Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action
Team Ninja Declares 2025: The Year of the Ninja
The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 unveiled a thrilling surprise: Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black! Team Ninja, celebrating its 30th anniversary, declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja," and Producer Fumihiko Yasuda expressed excitement for the series' evolution.
Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the series' return after a 13-year hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3 (2012). Expect the signature brutally challenging yet intensely rewarding gameplay the series is known for. The Xbox reveal is fitting, given Microsoft's long-standing relationship with Team Ninja, including exclusive Dead or Alive titles and the Microsoft Game Studios-published Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360.
Meet Yakumo: The New Protagonist
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 a character who can stand alongside Ryu Hayabusa, the epitome of a ninja.
Yuji Nakao, Producer and Director at PlatinumGames, explains the reasoning behind the new protagonist: "After such a long gap, we wanted a new hero to broaden the series' appeal to newcomers. However, Ryu Hayabusa remains a significant part of the story, presenting a major challenge and growth opportunity for Yakumo." Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa remains playable and a powerful presence in Ninja Gaiden 4.
A New Combat Style Emerges
Prepare for breakneck speed and brutal combat, hallmarks of the Ninja Gaiden series. Yakumo's introduction brings a new fighting style: the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Team Ninja Director, Masazaku Hirayama, highlights Yakumo's dual styles – Raven Style and Nue Style – while assuring fans the action will feel authentically Ninja Gaiden.
Nakao emphasizes the team's commitment to the series' challenging action, infused with PlatinumGames' signature speed and dynamism. The game is reportedly 70-80% complete, currently in the polishing phase. More details are promised soon, along with hands-on opportunities.
Ninja Gaiden 4: Fall 2025 Release
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title, available to wishlist now. In an Xbox Wire interview, Yasuda explained the collaboration with PlatinumGames, highlighting the close relationship between Koei Tecmo's President and PlatinumGames' CEO as a key factor.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: Available Now
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and included with Xbox Game Pass. Featuring additional playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel, inspired by Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2), this remake aims to satisfy both veterans and newcomers. Yasuda describes it as a treat for fans while they eagerly await Ninja Gaiden 4.
