You Don’t Need Skill to Love Ninja Gaiden 4 – Here’s Why
▼ Summary
– The author has an obsessive gaming trait but also enjoys games for their atmosphere, viewing Ninja Gaiden 4 as violent escapism rather than a skill test.
– Ninja Gaiden 4 is developed by Platinum Games, published by Koei Tecmo, and available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, Game Pass Ultimate, and PS5.
– The game supports a “joyous chaos” playstyle with assists like Hero mode, but the author recommends learning the mechanics naturally as muscle memory develops.
– Despite initial feelings of inadequacy, players can gradually master combat systems, parries, and special moves through practice.
– The game features a new protagonist, a retrofuturistic style, and acrobatic elements, which may divide series fans but successfully revitalize the franchise.
Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a thrilling experience that doesn’t demand elite gaming skills to enjoy. Many players feel intimidated by the series’ reputation for intense difficulty, but this latest installment welcomes a broader audience. You can dive into its world of high-speed combat and stylish action without needing to master every complex mechanic. The game provides enough flexibility for both casual enjoyment and deep, skill-based play, making it accessible while retaining the core excitement that defines the franchise.
My own history with video games spans over three decades, and I’ve completed earlier titles like Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2. While I can still hold my own in most matches, life’s responsibilities have trimmed the hours I can dedicate to perfecting my abilities. That’s precisely why games like Elden Ring remain on my “someday” list, they ask for more commitment than I can realistically give. Ninja Gaiden 4, in contrast, fits neatly into a busy schedule, offering satisfaction without demanding endless practice.
Developed by Platinum Games, the studio behind Bayonetta, this game shares that series’ flair for encouraging expressive, sometimes chaotic, gameplay. You don’t need to execute every move with precision to feel powerful. There’s a joy in the momentum, the fluid combos, the dramatic finishers, the way your character moves through enemies with balletic violence. Even if your initial approach feels unrefined, the game’s design guides you toward more intentional actions over time.
I admire players who analyze frame data, optimize combos, and upload flawless playthroughs. They achieve something close to digital ninjutsu. But here’s the twist: you don’t need to be one of them to appreciate what Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers. What begins as button-mashing gradually evolves. You start recognizing enemy patterns, timing dodges and parries more effectively, and chaining attacks with purpose. Muscle memory takes over, and those overwhelming mechanics begin to feel intuitive.
For those concerned about the challenge, the game includes a Hero Mode with automated guarding and evasion. While these assists make progression smoother, I found myself turning them off. Overcoming obstacles through growing competence delivers its own unique satisfaction. Watching a boss that once seemed impossible fall to your improving skills is a reward in itself. The game’s learning curve feels fair, encouraging growth rather than punishing inexperience.
Accessibility hasn’t been overlooked. Options for left-handed and single-handed play, customizable subtitles, and high-contrast visuals ensure more players can engage comfortably. These thoughtful inclusions reinforce that Ninja Gaiden 4 wants you to play your way.
Longtime fans might raise an eyebrow at certain changes. The new protagonist, Yakumo, takes center stage, with series staple Ryu Hayabusa appearing in supporting segments. Yakumo’s move set feels dynamic and powerful, even if his prominence marks a shift. The visual style leans into retro-futuristic monochrome, punctuated by vivid splashes of color during combat. Some signature elements, like rail-grinding acrobatics, add spectacle without diluting the experience.
Critics might point to repetitive arena encounters in the later stages, but Platinum Games has reinvigorated a series that had grown stagnant. They’ve crafted a game that respects its roots while inviting new players. All you really need is curiosity and a willingness to dive in. Whether you approach it as a casual player or an aspiring expert, Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers a polished, exhilarating ride.
(Source: EuroGamer)
