You know, I never thought I’d want to play a Ninja Gaiden game that didn’t have Ryu Hayabusa front and center in some capacity, but **Ninja Gaiden 4** makes a pretty good case for Yakumo of the Raven Clan.
He’s the star of the show in this latest entry in Team Ninja’s legendary action franchise, this time with PlatinumGames developing. Not only does he bring an awesome combat gimmick to Ninja Gaiden’s 3D side of the franchise, but *Ninja Gaiden 4* also offers a stylish and challenging action-adventure that puts a great bookend on a story that’s been running for decades.
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### The Final Fight Against the Dark Dragon
*Ninja Gaiden 4* begins with the world, particularly Tokyo, in dire straits. Ryu Hayabusa, master ninja of the Dragon Clan, has killed the Dark Dragon multiple times, but its effect on the world remains constant: black blood rains down from its skeleton hovering high above, inviting daemons and fiends to the human world and causing sickness to the unprotected.
With the Dark Dragon currently sealed, Raven Clan master ninja Yakumo resolves to bring it back to life so he can perform a ritual to purify and kill it once and for all. However, with Hayabusa and the authorities not understanding why Yakumo and the Raven Clan are doing this, things get quite messy as everyone races for a final answer to the Dark Dragon’s terror.
*Ninja Gaiden 4* does a great job establishing drastic stakes quickly. With the Dark Dragon priestess Seori guiding Yakumo, he journeys through the ruined cities and countryside of Japan, hunting the seals of the Dark Dragon through towering skyscrapers, mountains, dance clubs, and more.
Each level is a visual treat, full of daunting arenas and photographic locations that work well with the game’s easy-to-use Photo Mode. Almost every open-air level bears the dread of the Dark Dragon’s skeleton overhead, with rain pouring down and storms growing more violent as each seal is broken.
Characters like Yakumo, Seori, and Hayabusa look as slick as ever, and the enemies and bosses of the game are bristling and waiting to be torn to ribbons by Yakumo’s Bloodbind ninja weapon arts.
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### Some Minor Blemishes
While *Ninja Gaiden 4* is beautiful and action-packed, it isn’t flawless. I noticed a few cracks in the platforms and levels where things looked slightly discolored or out of place. The fast-paced movement occasionally got me stuck in walls, requiring some finagling to avoid restarting a level.
The music was a bit underwhelming compared to expectations. There are a few boss tracks that really pack a punch—one early on and several more at the end—but I would have liked more intense music throughout, matching the energy of the first and last big fights.
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### A Maelstrom of Blood & Steel
For players seeking thrilling action, *Ninja Gaiden 4* delivers. Yakumo is the main protagonist here and features unique mechanics that differ from Ryu Hayabusa but still feel familiar to longtime fans.
Yakumo’s combat revolves around **Bloodbind Arts**, a system where he uses magic and his own blood to manifest weapons. Each weapon has a base form and an unleashed form, which deals significantly more damage and breaks armored enemy attacks if timed correctly. However, this costs energy tied to a gauge that must be refilled through combat.
For example, Yakumo starts with dual swords that can transform into a massive blood greatsword with extended reach. Other weapons include a stabbing sword that turns into a giant drill lance—my personal favorite—each with their perks and unique combat skill trees to unlock.
Yakumo also learns many classic Ninja Gaiden techniques. Jumping enables a sweeping *Flying Swallow Technique* to dive and slash foes, you can uppercut enemies into a falling *Izuna Drop*, and perfect parry or dodge enemy attacks to counter with weapon-specific moves. Drawing in souls from defeated enemies allows for an *Ultimate Technique* combo that unleashes a barrage of hits.
Almost every classic Ninja Gaiden combat technique is here, and the levels encourage players to use them. The game typically flows by having you platform through areas using Yakumo’s ninjutsu and agility until you reach enemy arenas, where you fight waves of foes.
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### Exploration and Challenge
Checkpoints provide items, side missions, and training. Each level is packed with secrets rewarding careful exploration. The levels culminate in boss fights that test your skills and reflexes, all of which are well-designed and engaging.
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### A Temporary Change of Pace
One downside is a narrative shift mid-game where you stop playing as Yakumo and switch to an alternate playstyle. Given how compelling Yakumo’s combat is and the effort invested in developing his skills, this segment felt less fun than expected. Unfortunately, during this section, you also fight many of the same bosses already encountered, which detracts from the experience.
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### A Strong Finish
Aside from this brief detour, *Ninja Gaiden 4* builds toward a very strong final battle that sticks the landing. The ending left me wanting to play more of Yakumo, while also providing a satisfying conclusion to this chapter of the story.
There’s plenty of post-game content as well, including new difficulties, game modes, and a special New Game+ objective to explore.
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### Bringing Down the Sky
The grand spectacle of *Ninja Gaiden 4* feels like the developers wanted a proper ending for the 3D Ninja Gaiden series—and I think they nailed it. Yakumo is a great new protagonist mechanically, even if his brooding nature means he doesn’t talk much.
His Bloodbind Arts provide fantastic progression through the game’s battles and platforming, and we don’t lose the essence of Ninja Gaiden combat despite this new lead.
While not a perfect game, *Ninja Gaiden 4* hits many important notes and ties a neat ribbon on the series. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Yakumo in future games, but if this is the curtain call for this arc, it’s a good one.
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*This review is based on a digital PlayStation 5 version of the game supplied by the publisher.*
**Ninja Gaiden 4** launches on October 21, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146426/ninja-gaiden-4-review-score
