouse Controls (weight 0.01): There is a specific request for developers to optimize keyboard and mouse controls, suggesting they are currently suboptimal and impacting the player experience.
- Consider Deluxe Edition Value (weight 0.01): Players are advised to only purchase the Deluxe Edition if they genuinely value the cosmetic items or are certain they will want the included DLC, implying that the base game might suffice for most.
- Personal Playstyle Tips (weight 0.01): One player shared specific accessory choices for damage reduction and health recovery, offering a personal tip for gameplay strategy. This is based on limited feedback.
- Negative Review as Personal Stance (weight 0.01): One reviewer explicitly states their negative review is a personal stance, which may indicate a subjective rather than objective critique, based on limited feedback.
- Preference for Older Titles (weight 0.01): One player expressed a preference to replay older titles or other games, suggesting this game did not fully capture their interest, based on limited feedback.

Other player notes:
- Divergent Series Identity (weight 0.21): Many long-time fans feel the game deviates significantly from the core Ninja Gaiden experience, particularly due to the absence of Ryu Hayabusa as the primary protagonist and changes in combat mechanics. Newcomers, however, might find it an 'okay' action game.
- Minor Details & Preferences (weight 0.14): Miscellaneous feedback includes comments on the Priestess' English voice actor, the beauty of the HUD and menus, and the game's availability on Game Pass and Turkish language support. Some players express a desire for future installments or other game re-releases.
- Combat System Evolution (weight 0.12): The combat system introduces new mechanics like 'Bloodblade combos' for dismemberment and 'Clash' as a high-risk, high-reward move, differing from previous titles. Players note changes in enemy guarding and the reduced reliance on invincibility frames.
- Tribute to Itagaki (weight 0.11): Several players perceive the game as a tribute to Tomonobu Itagaki, the former director who revitalized the series. His influence and passing are frequently mentioned, with some attributing perceived declines to his absence.
- Technical Performance & Optimization (weight 0.09): Players report optimization issues, including frame drops, and hope for future patches. Specific recommendations are provided for Steam Deck users to improve graphics and performance.
- Pre-order & Pricing Concerns (weight 0.06): Some players experienced issues with pre-order bonuses, while others questioned the game's pricing relative to its content, suggesting a lower price point would be more appropriate. Reports of refunds are dismissed as potential troublemaking.
- New Game+ and Visuals (weight 0.03): The inclusion of a New Game+ feature, allowing item and ability carry-over, is a welcome addition. Players also appreciate the improved visuals and background music.
- Boss Battle Design (weight 0.03): Feedback on boss battles is mixed, with some finding previous entries' bosses 'boring and disgusting,' while others note the necessity of locking on for boss encounters in this game. The large arena sizes are appreciated for maneuverability.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.28): Players are highly satisfied with the game's overall quality, particularly its innovative and brutal combat system, which feels fast-paced, impactful, and well-designed. The game's excellent performance and optimization on various hardware, along with its successful adherence to and modernization of the Ninja Gaiden series' style, also contribute significantly to player contentment. Many feel the long wait for the game was justified, as it meets or exceeds expectations for a hardcore action title.
- Excitement (weight 0.19): Excitement stems from the game's exhilarating, high-quality action gameplay, which is seen as a triumphant return for the Ninja Gaiden series. Players are thrilled by the fast-paced, fluid combat, stylish moves, and challenging yet satisfying difficulty. The game's intensity, improved boss battles, and potential for future content further fuel this excitement, with many considering it a masterpiece or a strong contender for 'Game Of The Year'.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment primarily arises from the game's technical issues, such as poor PC performance, optimization problems, and unreliable lock-on systems. Players also express dissatisfaction with the game's perceived failure to fully embody the Ninja Gaiden spirit, particularly regarding Ryu Hayabusa's limited role as protagonist and certain design choices like map design or enemy variety. Some feel the game does not live up to expectations set by previous titles or other action games.
- Frustration (weight 0.14): Frustration is largely driven by severe technical issues, including crashes, freezes, unplayable frame drops, and poor optimization, especially on PC. Players also experience frustration with challenging game mechanics such as overly complex controls, strict parry/dodge timing, and a problematic camera system. The high difficulty, particularly one-shot kills and overwhelming enemy numbers, also contributes to player exasperation.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players experience joy from the game's overall fun and uncompromising nature, finding it an exhilarating and satisfying action experience. The modernized Ninja Gaiden gameplay, combined with a glorious PC port performance, contributes to a sense of delight. Many feel it's a definitive action game and worth the long wait.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's combat feeling similar to older Ninja Gaiden titles and the experience of playing as Ryu Hayabusa. Long-time fans recall past gaming experiences with the series, particularly Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2, appreciating elements that harken back to those beloved games.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope is expressed for future improvements, particularly fixes for performance issues and frame drops, as well as potential updates and DLC. Players also hope for a sequel, desiring the game to sell well to ensure the continuation of the Ninja Gaiden saga and for their initial opinions to improve with more playtime.
- Challenge (weight 0.02): The emotion of challenge is directly caused by the game's high difficulty, featuring hyper-speed and relentless enemies. Players find the game's extreme difficulty, especially on hard mode, to be a significant and defining aspect of the gameplay experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger stems from perceived laziness in game design, the belief that the Ninja Gaiden IP has been ruined, and perceived incompetence from developers regarding action game design. Players are also angered by the game's unplayable performance and outdated graphics, such as horrendous textures and low-poly characters, which they find unacceptable for a 2025 release.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.01): Players find enjoyment in the game's fun gameplay, both as newcomers and long-time fans. The overall experience, even with its difficulty, is described as highly entertaining, with many stating they are having the most fun with this installment of Ninja Gaiden.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is directed towards the game's exceptional quality, with players considering it a 'Game Of The Year' contender or the 'best action game since DMC5'. PlatinumGames' work in developing the game and the new character's 'badass' persona also inspire strong positive regard.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's top-notch combat gameplay, the variety of skills, and the balance of nostalgic elements with new innovations. The collaboration between developers and the overall game design, particularly elements reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden 2, are also highly valued.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed towards the developers for creating the game and for their apparent understanding of the series' essence. Players are thankful for a new installment in a favorite franchise and for the community's help, with some also extending thanks to Itagaki-san.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from humorous comparisons to other games, such as Silksong, and lighthearted takes on challenging gameplay moments like being ganged up on. Character quirks and the in-game healing/buff mechanic also provide moments of entertainment.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion is caused by non-functional item wheels, unclear purposes of acquired skills, and the absence of specific weapons. Players also express confusion when the game doesn't feel like a typical Ninja Gaiden or Platinum title, or regarding locked graphics options and problematic button bindings.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt when initial doubts about the new protagonist, Yakumo, are unfounded, and when the game is confirmed not to be a Soulslike. Players are also relieved that past issues like chaotic fast action, Dreamcast-era camera controls, and expensive unlocks/consumables are no longer present, and that the game avoids using Unreal Engine 5.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance stems from long loading times, game crashes, and the protagonist Yakumo's 'emo' attitude. Other sources of irritation include a high controller deadzone, shiny visual effects, and cutscenes being locked at 30 frames per second.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is driven by the long wait for the game's release and a strong yearning to play it. Players also look forward to potential multiplayer features and desire future games or re-releases within the franchise.
- Acceptance (weight 0): Acceptance is shown towards the game's differences from previous titles, with players being content with the overall quality and what is available. This indicates a willingness to embrace the game for what it is, rather than solely comparing it to past installments.
- Surprise (weight 0): Surprise is experienced due to the game's unexpectedly good optimization, especially from a specific developer, and its impressive speed. Players are also surprised by the quality and depth of the customization options available.}