The gaming world was electrified when Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black were unveiled as surprise announcements at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. These reveals marked a significant moment for fans, especially as Team Ninja celebrates its 30th anniversary and boldly declares 2025 as "The Year of the Ninja." Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja and Producer of Ninja Gaiden 4 at Koei Tecmo, shared his enthusiasm and hopes that fans will embrace the evolution of the series.

Ninja Gaiden 4, the latest installment in the series following a 13-year hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3, is being developed collaboratively by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames. This game promises to maintain the series' signature blend of high difficulty and deeply satisfying gameplay. Given Team Ninja's longstanding relationship with Xbox, from exclusive releases of the Dead or Alive franchise to Ninja Gaiden 2 on the Xbox 360, the reveal at an Xbox event was a fitting choice.

Team Ninja Declares 2025 As The Year Of The Ninja

Ninja Gaiden 4 Features New Protagonist

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a fresh protagonist, Yakumo, a young ninja from the Raven clan, which rivals the iconic Hayabusa clan. Yakumo's journey to become a Master Ninja is central to the game's narrative. Tomoko Nishii, Art Director at PlatinumGames, explained that Yakumo was designed to be a counterpart to Ryu, embodying the essence of a ninja. Yuji Nakao, Producer and Director at PlatinumGames, highlighted the game's approach to both new and veteran players by integrating Ryu Hayabusa as a pivotal figure in Yakumo's growth and challenges. Fans of the original protagonist can rest assured, as Ryu remains playable and integral to the game's experience.

Ninja Gaiden 4 New Combat Style

The gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to dazzle with its fast-paced, brutal combat. Yakumo brings two distinct styles to the fray: the Raven Style and the new Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Masazaku Hirayama, Director at Team Ninja, expressed confidence in these new styles fitting seamlessly within the Ninja Gaiden universe. Nakao emphasized that the game stays true to the challenging and deep action synonymous with the series, enhanced by PlatinumGames' signature speed and dynamic expression. Currently 70-80% complete, Ninja Gaiden 4 is in its polishing phase, with more details to be unveiled soon. Yasuda reaffirmed that the game remains an action-centric experience, eagerly anticipating fan engagement through hands-on opportunities.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Coming Fall 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated for a Fall 2025 release across Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will launch on day one on Xbox Game Pass, and fans can wishlist it now. Yasuda highlighted the collaborative efforts between Koei Tecmo and PlatinumGames, driven by the strong relationship between their leaders, Hisashi Koinuma and Atsushi Inaba. For more details, visit our NINJA GAIDEN 4 page.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Available Now On Multiple Platforms And Xbox Game Pass

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and included in Xbox Game Pass. This version introduces additional playable characters like Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel, previously seen in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. The idea for the remake stemmed from fan feedback during the 2021 release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection. Yasuda noted that Ninja Gaiden 2 Black aims to entertain fans as they await Ninja Gaiden 4, offering a refined experience for both returning players and newcomers. For more information, check out our NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black page.