Ninja Gaiden 4
OpenCritic
Strong
IGDB
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"Ninja Gaiden 4 is a very good entry in the saga. It doesn't invent anything revolutionary, but it improves practically everything the previous entries did well and fixes many of the things they did wrong. The camera works, the combat is fluid and brutal, Yakumo is a competent protagonist who doesn't pale in comparison to Ryu, and the technical aspects are up to par. It has some flaws, of course. The on-rails sections become repetitive, the difficulty can be frustrating instead of challenging at certain moments, and the amount of techniques is overwhelming at first. But these are minor complaints in the overall context."
Finding live streams...
About Ninja Gaiden 4
Ninja Gaiden 4 is an action-packed adventure game developed by Team NINJA and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 21, 2025, it blends fast-paced hack-and-slash combat with beat-em-up mechanics. Set in a stylized fantasy world, the game follows Ryu Hayabusa as he navigates brutal enemy waves and environmental challenges. Available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, it’s a single-player experience focused on high-difficulty combat and fluid movement. The game emphasizes precision and timing, with a mix of close-quarters brawling and ranged weapon use. It’s a return to the franchise’s roots with modern polish.
Gameplay
Ninja Gaiden 4 revolves around relentless melee combat, requiring quick reflexes and mastery of Ryu’s diverse moveset. Players chain attacks using a combo system that rewards fluidity, dashes, parries, and air jabs keep the action dynamic. Boss battles test mechanical skill, while quick-time events demand precise button inputs. The game features a stamina system that forces strategic pacing, balancing aggressive offense with defensive maneuvers. Weapon switching adds variety, from swords to kunai, each with unique properties. Sessions often end in frustration or triumph, with a typical playthrough lasting 15, 30 minutes per level. The difficulty scales steeply, making each victory feel earned.
What Players Think
PlayPile community ratings average 4.3/5, with 68% completing the main story. Critics praise its “unrelenting combat” (GameSpot) and “polished mechanics” (Destructoid), but 32% of players label it “frustratingly hard.” Average playtime is 14.2 hours, with 42% of users playing over 20 hours. Moods are split: 58% rate it “thrilling,” while 29% call it “exhausting.” Achievements include 35 total, with 17 requiring 100% clears. Price is $59.99, with 45% of players purchasing it within the first week. Reviews highlight “addictive but punishing” design, with many comparing it to Dark Souls in intensity.
PlayPile's Take
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a must-play for fans of punishing action games. Its $59.99 price tag feels justified for those seeking a challenge, though casual players might struggle. The 35 achievements, including “Master of the Blade” for 100% clears, add long-term incentive. While not everyone’s cup of tea, the game delivers intense, skill-based combat that rewards persistence. If you’ve mastered games like Bayonetta or Sable, this will test your reflexes and patience. It’s not perfect, many sections feel unfair, but its highs are exhilarating.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
78.5
RAWG Rating
4.1
Deals
Finding deals...
Videos
7Difficulty Design
Advanced Yakumo Gameplay
Announcement Trailer
Story Trailer
Screenshots
17Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
GigaBob
@gigabob.bsky.social
Man, months of teasing that the Ninja Gaiden 4 DLC will have a new weapon for Ryu only for it to end on the punchline of not even having a complete move set is probably the out come I should of expected given the rest of the game.
Wario64
@wario64.bsky.social
NINJA GAIDEN 4 is $45.49 on Steam buff.ly/UCjYuAx Deck verified also on Game Pass Ultimate
Arsen D. Tabby 🐯💎💖 V-ARTIST | Thief Superhero
@gianttabby.bsky.social
[STREAM NOTICE] Streams of Devil May Cry 5 will be put on hold until I can troubleshoot the game to work consistently!! Likely the result of the way I swap mods frequently. Until then, I reinstalled Ninja Gaiden 4! I got the DLC now too, so I'll test the new weapons and battle mode.
Arsen D. Tabby 🐯💎💖 V-ARTIST | Thief Superhero
@gianttabby.bsky.social
🔴LIVE NOW Starting my second session of Ninja Gaiden 4!! I think I love this game... Let's see how long the honeymoon period lasts. Tune in to see me put my action skills to the test! ✨📺Watch Here: www.twitch.tv/gianttabby #vtuber | #superhero | #action | #NG4