The Ninja Gaiden series, a hallmark of action gaming, has enjoyed a storied legacy, yet its mainline titles have been conspicuously absent for over a decade. Thus, the announcement from Koei Tecmo earlier this year, revealing that a new installment was in development under the skilled hands of Platinum Games, came as a delightful surprise. The collaboration promises a fresh take on the franchise, as evidenced in Ninja Gaiden 4, which is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game showcases Platinum Games’ signature arcade-style action through dynamic weapon switching and fluid combo execution. However, this evolution comes at the expense of some of the technical precision and structured gameplay that fans have come to cherish. Despite these changes, Ninja Gaiden 4, priced at .99, stands as a compelling action title for both new players and returning enthusiasts alike.
New Protagonist, Forgettable Story
In this latest chapter, players step into the shoes of Yakumo, a newcomer, alongside series stalwart Ryu Hayabusa, as they endeavor to thwart the resurrection of the malevolent Dark Dragon. The beast, partially revived through a ritual before the game’s onset, casts a shadow over Tokyo, unleashing miasma upon the city. As both ninjas navigate the devastated landscape, their mission is clear: to permanently vanquish the creature.
However, the narrative of Ninja Gaiden 4 serves primarily as a flimsy backdrop for the visceral combat that unfolds. The plot lacks depth, with character development feeling shallow and plot twists appearing predictable. While the story may not detract significantly from the overall experience, it certainly does not enhance it. Players are encouraged to focus less on the narrative intricacies and more on the exhilarating action of slicing through demons and cyber-soldiers.
Streamlined Gameplay: A New Spin on Classic Ninja Gaiden
It is essential to note that Ninja Gaiden 4 diverges from the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors. The series built its reputation on integrating fighting game elements into its combat system, allowing players to master various combo variations. In contrast, Ninja Gaiden 4 adopts a more streamlined approach. While it retains some core mechanics, the game offers a more accessible combo system that allows players to unleash attacks without the same level of mastery required in earlier titles.
In defense of this new direction, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces several technically challenging elements, such as on-landing attacks and guard breaks, which require players to adapt to the relentless enemy assaults. The leniency of the combo system may appeal to newcomers, but long-time fans might find the absence of intricate combo properties somewhat disappointing. While the new mechanics offer opportunities for creativity, the rich complexity of the original titles is noticeably diminished.
New Mechanics: Bloodraven, Parries, and Berserk
Among the innovations in Ninja Gaiden 4 is the introduction of the Bloodraven Form, a unique weapon stance for Yakumo that draws inspiration from Platinum Games’ earlier title, Anarchy Reigns. This form allows players to switch between eight different weapons, enhancing combat versatility. However, these powerful attacks are limited by a magic meter that players must fill through combat, creating a satisfying balance between building meter and unleashing devastating attacks.
The game also revamps the classic counterattack system, favoring weapon parries reminiscent of those found in Final Fantasy XVI. While a standard block is available, executing flashy counters requires precise timing, demanding players to be aggressive. The new parry system, however, may feel overly complex compared to its predecessor, making it challenging to execute successfully amidst the chaos of battle.
Additionally, players can engage in a new Berserk state, which enhances Bloodraven attacks and encourages aggressive play. This mechanic, reminiscent of previous Ninja Gaiden systems, adds an exciting layer to combat, although it requires careful management to maximize its potential.
Ryu Hayabusa’s Questionable Inclusion
Despite being the franchise’s iconic protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa takes a backseat to Yakumo in this installment. While his presence in the story is acknowledged, his gameplay segments feel lackluster and repetitive, often mirroring Yakumo’s missions without offering substantial new content. Ryu’s mechanics, drawn from Ninja Gaiden 3, lack the depth and variety that fans might expect, leaving him feeling more like a cosmetic addition than a fully realized character.
Excellent Replay Value and Unlockables
One of Ninja Gaiden 4’s standout features is its impressive replay value. Upon completing the game, players unlock various challenge modes, including boss challenges and enemy gauntlets, allowing them to refine their skills. Additionally, players can revisit chapters with either Ryu or Yakumo to discover hidden treasures and improve their scores. The game also introduces new gear available for purchase after completion, enhancing the overall experience.
Ninja Gaiden 4: Minimum and Recommended System Specs
To experience Ninja Gaiden 4, players will need a gaming PC equipped with at least an AMD Ryzen 5 3400G or Intel i5-8400 CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 590 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 100GB of available storage. For optimal performance, the recommended specs include an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel i5-10400 CPU, paired with an AMD Radeon RX 5700XT or Nvidia RTX 2600 Super GPU.
In terms of optimization, Ninja Gaiden 4 performs admirably, allowing for smooth gameplay at 60fps and 1440p on a test PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU. Minor frame dips may occur during intense combat, but overall, the experience remains stable. The game supports both conventional controllers and keyboard and mouse setups, with the latter providing a surprisingly fluid experience. Furthermore, Ninja Gaiden 4 is Steam Deck verified, running satisfactorily on handheld devices.
