Today’s Xbox Developer Direct had fans buzzing with anticipation, as everyone wondered which mystery game would be unveiled. The excitement heightened by whispers that it was likely from a Japanese studio, though few could pinpoint exactly what it might be.
The big reveal has finally happened, and it’s a thrilling surprise: Ninja Gaiden 4 is on the way! This upcoming game is a collaborative masterpiece between Team Ninja and Platinum Games.
During Xbox’s January Developer Direct event, viewers were treated to an exclusive inside look at Team Ninja’s studio, the talent behind this highly anticipated title. It’s surprising that not a peep of this leaked before the announcement—and even more intriguing that Xbox was chosen for the stage reveal.
Fans of the franchise are in for a treat. The glimpse we got today promised all the frenetic action, intense combat, and visceral gameplay that Ninja Gaiden aficionados crave. The atmosphere is set against a dark, rain-soaked backdrop, adding a moody intensity. Ryu Hayabusa makes his return, though this time seemingly as somewhat of an antagonist. The developers provided a walkthrough that previewed what to expect in the new release. Be sure to check out the reveal trailer yourself!
Historically, the Ninja Gaiden series has strong ties to Xbox, yet Team Ninja has been more closely linked to PlayStation in recent years. Their work on the original Nioh and its sequel, Nioh 2, cemented their reputation as a PlayStation staple, even though those titles also made their way to PC, but never Xbox. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty did make the jump to Xbox, but their follow-up project, Rise of the Ronin, is a PS5 exclusive.
Rise of the Ronin attempted to break new ground, drawing inspiration from Western open-world adventures. However, it didn’t quite hit the mark, failing to capture the essence of Team Ninja’s stellar combat finesse or appeal to newcomers seeking a Samurai-like escapade.
Aside from the new Ninja Gaiden installment, the series seems to be experiencing a resurgence. At the 2024 Game Awards, Dotemu, known for publishing retro-style games, announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. This new 2D action title is crafted by the talented team behind the Blasphemous series, marking an exciting chapter for fans of the iconic franchise.
