Ninja Gaiden 4 Devs Promise Tools to Help Newcomers Improve
▼ Summary
– Ninja Gaiden 4 includes Hero Mode with optional assists like Auto Guard and Auto Dodge, allowing newcomers to adjust difficulty and assists dynamically as they improve.
– The game introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, who offers a fresh entry point and distinct combat style, while series icon Ryu Hayabusa remains playable with significant content.
– A key new mechanic is the Bloodraven form, developed with PlatinumGames, which enables expressive, over-the-top attacks and integrates into the core combat cycle.
– The story is standalone and accessible to new players, set in the same world but not directly connected to previous games, requiring only basic knowledge of Ryu Hayabusa.
– Technical advancements enable features like seamless weapon switching and enhanced violence depiction, while new combat mechanics include Just Guards and Just Dodges for evolved gameplay.
Ninja Gaiden 4 aims to welcome newcomers while honoring its hardcore roots, introducing a suite of accessibility tools designed to ease players into its famously demanding combat. During a behind-closed-doors presentation at gamescom 2025, co-directors Masakazu Hirayama of Team Ninja and Yuji Nakao of PlatinumGames detailed how the game balances tradition with approachability, ensuring both series veterans and action game fans find something to enjoy.
One of the most significant additions is Hero Mode, a customizable assist system that allows players to toggle features like Auto Guard, Auto Dodge, and simplified combo execution. What sets this apart is the flexibility, players aren’t locked into these aids. They can disable assists individually as their skills improve, or even switch difficulty modes mid-campaign. This granular control lets newcomers gradually wean themselves off assistance while still experiencing the series’ signature intensity.
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, the directors emphasized that Ninja Gaiden 4 tells a standalone story. While it shares the same world and characters, prior knowledge isn’t required. As Hirayama noted, “As long as you know that Ryu Hayabusa is the badass ninja, then you’re good to go.” This narrative approach lowers the barrier to entry, inviting new players without alienating existing fans.
A major evolution in this installment is the introduction of Yakumo, a new protagonist proposed by PlatinumGames. He represents a stylistic departure from Ryu Hayabusa, emphasizing cleverness and expressive techniques through the Bloodraven form, a new mechanic that allows for over-the-top, cinematic attacks. While Yakumo serves as the primary character, Ryu remains fully playable, retaining his classic speed and raw power. After completing the story, a Chapter Challenge mode unlocks, letting players replay missions with either character, greatly enhancing replay value.
Technological advancements also play a key role. For the first time in the series, weapon switching is now seamless, opening up new strategic depth in combat. The violence, too, has been amplified, dismemberment and blood effects are more visceral than ever, heightening the satisfaction of each encounter.
The collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames proved instrumental in shaping the game’s identity. Platinum’s expertise in stylish, expressive action complements Team Ninja’s precision-based combat philosophy. The Bloodraven form, in particular, underwent significant iteration to ensure it felt integrated rather than tacked on, eventually becoming a core part of the combat loop that interacts with established mechanics like Obliteration Techniques and essence collection.
New defensive options have also been introduced, including Just Guards and Just Dodges, which expand the tactical possibilities during high-speed encounters. Boss battles now feature more aggressive counterplay, enemies telegraph powerful attacks with a red glow, which can be countered using Bloodraven abilities, encouraging offensive strategies rather than pure evasion.
Ninja Gaiden 4 launches on October 21 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
(Source: IGN)
