Read, Watch or Listen

Twenty-one years after missing the original, the reviewer finds Ninja Gaiden 4 a fast, ferocious entry, starring new masked antihero Yakumo instead of Ryu Hayabusa. Co-developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, it emphasizes relentless close-quarters combat, a Ravenbound power mode, grisly finishers, and acrobatic traversal from wall-running to portal-hopping. Some late-game repetition aside, its focused, old-school level-boss-weapon loop and occasional Ryu sections keep momentum, earning it a spot among the author’s favorite recent action games. Ninja Gaiden 4 launches October 20 at 8PM ET on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.