A new chapter in the Ninja Gaiden series is officially arriving this fall. Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by Team NINJA in collaboration with PlatinumGames, is scheduled to launch on October 21 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. The announcement came during the Xbox Games Showcase, where a new trailer revealed fresh gameplay footage and provided a closer look at the upcoming title’s direction.
The new trailer highlights fast-paced combat, updated visuals, and a new lead character, Yakumo, who takes the center stage in this entry. While the series’ longtime protagonist Ryu Hayabusa does not appear to be the main focus this time, the core gameplay seems to remain faithful to the action-heavy style the franchise is known for.
Shortly after the trailer was shown, Xbox published a blog post providing additional context about the game’s opening and gameplay mechanics. According to the post, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a storyline that explores new characters and challenges while retaining familiar elements for returning players. Yakumo will be able to perform classic moves from past entries, such as the Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop, both of which have become signature abilities in the series.
The developers described Ninja Gaiden 4 as an evolution of the franchise, building on its established mechanics with new systems designed to enhance responsiveness and flow in combat. The game also features an expanded arsenal of weapons and a refined combo system, offering more tactical depth while keeping the action fast and fluid.
Earlier this year, fans were reintroduced to the franchise through Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remastered version of the 2008 title. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the remaster aimed to merge aspects of the original Xbox 360 release with enhancements from the later Sigma version. While it doesn’t fully replace either edition, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was generally well-received for its improved visuals, sharpened combat systems, and preserved level design.
With Ninja Gaiden 4, Team NINJA appears to be continuing that momentum. The shift in focus to a new protagonist suggests a broader narrative shift, but early impressions from the trailer and official descriptions indicate that the series’ hallmark action gameplay remains intact.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to launch globally on October 21. More information is expected to be shared in the coming months, including deeper looks at the combat system, story elements, and technical performance across platforms.
