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Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action
Team Ninja's 30th anniversary celebration, dubbed "The Year of the Ninja," culminated in a surprise reveal at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025: Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja and producer of Ninja Gaiden 4, expressed excitement for the series' evolution, promising an experience that will thrill both longtime fans and newcomers.
Developed by the powerhouse duo of Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the series' highly anticipated return after a 13-year hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3. The game is a direct sequel, retaining the series' signature blend of brutally challenging yet deeply rewarding gameplay. The Xbox reveal is fitting, given Microsoft's long-standing partnership with Team Ninja, including exclusive releases of Dead or Alive titles and the Microsoft Game Studios-published Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360.
Meet Yakumo: The New Face of the Ninja Gaiden Franchise
Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving to become a Master Ninja. PlatinumGames' Art Director, Tomoko Nishii, describes Yakumo's design as aiming to create "someone who can stand alongside Ryu, the pinnacle of what it means to be a ninja."
Yuji Nakao, Ninja Gaiden 4's Producer and Director from PlatinumGames, explains the rationale behind the new protagonist: "Since it’s been a while since the last game, we wanted a new hero to make the series more approachable for new players. Of course, we also wanted long-time fans to enjoy the game, so Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role in the story, serving as a major challenge and growth milestone for Yakumo." Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa remains a crucial part of the narrative and will be playable, ensuring fans of the original protagonist aren't left disappointed.
Revamped Combat: A Fusion of Classic and Modern
Prepare for breakneck-speed combat with the signature brutality the series is known for. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a new combat style: the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style, alongside Yakumo's Raven Style. Masazaku Hirayama, Team Ninja's Director, assures fans that while distinct from Ryu's style, "the action will feel right at home in the Ninja Gaiden series."
Nakao highlights the game's development philosophy: "We're staying true to the challenge and deep action that defines the Ninja Gaiden series, while incorporating the speed and dynamic expression of PlatinumGames." With the game currently 70-80% complete and in the polishing phase, more details are promised soon. Yasuda emphasizes Ninja Gaiden 4's core identity as an action game, promising hands-on opportunities for fans in the near future.
Ninja Gaiden 4: Fall 2025 Release Date Confirmed
Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated for a Fall 2025 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. In an Xbox Wire interview, Yasuda highlighted Koei Tecmo and PlatinumGames' collaborative effort, stating that "PlatinumGames had the expertise we felt was ideal for working on NINJA GAIDEN."
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Remastered Classic
Responding to fan demand following the 2021 release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 title, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and included with Xbox Game Pass. This version features additional playable characters like Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel, offering a modernized experience for both veterans and newcomers. Yasuda explains that the team "wanted to give players something to enjoy as they wait for the release of NINJA GAIDEN 4."
