The Ninja Gaiden franchise is back thanks to Phil Spencer

Team Ninja's long-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally underway, thanks to a collaborative effort between Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo, and PlatinumGames, facilitated by Xbox's Phil Spencer. The project, discussed since 2017, found its momentum when Spencer suggested a joint venture, leveraging PlatinumGames' expertise in high-octane action titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata to overcome initial creative hurdles.

The surprise announcement last week was accompanied by a simultaneous release of a remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC. Early footage showcases Ryu Hayabusa returning as the protagonist in a fast-paced slasher experience. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces innovative mechanics, including agile traversal using wires and rails, setting it apart from its predecessors.

While DOOM: The Dark Ages dominated the Developer_Direct headlines, the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4, a highly anticipated addition to the Koei Tecmo franchise, generated significant buzz. The game is slated for a Fall 2025 release.