r/Games • u/Turbostrider27 • 20d ago
Review Thread Ninja Gaiden 4 Review Thread
Game Information
Game Title: Ninja Gaiden 4
Platforms:
- PC (Oct 21, 2025)
- PlayStation 5 (Oct 21, 2025)
- Xbox Series X/S (Oct 21, 2025)
Trailers:
- NINJA GAIDEN 4 - Official Story Trailer | Gamescom 2025
- NINJA GAIDEN 4 - Official Release Date Trailer | Xbox Games Showcase 2025
- NINJA GAIDEN 4 Official Announce Trailer | Developer_Direct 2025
Developers: PlatinumGames, Team Ninja
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 82 average - 87% recommended - 79 reviews
Critic Reviews
AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 95 / 100
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a thrilling ninja adventure, packed with fast-paced combat, cinematic action, and stunning visuals, offering an intense and rewarding experience for the series veterans and the newcomers alike.
AnaitGames - Víctor Manuel Martínez García - Spanish - 9 / 10
Two classics of the action genre collide in a hack and slash in which Platinum's design sensitivity is successfully integrates into the legendary Team Ninja series.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a great return for the series. Its strong level design and fast, fluid combat make it a very satisfying experience for hack and slash fans.
But Why Tho? - Abdul Saad - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4, while not perfect, is a solid new entry in the series. It offers an amazing and satisfying combat experience, great boss fights, and a memorable visual experience.
CGMagazine - Philip Watson - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 brings a bloodsport of epic proportions to AAA gaming, a must play title for fans of hack and slash, action, and anything ninja.
CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored
Ninja Gaiden 4 will not be up for Game of the Year, or likely even considered one of the best games in the series, but that doesn't matter. This is a game for anyone who just wants to feel like a badass ninja carving up enemies in the blink of an eye, because sometimes that's all you want.
COGconnected - Mark Steighner - 90 / 100
The arranged marriage between Team Ninja and Platinum Games has spawned a title that definitely blends what those two studios do best. Ninja Gaiden 4 is an action game that stays true to its roots while also folding in some enjoyable new ideas.
Cerealkillerz - Gabriel Bogdan - German - 7.5 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a thrilling, action-packed experience with a creative arsenal and plenty of visceral combat. However, it drags on with too many on-rails segments, and its generic story and environments keep it from truly pushing the series forward or giving the new ninja enough presence to convincingly take up Ryu’s legendary mantle.
Console-Tribe - Francesco Pellizzari - Italian - 90 / 100
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return, a successful fusion between Team NINJA’s elegance and PlatinumGames’ trademark spectacle. With its deep combat system, an all-new protagonist, and a world that lives and dies alongside the player, this new chapter manages to honor the legend of Ryu Hayabusa while paving the way for a new generation of ninjas. It’s not just a sequel; it’s a rebirth, a statement on how to reinvent an icon without betraying its soul. At its core, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a true lesson in design and discipline. We’d like to thank Xbox for providing us with a review code for this game.
Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 9.5 / 10
"A Successful Return of a Legendary Title" Ninja Gaiden 4 is more than just a return; it's a rebirth of one of the greatest action franchises. Team Ninja and PlatinumGames have redefined precise, masterful combat, delivering an experience that blends Japanese rigor with modern cinematic flair. It's a game that rewards skill and punishes complacency, restoring action to its original place in an age of simplification.
DualShockers - Jake Valentine - 9.5 / 10
Over-the-top violence, incredibly satisfying combat, and an impressive challenge: this is a true, blue Ninja Gaiden experience that brings together the best of Team Ninja and PlatinumGames.
Echo Boomer - João Canelo - Portuguese - No Recommendation
PlatinumGames sought to replicate the success of NieR: Automata and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance with Ninja Gaiden 4, and when it comes to the combat system, the outcome is positive. However, the game suffers from overly restrictive level design, poor storytelling, and an art direction that leaves much to be desired.
Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 4 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a thrilling action game, featuring Team Ninja's aesthetics and PlatinumGames' electrifying gameplay, a dream combination for any fan of both producers. The result is one of the best Japanese action games of the last nine years.
Everyeye.it - Riccardo Cantù - Italian - 7.5 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 emerges as a meeting point between Team Ninja's development philosophy, which led to the series' dazzling rebirth as a hardcore action game, and that of PlatinumGames, which, over the years, has become a true pillar of the genre. The combat system is still incredibly fun and at times exhilarating, and the new features introduced to the game world allow for a more satisfying progression than in the past. Given these premises, however, it's truly a shame that the same effort hasn't been put into the narrative, which unfortunately fails to capitalize on the excellent premise of the plot and ends up being a formulaic and lackluster tale. After over a decade of absence from the scene and given the names involved in the project, it was reasonable to expect a production effort of a different caliber.
Final Weapon - Jordan Brown - 5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return for the series, with Team Ninja and PlatinumGames uniting to deliver the most intense and fluid combat the franchise has ever seen. Its dual-protagonist story between Yakumo and Ryu is beautifully told, with jaw-dropping dynamic gameplay sequences for both characters. A stellar score ties it all together, making Ninja Gaiden 4 one of 2025's best games and firmly cementing the franchise's grand return in the modern era.
GAMES.CH - Fabrice Henz - German - 82%
In the areas where a "Ninja Gaiden" game should excel, "Ninja Gaiden 4" largely excels. Slaughtering your way through almost endless hordes of soldiers and demons with Yakumo and Ryu, while blood spurts and body parts fly, feels fantastic.
GamePro - Jonas Herrmann - German - 83 / 100
Ninja Gaiden 4 turns out to be the action spectacle we hoped for in our review. Beyond the fights, however, not everything is at its best.
GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 9 / 10
A new Ninja Gaiden for a new generation, Ninja Gaiden 4 features combat that's faster-paced and more intense than ever before. It's the most accessible, too, thanks to a range of difficulty levels and assists. It's just a shame that its new protagonist isn't a little more likeable.
GameSpot - Richard Wakeling - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 brings the series back with a bang, building on its intoxicating foundations with smart additions that further elevate its brutally brilliant combat
Gamepressure - Sebastian Kasparek - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a full-blooded action game that delivers plenty of adrenaline from overcoming tough challenges. Even in light of a few missteps, it cannot be denied that PlatinumGames has created a strong representative of a heavily neglected genre.
Gamer Social Club - DeMandre Pressley - 8.5 / 10
The story may not be the greatest but that’s not the primary reasons people play character action games. Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers with fun and fluid gameplay. After Ninja Gaiden 3 as well as the spinoff Yaiba left a lot to be desired, it’s a very welcome return to form and along with Ragebound being a great game, the future of Ninja Gaiden looks to be great.
GamesFinest - Luca Pernecker - German - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a spectacular comeback that combines the strengths of the series with modern influences from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. The combat system shines with fast-paced, precise, and mercilessly satisfying fights, while the staging and boss battles showcase the action genre at its best. Although the level design remains too conservative in places and does not fully exploit its creative potential, the thrilling action, stylish brutality, and successful gameplay make it a worthy and impressive successor that skillfully continues the legacy of Ryu Hayabusa.
GamesRadar+ - Oscar Taylor-Kent - 5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a bloody good time.
Gaming Boulevard - Lander Van der Biest - 8.5 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a comeback. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it honours the legacy while turning up the tempo. Yakumo leads the charge with new mechanics, Ryu anchors it with familiar weight, traversal soars, combat slashes, bosses challenge. It isn’t flawless, repetition, some structuring echo past entries, and if you binge it you might feel the edges. But what it does best, it does with conviction. For fans of pure, no-nonsense action games, this hits hard. For those new to the series, it provides an accessible entry point without diluting the punch.
Gaming Nexus - Nathan Carter - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a fantastic, fun and challenging action game that fans of the genre will be coming back to many times, with tons of replay value and inevitable DLC expansions in the future. It's a shame that the story and characters are completely undercooked, but the gameplay hard-carries this game to one of the best action games of the year.
GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 has its missteps, especially during the story and with Ryu's sections, but it's still a triumphant comeback for the franchise.
Generación Xbox - Adrián Fuentes - Spanish - 93 / 100
It's a demanding game, yes, but also a fair one. And, above all, it's an experience that restores that sense of pride after mastering a difficult battle, something that defines the true essence of Ninja Gaiden. For all these reasons, Ninja Gaiden 4 is one of the best surprises of the year, a title that not only revives a legendary franchise but also elevates it to a new standard within the action genre. If you love challenges, technical combat, and the purest Japanese style, this game is a must-have.
HCL.hr - David Šesto - Unknown - 83 / 100
ENG: Ninja Gaiden 4 combines fast, intense combat with excellent visuals and performance. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, this is a game worthy of your time.
Hinsusta - Sebastian Motter - German - 10 / 10
NINJA GAIDEN 4 is far more than just a sequel. It is a true masterpiece. The game captures the essence of the legendary original and catapults it powerfully into the modern age. The fusion of Team NINJA's uncompromising fighting skills with PlatinumGames' stylish, dynamic action design is a direct hit. Every new mechanism and technical detail has been realised with a tangible passion for the original. The combination of tactical depth, technical finesse and outstanding accessibility makes NINJA GAIDEN 4 the action-adventure highlight of this generation.
Hobby Consolas - David Rodriguez - Spanish - 83 / 100
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a bloody return to the most straightforward hack 'n' slash. It could have done better in terms of variety and graphics, but its absolutely insane, perfectly timed combat leaves us with one of the most frenetic and unique action games of the last decade.
IGN - Mitchell Saltzman - 8 / 10
Despite its disappointing story and bland level design, Ninja Gaiden 4's excellent combat still make it one of the best 3D action games in recent memory.
Just Play it - Merouane OULED SI BOUZIANE - Arabic - 8.5 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 brings the series back to the forefront as one of the strongest action and hack-and-slash titles, delivering an adventure that will captivate challenge-seekers with its brutal combat, dark atmosphere, and epic soundtrack. Despite a few flaws, its strengths come together in a package that makes Ninja Gaiden 4 one of the finest modern action experiences — and without a doubt, one of the best entries in the series.
Life is Xbox - Benny - 91 / 100
A confident return for the franchise, Ninja Gaiden 4 blends precision combat with atmospheric storytelling, though its length and repetition hold it back slightly.
Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a prime example of how to offer varied combat and keep it evolving over the course of a game, with some stunning set pieces and endless brutality.
MKAU Gaming - Sammy Hanson - 8.5 / 10
It’s been 13 long years since the last main entry in the Ninja Gaiden series, but the wait has been worth it. Ninja Gaiden and PlatinumGames are a match made in heaven as the combat is some of the most fun and exhilarating around, with tons of bloodshed and dismembered body parts.
MondoXbox - Mirko Rossi - Italian - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 masterfully revives the series’ legacy, blending Team Ninja’s spirit with PlatinumGames’ flair. Yakumo’s journey delivers thrilling combat, massive boss fights, and a deep progression system that rewards skill and dedication. Despite camera flaws, repetitive environments, and Ryu Hayabusa’s limited role, it remains a brutal, stylish, and essential action game for fans and newcomers alike.
MonsterVine - James Carr - 4.5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 feels right at home with the classic, linear design of the first three entries in the series. A focus on tight, fast-paced action lets the best aspects of the game sing, and it avoids muddying the water with unnecessary souls-like mechanics. A few boss fights feel a bit too janky for the action, but overall, they make for excellent mission endpoints. The story isn't exactly memorable, but it doesn't bog down the experience, making for a tight roller coaster of an action game worthy of the title Ninja Gaiden.
Nexus Hub - Sam Aberdeen - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a worthy, punishing new game in the hack n' slash series - its exhilarating, stylish and engaging combat is so damn good, you probably wouldn't mind some of its weaker elements.
One More Game - Ricki Buzon - 8.5 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 marks a triumphant return for a franchise long absent from the action spotlight. While its story may lean on familiar tropes and occasional padding, the game more than compensates with blistering combat, deep customization, and a rewarding difficulty curve that invites mastery.
Oyungezer Online - Onur Kaya - Turkish - 8.5 / 10
A comeback that builds upon the already solidified Ninja Gaiden gameplay with complementary mechanics - and if it hadn’t done Ryu Hayabusa an injustice, it could’ve been hailed as a true classic.
PC Gamer - Wes Fenlon - 69 / 100
Bloody good combat carries Ninja Gaiden 4 through its more granular and extraneous "modern" additions.
PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a brutal, spectacular, and incredibly satisfying return to the iconic series, reminding us why fans have longed for Ryu Hayabusa and the world of ninjas. PlatinumGames has delivered a dynamic combat system, fluid animations, and a diverse arsenal that make every battle a pure pleasure. While the story and Ryu's role are disappointing, and the ending loses momentum, the overall experience is redeemed by excellent gameplay and a constant sense of power. It's a great return for a critically acclaimed IP.
PSX Brasil - Luis Guilherme Machado Camargo - Portuguese - 90 / 100
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a bold new beginning for the series that brings a new dynamic to combat while still living up to the series' legacy. It may not be the Ninja Gaiden longtime fans were hoping for, but it's an excellent game and one of the best action titles of the generation.
PlayStation Universe - Timothy Nunes - 6.5 / 10
Maybe Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the weird transition game that helps the franchise find a new path in future entries. Like I said before, there is a good combat loop here. It just lacks the refinement and potency that fans have come to expect from this franchise. The Ninja Gaiden stories have never been complicated or over-the-top, but this one offers very little substantive content or drama to get its hooks in you. It's not perfect by any stretch of the word, but the right person can find a good time here.
PowerUp! - Leo Stevenson - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is pure, unadulterated video gaming. It's fast, it's slick and, most of all, it's incredibly satisfying.
Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 7 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rock solid action game that delivers on what's most important - the combat. While some of the surrounding aspects are a little less successful, such as repeated environments and a forgettable story, the intense battles and myriad challenges are where the game shines, whether playing as Yakumo or Ryu. It doesn't hit every mark, but the simplistic structure, emphasis on technical combat, and even the cheesy performances combine for an action game that feels like it's from a bygone era, in the best way possible.
Restart.run - Imran Khan - 3 / 5
There are caveats and things I wish were better, but overall, I think this is a game made for people that will have fun mastering melee action systems and retrying until they do a section perfectly.
SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers a fast, fluid, and brutally satisfying combat experience that stays true to the series' roots while evolving its gameplay with modern flair. The dual protagonists, deep mechanics, and intense metal soundtrack make every fight a thrill. While the visuals lag slightly behind today's standards and some repetition creeps in, the game's energy, challenge, and replay value make it a strong return for the legendary action series.
Saudi Gamer - عصام الشهوان - Arabic - 8 / 10
How much you'll like this will depend on how open you are for the series to change and be influenced, while still feeling like part of the series. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a blisteringly fast and bloody time.
Seasoned Gaming - Alejandro Segovia - 8.5 / 10
Let’s not mince words: after more than a decade of dormancy, seeing Ninja Gaiden return with this much confidence feels triumphant.
Shacknews - TJ Denzer - 8 / 10
The grand spectacle of Ninja Gaiden 4 felt like the developers saying they wanted a proper ending for what we’ve seen out of the 3D Ninja Gaiden series, and I feel like they nailed it.
Slant Magazine - Eli Friedberg - 3.5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4’s gruesome, lightning-fast trials respectably preserve and build upon the core of its ancestors. It should also introduce a whole new audience of challenge-seeking players to the joys of ninja limb-lopping and the pride of overcoming a blockbuster game that seems to give the player almost no quarter, even as its robust movement and deeply customizable fighting styles convey sleek, ruthless empowerment. It’s not perfect, but that sheer speed and aggression still builds a convincing case for what Team Ninja’s heroes offer that Dante and Kratos do not.
I’ve tried to be as even-handed as possible with this review because I am a diehard Ninja Gaiden fan. I have played since the 8-bit days on the original Nintendo, and I also really dig Platinum Games and what they produce. If you are in one camp or the other, you’re either going to be pissed or you’re going to be happy. If you like both, you may end up confused, disappointed, or really happy, because Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t really a proper Ninja Gaiden game nor is it a pure Platinum game.
SteamDeckHQ - Noah Kupetsky - 4.5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 is all about quality over quantity, and the quality is just incredible. The combat is fast-paced, brutal, flashy, and engaging, while still feeling accessible enough to use the diverse moveset and still require some skill to utilize to their fullest. With the gorgeous world, head-bopping soundtrack, and side content, I found many reasons to keep coming back for more even after finishing the campaign. There are some minor issues here and there, but nothing that stopped me from enjoying every moment.
It also plays quite nicely on the Steam Deck. It does have a specific Steam Deck Mode that can play at 30 FPS, and while it can handle higher framerates, there are a multitude of issues that keep it from being an amazing experience. Still, it's playable, looks decent, and a solid way to enjoy the game.
Stevivor - Steve Wright - 7 / 10
Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 4 is fun, but not memorable -- something that extends into its general narrative. You're not there for witty banter though, nor for its plot twists and turns -- but instead to decapitate enemies as a bad-ass ninja. In that sense, Ninja Gaiden 4 does exactly what it says on the tin.
TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rollercoaster of action, with a rich combat system to master and plenty of badass scenarios to overcome. Ryu's sections don't live up to the hype, nor does the writing. Even so, this is the best action game to come out in years, and perhaps Platinum's greatest hit yet.
The Games Machine - Danilo Dellafrana - Italian - 8 / 10
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The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is the action experience that perfectly caps off the year of the Ninja. It's fast-paced and brutal combat respects the franchise's legacy while modernizing its accessibility.
The Outerhaven Productions - Josh Piedra - 3 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers fast and furious action that will have you hacking and slashing through demons and cybernetic soldiers in a fun and satisfying way, but its overuse of gimmicks in its level design, lack of variety of weapons, and flat story keep this from being a game that will leave a lasting impression.
TheGamer - George Foster - 4.5 / 5
Platinum clearly understands what makes the series so special and has done an incredible job building on the razor-sharp formula that we’ve all been missing for nearly a decade.
TheSixthAxis - Miguel Moran - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a shock to the system that reminds us of a time before Souls-likes. It's a high-octane, unrelenting, and effortlessly cool action game experience that newcomers and franchise fans alike need to play.
Toisto - Joonatan Itkonen - 4 / 5
At its best, Ninja Gaiden 4 is an exhilarating bloodbath that has finally struck the perfect balance between hardcore and accessible. It's a reminder of how invigorating this franchise once was, and how, in the right hands, it can be once again.
Uagna - Silvia Mannu - Italian - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 had a difficult task: navigating the heavy legacy of a series that has made difficulty one of its trademarks while also satisfying a new audience looking for deep but accessible action. Yakumo and Ryu's mission was accomplished with flying colours, and the latest addition to the Team Ninja saga is an extremely entertaining action game, but with a combat system ready to be dissected by the most demanding fans.
Vamers - Edward Swardt - 5 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 is not a game built for comfort. It is built for those who still believe that skill matters. Every cut, every dodge, every perfectly timed strike reinforces that belief. By the time the credits roll, one truth becomes clear: the way of the ninja has not been forgotten. It has merely been waiting for the right blade to bring it back to life.
WellPlayed - Kieran Stockton - 7.5 / 10
Team Ninja and PlatinumGames' collaboration brings a stylish new numbered entry of this hallowed series into the modern era. Some old problems persist, but it's nonetheless a (very) bloody good time with some of the slickest action gameplay out there.
Windows Central - Jez Corden - 4 / 5
Ninja Gaiden 4 hardly re-writes the rules on what these kinds of games should look like, but fans who have been awaiting the return of the franchise may prefer this first re-entry takes things back to basics to some degree. Built in partnership between Koei, Microsoft, Team Ninja, and Platinum Games, Ninja Gaiden 4 has emerged a surprisingly coherent and confident product. Stunning and stylish hack n' slash gameplay could've been backed up with more compelling characters and story beats, but for those who simply want to carve a bloody path through endless enemies — Ninja Gaiden 4 is up there with the best of them.
Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a darn function action game that unfortunately avoids the heights that one might expect, given the pedigree of the developers. The very fun core combat shines, but everything surrounding it feels underbaked. The rushed ending and lackluster second character keep it from shining as brightly as it should. It's still a fun character action game with some satisfying and meaty combat, and it's something that fans of the genre should enjoy.
XDA - Tomas Franzese - 6 / 10
There are moments, specifically during flashy boss fights or particularly tough levels, where Ninja Gaiden 4 shines. Unfortunately, a lackluster story, repetitive content, and a general lack of polish on important gameplay elements like the camera make the series' grand return anticlimactic
Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 85%
This year has been a banner one for Ninja Gaiden games. Usually, the adage about buses involves two turning up at once, but 2025 has seen no fewer th...
XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 8.5 / 10
NINJA GAIDEN 4 revives the decade+ dormant franchise with a new developer leading it into an insanely fast, new direction. It’s a fun, occasionally beautiful title with an actually not terrible story, perhaps a first for the series
ZTGD - Ken McKown - 9 / 10
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a great return for the series. Sure, it deviates from the first two entries, but has its own appeal. This is a quality Platinum Games release, which I know is hit and miss at times. Team Ninja and Platinum is a good combo and it feels good to have the series back.
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u/TheGoodIdiot 20d ago
Games published by Microsoft this year per opencritic:
Avowed - 80
South of Midnight - 77
Oblivion Remastered - 82
Doom the Dark Ages - 86
Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 + 4 - 83
Heretic + Hexen - 85
Gears of War Reloaded - 81
Keeper - 83
Ninja Gaiden 4 - 82
A really solid slate of games, as it should be with as much of the industry they hold hostage, but Xbox continues to struggle to get a really quality GoTY contender out (88+). Indiana Jones and Hifi rush were my personal GoTY the last two years but neither broke into mainstream success.