Ninja Gaiden’s Revival is the Perfect Antidote to the Soulslike Phenomenon

The resurgence of Ninja Gaiden at the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct was a major highlight, announcing not one, but multiple new titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and a surprise release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This marks a significant comeback for the franchise, dormant since Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge in 2012 (excluding the Master Collection). This revival could also signal a crucial shift in the gaming landscape: the return of classic 3D action games after years of Soulslike dominance.

While we appreciate Soulslike titles from FromSoftware like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, the AAA market should cater to diverse tastes. Ninja Gaiden's return could provide the much-needed balance the action genre craves.

### A Legacy of Dragons

The Ninja Gaiden series was once considered the epitome of action games. The 2004 Xbox reboot, a departure from its 2D NES roots, instantly became iconic for its fluid gameplay, smooth animation, and brutal difficulty. While other hack-and-slash titles existed, Ninja Gaiden stood out, its challenging gameplay pushing players to their limits. The infamous Murai, the first boss, is a testament to this.

Despite its difficulty, the challenge is generally fair. Deaths stem from player errors, demanding mastery of combat mechanics, movement, defense, and counter-attacks. The Izuna Drop, Ultimate Techniques, and diverse weapon combos provide ample tools to overcome challenges. This demanding yet rewarding gameplay mirrors the satisfaction Soulslike fans seek in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. In fact, Ninja Gaiden's influence on the Soulslike genre is undeniable.

Shifting Sands

The release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 (a widely criticized PS3 port) coincided with Demon's Souls (2009), paving the way for Dark Souls (2011) and its impact on the action genre. While Ninja Gaiden 3 and Razor's Edge struggled, Dark Souls and its successors carved a significant niche. This influence extended to other franchises, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Nioh, and Black Myth: Wukong.

While Soulslike games aren't inherently flawed, their dominance has stifled classic 3D action games. Ninja Gaiden's long hiatus, along with the 2019 release of DMC5 and the shift in the God of War series towards a more methodical combat style, highlight this trend. Soulslike hallmarks—challenging combat, stamina management, character builds, open-ended levels, and save points—are now prevalent, creating a sense of oversaturation. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's arrival offers a refreshing alternative.

The Master Returns

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black revitalizes the action genre. Its lightning-fast combat, diverse weapons, and the return of the original's gore (absent in Sigma 2) make it the definitive version. While some veterans may critique difficulty adjustments, the original Ninja Gaiden II suffered from technical issues and unbalanced design. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black strikes a balance, retaining high difficulty and restoring gore while incorporating content from Sigma 2, excluding unpopular elements.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots

19 ImagesThis remaster underscores the loss of classic action games. The frenetic, combo-based combat against numerous enemies and giant bosses, presented in a linear format, was a successful formula, overshadowed by the Soulslike model. While similar games exist (Hi-Fi Rush, for example), Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a significant return to form.

The Ninja Gaiden experience is unique. There are no shortcuts; no build guides, experience points, or stamina bars to limit gameplay. It's a pure test of skill, demanding mastery of the combat system. While Soulslike games remain popular, Ninja Gaiden's return hopefully ushers in a new era for action games, providing a diverse gaming landscape for all players.

If you had to choose between Soulslikes and traditional action games like Ninja Gaiden, which would you pick?

I'm a Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry kinda personSoulslikes, every single timeI don't really care for eitherAnswerSee Results