Ninja Gaiden 4 finally makes its 13-year overdue debut this October: "We often joke that 'we’ve made something that really doesn’t feel like a modern game—it’s just too hard'"

Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally set to launch on October 21, 2025, marking the end of a 13-year wait that kicked off with the release of Ninja Gaiden 3 in 2012. The news was announced as part of today's Xbox Games Showcase, and came alongside a new trailer for the game.

As an Xbox Game Studios-published title, Ninja Gaiden 4 will launch into Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and it'll also be available day one on PS5.

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Ninja Gaiden 4 director and producer Yuji Nakao discussed the game's ambitions in an Xbox blog post.

"This game offers a lot of new things you can do — that’s one of its major appeals," he said. "We’ve paid special attention to the depth, range, and expansiveness of play, and especially to the techniques that can be elevated based on a player’s skill level."

That expansiveness seems to manifest in a few ways. New protagonist Yakumo can sprint along walls and use the "Flying Bird Flip" to quickly cover ground vertically. Combat techniques include "Fatal Flash," letting you "match your attack with the enemy's attack" to create Blood Essence that fuels stronger, Ultimate Technique moves.

Yakumo also has an entirely new playable form, Bloodraven. You can fight in this state, with a new parry-type counter and guard piercing attack tied to it, but Nakao says "it's a technique best used to pause in invincibility and observe enemy movements."

"You’ll naturally begin to notice opportunities where weaving Bloodraven Form techniques into your established strategies enhances your experience," Nakao adds. "The game is structured to encourage this kind of realization, adaptation, and growth."

Touching on the long-awaited return of Ninja Gaiden, Nako says "we often joke that 'we’ve made something that really doesn’t feel like a modern game—it’s just too hard. These days, games are trending toward being easier to play, but Ninja Gaiden 4 goes in the complete opposite direction. So don’t lose heart!"

Separate from Bloodraven, Yakumo has a Berserk Gauge that fills when you deal and take damage, unlocking yet more moves like Bloodbath Kills. Additionally, weapons have their own unique skills, so you'll expand your arsenal as you find more loot. I'm especially intrigued by this Caddis Wire grappling hook gizmo, and I'm hoping it can be used in combat as well.

Follow us throughout the Summer Game Fest schedule 2025 for more as the event rolls on.