Ninja Gaiden 4’s Evolving Combat Identity Raises Questions for Longtime Fans

The eagerly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by PlatinumGames with support from Team Ninja, is generating complex reactions among devoted followers of the series. Following a recent demo showcasing its initial stages, impressions suggest a significant departure from the franchise’s established formula, prompting some to question how effectively it honors its heritage.

A wave of excitement had preceded the title’s unveiling, fueled by renewed interest in classic Ninja Gaiden installments and the arrival of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The demo provided an opportunity for initial assessment of where the collaborative development team has steered the series after a prolonged period of dormancy following 2012’s widely criticized Ninja Gaiden 3. While early feedback suggests a potentially enjoyable action experience, many players are experiencing a degree of nostalgia for previous entries, particularly Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.

The core combat system retains its signature intensity but appears to incorporate elements reminiscent of PlatinumGames’ stylistic approach – a direction that developers had previously indicated they would avoid. Several familiar features from Ninja Gaiden 2 Black have made a return, including the “Obliteration” finishing moves, which allow players to execute final attacks on enemies who have sustained significant damage. The game introduces new “instakill” maneuvers, accompanied by an animated visual display – albeit with some ambiguity regarding translated text. Notably, the developers have incorporated generous accessibility options, a welcome addition for a genre often characterized by limited customization beyond difficulty settings.

However, certain design choices are drawing criticism. Prolonged dialogue sequences featuring slow-paced character interactions and conversations with an anime companion disrupt the game’s momentum. The prevalence of yellow paint used to highlight interactive surfaces is also proving problematic, creating visual clutter that hinders navigation. Similarly, boss encounters incorporate attacks visually integrated with environmental elements, making them difficult to anticipate and avoid. Finally, initial impressions of the parrying system have been underwhelming compared to similar mechanics in other critically acclaimed action titles.