Ninja Gaiden 4 review (PS5, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

After years of silence, the Ninja Gaiden series finally makes its return, and this time, it’s under new leadership. Ninja Gaiden 4 is co-developed by Team Ninja and the action masters at Platinum Games, the studio behind Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. That change alone had fans both hyped and nervous. Could anyone else really capture the spirit of Ninja Gaiden?

The answer is mostly yes. Ninja Gaiden 4 feels familiar yet fresh, combining the brutal precision of the classics with Platinum’s love for over-the-top style combat. It’s fast, intense, and unapologetically brutal, which fans like. From cyberpunk-inspired cityscapes to lightning-fast boss fights, the game constantly pushes players to master its rhythm. Of course, it’s not the same Ninja Gaiden we remember, but it’s definitely one that deserves your time. That said, let’s jump into its review.

A New Direction

The moment you start Ninja Gaiden 4, you can tell it’s not business as usual. This isn’t the sleek, super-serious look of Ninja Gaiden Black. Platinum Games has gone for something darker, with glowing blue lights, metal surfaces, and cityscapes that look ripped straight out of a cyberpunk action movie.

At first, it feels like a big shift, but it actually fits the tone perfectly. The world feels dangerous and built for chaos. Players will sprint across rooftops, slide down rails, and slice through waves of enemies without a single loading screen breaking the pace. Notably, everything moves fast and smoothly.

What really stands out, though, is how the game feels. Ryu’s movements are a bit heavier now. Of course, not quite as twitchy as the older games, but that makes every hit feel more powerful. When you dodge an attack or land a clean combo, it’s incredibly satisfying. And yes, it’s still tough. Enemies hit hard, and mistakes cost you. But that’s part of the fun. Once you lock into the rhythm, the game stops feeling frustrating and starts feeling amazing. It’s like you’re actually mastering the art of the ninja again.

Platinum Precision Meets Ninja Discipline

This is where Ninja Gaiden 4 really shows off. Platinum Games knows how to make combat feel fun, fast, and stylish, and they’ve given Ryu Hayabusa the upgrade he deserves. Every fight feels like a wild action movie scene. You’re slicing through enemies at lightning speed, watching sparks and blood fly in every direction. By the end of a big battle, Ryu is covered head to toe in the mess he’s made, and it’s awesome.

You’ve got your usual moves: quick attacks, heavy strikes, dodges, counters, and special powers. But Platinum adds its own flair with cool combo chains and flashy finishers. Players can switch weapons mid-fight, cancel out of attacks, and pull off slow-motion kills that look straight out of Bayonetta.

Combat feels smoother than before. It’s a little looser than Ninja Gaiden Black, but that’s not a bad thing; it gives fights more flow. Instead of button-mashing, you’re learning timing and rhythm, like you’re dancing with blades. The game hits that sweet spot between tough and fair. You’ll die countless times, but every loss teaches you something. Levels jump between tight arenas and huge open spaces, keeping the pace fresh and the excitement non-stop.

Not the Prettiest, But Smartly Designed

Let’s be real, Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t trying to be the best-looking Ninja game of 2025. It’s not packed with fancy ray tracing or ultra-detailed textures, but that’s okay. Platinum Games clearly focused on making the action feel smooth first, and it shows.

The game runs incredibly well on every platform. No stutters, no random slowdowns, no ugly pop-ins, just clean, nonstop motion. The in-house engine may not be Unreal or Unity, but it does the job. You get seamless levels, slick reflections, and sharp motion blur that make every swing and dodge feel amazing. It’s not flashy, but it’s smartly built.

Up close, you’ll spot some rough textures and basic shadows, and a few effects look dated. But once the fighting starts, you won’t even notice. The animation and camera work keep everything readable and fast, which is exactly what a Ninja Gaiden game needs.

Visually, it feels like a darker version of Metal Gear Rising. There’s a lot of glowing blue light, cold metal, and industrial backdrops. It gives the whole game a cyber-ninja energy that fits Ryu perfectly. Ultimately, if you value performance and smooth combat over photo-realistic graphics, this game offers a clean, consistent Ninja Gaiden 4 look in motion.

Console by Console

When it comes to performance, Ninja Gaiden 4 absolutely nails it. Platinum Games clearly wanted every version to feel fast and responsive, and they’ve done a great job balancing visuals with frame rate. No matter what you’re playing on, the game runs buttery smooth, which is exactly what an action game like this needs.

On PS5 and Xbox Series X, you get three graphics options: a sharp Quality Mode (1440p at 30fps), a crisp Performance Mode (1080p at 60fps, and a wild 120fps Mode (720p. The Performance Mode is the sweet spot; it looks good and stays locked at 60 frames per second, even during intense fights. Quality Mode looks cleaner but feels a bit too slow for this kind of fast-paced gameplay.

If you’re playing on PS5 Pro, you’re in for a treat. The new hardware handles the game like a dream, running it at higher resolutions with VRR support and PSSR upscaling. It’s smooth, sharp, and easily the best console version available. The PC version is equally strong. It supports DLSS, FSR, ultra-wide screens, and high frame rates up to 120fps. Load times are lightning fast, and even mid-range systems can handle the action comfortably.

On the other hand, the Xbox Series S version isn’t as pretty. It drops the visuals to around 720p but still runs solidly at 60fps. Even the Steam Deck manages a stable 30fps on medium settings, which is impressive for handheld play. Ultimately, no matter your setup, Ninja Gaiden 4 keeps its blade sharp and its frame rate steady.

Blades, Beats, and Blood

If there’s one area where Ninja Gaiden 4 completely nails the landing, it’s the sound and music. Platinum Games went all out to make sure every slash, riff, and explosion hits with power. The soundtrack alone is worth mentioning; it’s loud, stylish, and perfectly fits the chaos on screen.

During battles, you’ll get pumped-up guitar riffs and pounding drums that make every combo feel epic. Boss fights take things up a notch, throwing in fast-paced beats, electronic layers, and even vocals that sound straight out of an anime showdown. Between missions, slower ambient tracks echo the classic Ninja Gaiden themes, giving longtime fans that nostalgic touch. It’s the perfect mix of old and new, a soundtrack that respects the past while pushing forward.

Additionally, the sound effects are just as sharp. Every sword clash rings with clarity, every dodge has that crisp “whoosh,” and every hit lands with a satisfying crunch. Through headphones or a good sound system, the fights feel alive.

Furthermore, voice acting is solid across the board. Ryu keeps things quiet and serious, just as he should, while the side characters bring enough energy to keep the story engaging. Overall, the audio design ties everything together. From the soundtrack to the smallest sound cue, Ninja Gaiden 4 sounds as fierce as it plays.

Verdict

If there’s one thing Ninja Gaiden 4 never forgets, it’s how to make you feel like a ninja. From the moment you take control of Ryu Hayabusa, the game throws you straight into the chaos, no hand-holding, just pure, fast-paced combat. So, where does that leave Ninja Gaiden 4? In short, it’s a wild but worthy comeback, a mix of old-school ninja discipline and Platinum Games’ signature flash. It may not hit the same legendary heights as Ninja Gaiden Black, but it stands tall as a fast, stylish, and brutally entertaining sequel that understands what makes the series special.

The gameplay is smooth and responsive, the performance is rock-solid, and the combat feels as fierce as ever. Of course, the visuals might not blow anyone away, but the game’s slick art style and smooth frame rate keep the action clean and exciting. And the soundtrack? Absolute perfection, energetic and unforgettable.

Some of that old Team Ninja precision is indeed missing. This version of Ryu feels a little different, less rigid, and more fluid. But that’s also part of the charm. Platinum Games brings its own personality to the blade, turning chaos into rhythm and every fight into a cinematic dance.

Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Bayonetta, Metal Gear Rising, or Nier: Automata, you’ll fit right in. And if you’re a longtime Ninja Gaiden fan, give it time; the challenge, speed, and satisfaction are all still here. Ryu Hayabusa is back, and he hasn’t lost his edge. In short: Ninja Gaiden 4 brings the series back to life with Platinum’s stylish touch and fierce combat. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a bloody good time, and that’s all it really needs to be.