Very Positive(89%)
combat system
soundtrack
graphics
performance
new mechanics
difficulty
Yakumo
Yakumo focus
story development
technical issues
level design
Overall, the reviews indicate a strong appreciation for the fast-paced and fluid combat and the game's vibrant soundtrack that amplifies the action-packed gameplay. Many players express disappointment with the focus on a new protagonist, Yakumo, over the iconic Ryu Hayabusa, who receives only limited gameplay chapters. The mixed reception to some new gameplay mechanics reflects a noticeable shift in the series' core gameplay, leaving veteran fans divided. While technical performance is generally praised, some players experienced resolution and optimization issues, especially affecting those on ultrawide monitors or with 50-series Nvidia GPUs. Despite these flaws, Ninja Gaiden 4 is viewed as a worthy addition to the series, with calls for more content and future improvements.
Positive Points
Many reviewers praised the fluid and fast-paced combat system, describing it as exciting, satisfying, and a blend of the best elements from previous Ninja Gaiden games combined with Platinum's signature style.The game is often compared favorably to other iconic action games like Devil May Cry and Metal Gear Rising, appreciating the high-energy, stylish combat and deep mechanics that reward skill and creativity.Graphics and performance received positive feedback, with many noting that the game runs smoothly on a variety of systems and the visuals, especially during combat, are appealing.The soundtrack, particularly the vocal tracks by Victor Borba, was frequently highlighted as a standout feature, enhancing the game's atmosphere and intensity.Negative Points
There is significant disappointment over the focus on Yakumo as the main character, with many players preferring more content centered around Ryu Hayabusa, the traditional series protagonist.Story and character development were often criticized as weak or underwhelming, contributing little to the overall experience and featuring dialogue that was seen as cliched or uninspired.Some players experienced technical issues such as crashes, poor optimization on certain systems, and problematic resolution settings, particularly for those using ultrawide monitors or 50-series Nvidia GPUs.Level design and environmental variety were pointed out as repetitive and lacking depth, which could make extended play sessions feel monotonous.Mixed Points
The new combat mechanics, such as Bloodbind and the increased emphasis on parrying and perfect dodging, were seen as fresh by some but a step away from traditional Ninja Gaiden mechanics by others, leading to divided opinions.The game's difficulty was described as both a challenge and a point of frustration, with the Master Ninja mode being particularly criticized for its high damage scaling rather than relying on enemy aggression and placement for challenge.Common Themes
Comparison to other action games, especially Devil May Cry and Metal Gear Rising, is a running theme, with most players agreeing that Ninja Gaiden 4 fits well within the genre while bringing its own unique elements.Many reviews mention the initial disappointment with Yakumo as the protagonist but note that his combat style eventually grows on them, leading to a mostly positive view of his playstyle despite preferences for more Ryu content.The soundtrack often comes up in reviews, especially the metal and vocal tracks, which players feel significantly enhance the game's combat experience.Updated 2/27/2026, 12:01:35 AM UTC