Experience rekindled in action games' glory: Ninja Gaiden 4 resurrects abygone era
Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by the renowned teams of Platinum Games and Team Ninja, is set to launch on October 21 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This latest instalment in the Ninja Gaiden series promises a thrilling adventure, blending the franchise's classic brutal melee combat with new mechanics inspired by modern action games and PlatinumGames' design philosophy.
The game features a high-energy combat system, including quick and heavy attacks, a new Bloodraven Form, and the return of classic moves like the Izuna Drop, Flying Swallow, and ninpo elemental spells. These moves have been refined with stricter execution requirements, encouraging mastery over button mashing.
Yakumo, the new main protagonist, delivers lines with little enthusiasm and lacks a compelling personality, standing out as dull and uninteresting in contrast to the colourful characters in the game.
One of the game's standout features is the Bloodraven Form, which grants enhanced mobility, spectral weaponry, time dilation, and a risk-reward system. Yakumo can transform into the Blood Raven form, but overuse risks corruption and vulnerability. Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a new Gleam form, channeling dragon sword power for cinematic screen-clearing attacks.
The game's combat depth is further enhanced by layers of traditional blocking, dodging, and combos, parry and counter mechanics, rage meters, and powered-up attacks. Dodging at the last moment triggers slow-motion effects, reminiscent of PlatinumGames’ style. Players can also instant-switch between weapons and characters in certain chapters and missions, allowing tag team combos and synergy attacks.
A new rail action mechanic adds dynamic, tension-filled sequences, preserving momentum and creating a continuous flow between combat encounters. This mechanic involves grinding on rails, wall running, rooftop dashes, and midair chain kills. Levels feature arena-based battles designed to encourage strategic resource management and pattern recognition, alongside optional objectives offering rewards to enhance progression.
Boss fights in Ninja Gaiden 4 are designed to emphasize readable patterns, careful timing, and creative strategies rather than button mashing, ensuring high-level tactical engagement. Bosses hit back hard and require a different approach than regular enemies, making each battle a challenge.
Optional missions within levels and a variety of challenges to test skills and compare ranks are also hinted at, adding an extra layer of depth to the game. Shops to purchase new moves and additional weapons are also suggested, offering players the opportunity to customize their playstyle.
Despite the challenging combat, Ninja Gaiden 4 does not seem to penalize heavily for mistakes, allowing players to learn from their errors. The game offers a sense of satisfaction during combat, with actions like mashing out combos, dismembering foes, and getting perfect dodges or parries providing a thrilling experience.
However, the game does have a high skill ceiling, as shown by the breakdown of the score at the end of the level. Mastering blocks, counters, and watching boss animations is crucial for staggering bosses in Bloodraven Form. The game also includes optional techniques and moves that are not explicitly taught, adding an element of discovery to the gameplay.
In conclusion, Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a fresh yet faithful evolution of the series, with a stronger emphasis on combat depth and player mastery influenced by PlatinumGames’ high-action design. The game's fast, fluid, and brutal melee action, combined with new transformative powers and momentum-based traversal, promises an exhilarating gaming experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
The high-energy combat system in Ninja Gaiden 4, emphasizing mastery over button mashing, is complemented by the assortment of modern gadgets and advanced technology incorporated into the game, such as the new Bloodraven Form, Time Dilation, and the rail action mechanic.
Players can customize their playstyle in Ninja Gaiden 4 by visiting shops to purchase new moves and additional weapons, reflecting the seamless integration of traditional gameplay elements with cutting-edge technology and design.
