Ninja Gaiden 4 Was the Surprise Reveal at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action

Team Ninja declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja," and they weren't kidding. The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 unveiled not one, but two Ninja Gaiden titles: the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4 and a remake, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja and Ninja Gaiden 4 Producer, expressed excitement for the series' evolution, promising a thrilling experience for fans.

Developed by the dynamic duo of Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the series' return after a 13-year hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3 (2012). This direct sequel retains the series' signature blend of brutally challenging yet intensely rewarding gameplay. The Xbox reveal is unsurprising given Microsoft's long-standing relationship with Team Ninja, having previously collaborated on the Dead or Alive franchise and publishing Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360.

A New Ninja Takes Center Stage

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, aspiring to master the art of ninjutsu. PlatinumGames' Art Director, Tomoko Nishii, describes Yakumo's design as aiming to create a character who can stand alongside the legendary Ryu Hayabusa.

Yuji Nakao, Ninja Gaiden 4's Producer and Director from PlatinumGames, explains the rationale behind the new protagonist: "Since it’s been a while since the last game, we wanted a new hero to make the series more approachable for new players. Of course, long-time fans are not forgotten; Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role in the story, serving as a major challenge and growth milestone for Yakumo." Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa remains a pivotal figure, playable and deeply impactful within Ninja Gaiden 4's narrative.

Revamped Combat: Speed and Brutality

Prepare for breakneck-speed combat, retaining the signature brutality of previous installments. Yakumo's introduction brings a new fighting style: the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Masazaku Hirayama, Team Ninja Director, highlights Yakumo's dual combat styles—Raven Style and Nue Style—while assuring fans that the action will feel authentically Ninja Gaiden. Nakao emphasizes the game's commitment to the series' challenging action, infused with PlatinumGames' signature speed and dynamism. The game is currently 70-80% complete and in the polishing phase.

Ninja Gaiden 4: Fall 2025 Release

Ninja Gaiden 4 launches Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. In an Xbox Wire interview, Yasuda revealed Koei Tecmo and PlatinumGames' collaborative effort, highlighting PlatinumGames' expertise as ideal for the project.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Remastered Classic

Responding to fan demand following the 2021 release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and included with Xbox Game Pass. This version features additional playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel) and is designed to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. Yasuda explains that the remake provides a satisfying experience while fans await Ninja Gaiden 4.