Team Ninja's highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, along with a remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, were surprise reveals at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. This marks a significant return for the franchise after a lengthy hiatus. Read on for details on gameplay and release dates.
Team Ninja Declares 2025: The Year of the Ninja
The announcements served as the previously teased surprise Japanese IP reveal. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Team Ninja has dubbed 2025 "The Year of the Ninja." Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja and Producer of Ninja Gaiden 4, expressed excitement for the franchise's evolution.
Developed collaboratively by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3, continuing the series' legacy of challenging yet rewarding gameplay. The Xbox reveal is unsurprising, given Microsoft's long-standing relationship with Team Ninja, having previously published several titles exclusively or jointly.
A New Protagonist Takes Center Stage
Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving to become a Master Ninja. PlatinumGames' Art Director, Tomoko Nishii, described Yakumo's design as aiming to create a character capable of standing alongside Ryu Hayabusa. Yuji Nakao, Producer and Director from PlatinumGames, explained the rationale behind the new protagonist: "We wanted a new hero to broaden the series' appeal to newcomers, while ensuring long-time fans enjoy Ryu Hayabusa's significant role in the story." Ryu remains a pivotal figure, serving as a formidable challenge for Yakumo.
Despite the new lead, Ryu Hayabusa will be playable, ensuring fans of the original protagonist are not disappointed.
Revamped Combat and New Styles
Expect the signature brutal and fast-paced combat, enhanced with a new style for Yakumo: the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Masazaku Hirayama, Team Ninja's Director, confirmed Yakumo's dual combat styles – Raven Style and Nue Style – while assuring fans the action remains true to the Ninja Gaiden spirit. Nakao emphasized the blend of classic Ninja Gaiden challenge with PlatinumGames' dynamic flair.
Development is reportedly 70-80% complete, with the team focusing on polishing. Further details are promised soon.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Arrives Fall 2025
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches Fall 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. Yasuda highlighted the collaborative effort with PlatinumGames, stating that their expertise was a perfect fit for the project.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Remastered Classic
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 title, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, including Xbox Game Pass. This version features additional playable characters from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. The remake's creation stemmed from fan demand following the release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection in 2021. Yasuda described it as a treat for fans while they eagerly await Ninja Gaiden 4.
