Ninja Gaiden 4 Was the Surprise Reveal at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action Announced at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Team Ninja's surprise announcement at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 sent shockwaves through the gaming community: Ninja Gaiden 4 and a remake, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, are coming! This marks a significant return for the iconic franchise, celebrating Team Ninja's 30th anniversary and declaring 2025 "The Year of the Ninja." Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja and producer of Ninja Gaiden 4, expressed excitement for the series' evolution.

Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a direct sequel to Ninja Gaiden 3, arriving 13 years later. Expect the series' signature blend of brutally challenging yet immensely rewarding gameplay. The Xbox showcase is fitting, given Microsoft's long-standing partnership with Team Ninja, notably through the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden 2 (Xbox 360) releases.

A New Ninja Takes Center Stage

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving for mastery. PlatinumGames' Art Director, Tomoko Nishii, describes Yakumo as a character designed to stand alongside Ryu Hayabusa, the epitome of a ninja. Yuji Nakao, Producer and Director at PlatinumGames, explains the reasoning behind the new protagonist: "A new hero makes the series more accessible to newcomers, while Ryu Hayabusa remains a crucial part of the story, posing a significant challenge and growth opportunity for Yakumo." Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa will be playable, his legendary skills remaining a cornerstone of the game.

Revamped Combat: Speed and Brutality

Prepare for breakneck-speed combat, retaining the brutal intensity of previous installments. Yakumo boasts two distinct fighting styles: Raven Style and the new Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Masazaku Hirayama, Team Ninja Director, assures fans that while different from Ryu's style, these new styles maintain the core Ninja Gaiden feel. Nakao emphasizes the game's commitment to the series' signature challenge, infused with PlatinumGames' signature speed and dynamism.

Development is reportedly 70-80% complete, with the team currently focusing on polishing. Further details are promised soon. Yasuda highlights the game's core action focus and promises hands-on opportunities for fans.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Release Date and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Now Available

Ninja Gaiden 4 launches Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title.

Meanwhile, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and is included with Xbox Game Pass. This remake features additional playable characters from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2: Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel. Yasuda explains the remake's origins, stating it was a response to fan demand following the release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection in 2021. He assures fans this version is designed to satisfy both veterans and newcomers.