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Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally here and has already proven itself as one of the best new games of 2025. Not only has it been receiving stellar reviews, but it's also established itself as one of the best action games of the year. However, October is a busy month with gaming (with releases such as The Outer Worlds 2 and Battlefield 6), so you may be wondering if this game is truly the one for you and your hard-earned cash.
First announced during the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct showcase, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces us to a new martial arts genius from the Raven clan called Yakumo. While series staple Ryu Hayabusa is still in the story as a playable character, Yakumo is our primary protagonist this time around and brings with him a ton of cool new combat features. Change can be scary, but we're confident that newcomers and Ninja Gaiden veterans alike will have plenty of reasons to grab their wallets for this one.
Ninja Gaiden 4 release date
Ninja Gaiden 4's release date came our way on October 21, 2025. That means that you can now buy and play the title!
If you do fancy picking the game up, the Standard edition will cost you $69.99/£59.99 while the Deluxe edition costs $89.99/£79.99. Below we've listed everything included in the Deluxe Edition (via the Steam store page) so you can make up your mind on whether it's worth the price.
- Base Game
- Future Gameplay Content
- Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
- Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
- Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
- Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
- 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
- Additional In-Game Items
Ninja Gaiden 4 platforms
Ninja Gaiden 4 is available to play on Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5. The good news is that it's also included with the Xbox Game Pass subscription from day one of its release!
It's always great to see a release be available across multiple platforms straight away. But we're still waiting to see if it'll also be added to our list of upcoming Switch 2 games in the future. Nintendo's new console has been receiving more and more big games, so it's possible that Ninja Gaiden 4 will make its way there, too. Stay tuned for updates.
Ninja Gaiden 4 trailer
The latest Ninja Gaiden 4 trailer doubles up as the release date reveal, showing yet more gory hack-n-slash action to come this month. Check it out above if you want to see the raining blood (literally) in action. Not only does it offer a detailed look at a cyberpunk Tokyo that is gripped by cursed rain, but we also get an action-heavy introduction to the new hero, Yakumo. The teaser is also packed with some impressive-looking bosses, so expect to get your ass kicked once the game launches.
Ninja Gaiden 4 story and setting
Ninja Gaiden 4 is set in a time period after the events of Ninja Gaiden 3 in an abandoned futuristic Tokyo that is plagued by chaos caused by the ever-looming husk of the Dark Dragon. The trailer announcing the game gave us a pretty good introduction to the world of the title, explaining the dark cyberpunk-like setting.
"Several years ago, the Dark Dragon, youngest of the Divine Dragon Gods, wreaked havoc across the world," a voice over tells us, while the camera in the teaser sweeps across a dark cityscape under a massive dragon skeleton. However, before the evil villain could complete his nefarious scheme, we learn that a "sole ninja" stopped him. But it wasn't a total victory as the Dark Dragon's Husk remained and caused an endless downpour of cursed rain called "Rain of Darkrot". The rain means that the Dark Dragon is still alive and that peace cannot be obtained until the rain is fully stopped.
Ninja Gaiden 4's story follows a young ninja called Yakumo, who uses a fighting technique called Bloodraven Form. This allows the ninja to manipulate blood and create powerful attacks. Ryu Hayabusa ( the previous protagonist in the other Ninja Gaiden games) will also show up in this new outing. Without getting into spoilers, we can't really get into how the two characters will interact with one another or what their end goal is. However, we can disclose that the action revolves around fully defeating what is left of the Dark Dragon and stopping the "Rain of Darkrot" curse.
We also know that the current state of Tokyo is due to the dealings of an organization called the "Divine Dragon Order". Yakumo has to face off against members of the group regularly during his mission. They are guarding the Dark Dragon's seal. Demons are also on the loose, and Fiends are back in action here.
Ninja Gaiden 4 gameplay
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a hack-and-slash action game that will have you battling enemies with furious, colourful flurries and satisfying combos. Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, relentless, fast, but fair combat is the main focus of the game. Meaning that if you're a thrill seeker with a strategic mind, this will be right up your street
In fact, if you need any more convincing that the new game is the snappy action affair of the year, Team Ninja director Fumihiko Yasuda said during the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 showcase: "We are excited to announce Ninja Gaiden 4, a new mainline entry in this high-speed action series, where you become the ultimate ninja and take on relentless enemies in fierce combat."
In Ninja Gaiden 4, you'll have plenty of enemies to face at every turn, and as you progress through the story, you'll have to deal with the environment working against you as the curse tries to destroy everything. This means buildings will collapse and roads will warp, creating more of a challenge as Yakumo tries to complete his mission.
Yakumo also utilizes several Ninja tools and techniques when it comes to combat. This includes his cool Bloodraven Form, which allows him to manipulate his own blood and that of his enemies to perform powerful attacks. "Nue" style is another feature for Yakumo that lets him take out hordes of enemies at once, turning the tide whenever he is outnumbered. Speed of battles has been heightened in Ninja Gaiden 4, and we also have never seen before far-range instant kill attacks to look forward to!
Players also get to play as Ryu, who has a vastly different fighting style from Yakumo. This means that there are tons of different ways that players can approach combat and play the game. There are legacy moves for veterans and new moves for everyone to dig into with both characters. So don't feel as if you're trapped by one particular playstyle!
Finally, players will also get to travel to different locations via rail gliding, swinging through gaps, and more. You'll want to explore the map as well since there are also plenty of challenges, scenarios, and hidden items waiting to be discovered. We should also mention that the Ninja Gaiden games are notoriously difficult.
However, Automaton directors Yuji Nakao and Masakazu Hirayama assured fans that the game will be balanced and feel fair with its level of challenge. A wise move considering the recent backlash that Silksong experienced regarding its difficulty. We'll keep you posted on more details once we get our hands on the game ourselves.
Ninja Gaiden 4 review
At the time of writing, the general opinion of critics is that Ninja Gaiden 4 is very good. Not only is the action in the game being praised, but some are pointing out that it's the best work from Team Ninja since Nioh 2.
In our Ninja Gaiden 4 review, we gave the game an impressive five-star rating with Editor Oscar Taylor-Kent writing, "This is a genre triumph that delivers slick, over-the-top action that rewards patience and mastery, and a blood power system that adds a combat layer that allows you to push yourself beyond your limits. A deadly delight, action doesn't get much better than this."
High praise indeed, but we stand by our perfect score. As more reviews come in, we'll keep you updated. But for now, know that the GamesRadar+ team definitely recommends this game.
For more new releases, check out our guides on all the upcoming PS5 games and new PC games heading our way.
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