Ninja Gaiden 4

The story of Ninja Gaiden 4 receives some positive attention from critics, particularly for its engaging setting and the introduction of a new protagonist, Yakumo, which offers a fresh perspective within the series. Some reviewers, like TrueGaming, highlight that the narrative is exciting and avoids cringe moments, blending traditional ninja elements with modern technology in a future Tokyo plagued by supernatural phenomena. GamesRadar+ notes that the story shifts perspectives and motivations, providing a compelling narrative that keeps players interested. Additionally, Final Weapon praises the game for its dual protagonists, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa, and appreciates the unexpected twists and emotional core, especially with the character Seori. These positive remarks suggest that while the story may not be groundbreaking, it is at least functional and has moments that resonate with players. However, the majority of critics find the story to be lacking in depth, character development, and emotional resonance. PC Games and 4P.de both describe the plot as simple, shallow, and unengaging, with uninteresting characters and predictable arcs. Restart.run and GamingTrend criticize the narrative for being sparse and underbaked, with motivations that feel unearned. Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Portugal point out that the story is disjointed and fails to deliver a compelling dramatic tone, while Game8 and GameSpew mention plot holes and a lack of memorable climax. Player 2 and Vgames also highlight the weak emotional engagement and the protagonist's emotionless nature, suggesting that the story is more of a vehicle for action than a meaningful experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden 4's story is a secondary element, serving primarily as a backdrop for the game's intense combat and fast-paced action. While some praise its setting and occasional twists, most agree that it lacks the mythic scope and emotional depth of previous entries in the series. IGN Italia and Eurogamer Germany note that the narrative is not the main draw, and GameSpot calls it forgettable despite its basic structure. However, Final Weapon and TrueGaming stand out as exceptions, offering more favorable assessments of the story's engagement and emotional core. This mixed reception suggests that while the game's narrative may not be its strongest point, it still manages to provide a functional and, at times, enjoyable experience for fans of the genre.

The gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 4 is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid, and skill-intensive action, with many critics highlighting its evolution of the series’ core mechanics. IGN Deutschland and Games.cz commended the combat’s emphasis on timing, strategy, and agility, likening it to the "visceral" and "demanding" style of Ninja Gaiden 2. Dexerto and GamingBolt noted the game’s accessibility for newcomers while maintaining a high skill ceiling, with features like weapon variety, Bloodraven Form, and dynamic combos offering depth and flexibility. Critics such as Worth Playing and VideoGamer emphasized the rewarding nature of aggressive play, with systems like Bloodraven Mode and Obliteration attacks adding layers of complexity. The game’s responsiveness, precise controls, and modernized mechanics—such as target locking and dismemberment—were frequently lauded, with Gaming Age and Creative Bloq describing it as a "thrilling" and "satisfying" experience that balances accessibility with challenge. Many reviewers, including IGN France and SECTOR.sk, praised its return to the series’ roots, blending classic techniques with fresh innovations to create a combat system that feels both nostalgic and evolved. However, several critics pointed to flaws that detract from the experience. ComicBook and Stevivor criticized the repetition and limited enemy variety, noting that the gameplay can become "dull" or "tiresome" over time. PlayStation Universe and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted issues with visual clutter and overwhelming enemy numbers, which they felt diluted the challenge and immersion. IGN Deutschland and PC Gamer expressed concerns about the combat being overly reactive or "overcomplicated," with the latter suggesting that added mechanics sometimes hindered the flow. The Outerhaven and Hobby Consolas mentioned camera issues and rigid platforming as persistent drawbacks, while Jeuxvideo.com and Gameliner noted that the steep learning curve and repetitive encounters could frustrate players. Additionally, Vandal and Gameliner pointed to the game’s focus on tactical combat, which, while rewarding, might feel inaccessible to those seeking a more straightforward experience. These critiques often centered on specific elements rather than the overall gameplay, but they underscored areas where the title fell short of expectations. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers consensus that Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers a strong and engaging gameplay experience. While some highlighted minor issues like repetition or complexity, the overwhelming sentiment was that the game successfully modernizes the franchise’s legacy. Dexerto and GamingBolt praised its balance of accessibility and depth, while Gameliner and TechRadar Gaming emphasized its rewarding challenge and satisfying combat loops. Even critics who noted flaws, such as IGN Deutschland and PC Gamer, acknowledged the game’s technical polish and strategic layers. The inclusion of new mechanics like Bloodraven Form and Bloodbind Ninjutsu, alongside classic elements, was seen as a triumph by many, with Worth Playing and Creative Bloq celebrating the blend of aggression and precision. While not without its shortcomings, Ninja Gaiden 4 was broadly recognized as a standout entry in the series, with its gameplay offering a thrilling, skill-based experience that appeals to both veterans and newcomers.

The reviews for Ninja Gaiden 4’s graphics and visual design highlight several positive aspects, particularly its atmospheric and stylistic choices. Critics like IGN France praised the game’s art direction for its dark, edgy aesthetics and impressive boss designs, which evoke the franchise’s roots without relying on nostalgia. The Games Machine and Areajugones celebrated the game’s transformation of Tokyo into a "dark, atmospheric setting" with "fluid animations" reminiscent of anime, while VideoGamer and GamesRadar+ highlighted the neon-soaked environments and varied Tokyo districts that enhance immersion. ElDesmarque and Generación Xbox noted a "generational leap" in visual design, with vibrant environments, improved lighting, and a blend of traditional and futuristic elements. These critiques underscore the game’s strong artistic vision and technical execution in creating a cohesive, immersive cyberpunk world. However, several critics criticized the game’s visuals for repetition, lack of variety, and technical shortcomings. Eurogamer Portugal and Gamepressure described environments as monotonous, with "large and empty" spaces and "frequent resolution drops," while IGN Deutschland and GamePro Germany lamented the repetitive level design, noting "bland rooftops and corridors" that detract from the experience. MeuPlayStation and Merlin'in Kazanı pointed to technical issues like "washed-out textures" and "low-quality textures," and Jeuxvideo.com and IGN emphasized inconsistent character models and effects. DBLTAP and Restart.run also noted that some levels felt "boring" and "familiar," with a lack of distinctiveness. These critiques suggest that while the game’s visual style is ambitious, its execution often falls short in terms of variety and technical polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with praise for the game’s artistic direction and atmospheric design balanced by criticism of its repetitive environments and technical limitations. While MGG and Meristation acknowledged the game’s "well-optimized" visuals and "stylish" cyberpunk aesthetic, many felt it lacked the ambition of earlier entries. GamesRadar+ and TheXboxHub highlighted the "gorgeous visuals" and "smooth animations," but Eurogamer Germany and PC Gamer noted that the game "lacks the ambitious design seen in earlier titles." Despite these criticisms, the game’s visual identity—particularly its cyberpunk Tokyo setting—remains a standout feature, with TrueGaming and Checkpoint Gaming praising its "stunning" combat animations and "magnetic" world. Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 4 is seen as a visually ambitious title that succeeds in tone and style but struggles to maintain consistency and variety across its environments.

The overall sentiment toward the sound design and music of Ninja Gaiden 4 is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the energetic and immersive nature of the soundtrack. Several reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming, praised the robust mix of synth and traditional Japanese elements, noting that it enhances the atmosphere, especially during boss fights with electric guitar backing. GamePro Germany described the soundtrack as "treibend" (driving) and said it "untermalt das Gameplay hervorragend" (complements the gameplay excellently), while Final Weapon and PCGamesN emphasized the diversity of the music, blending metalcore, electronica, and traditional sounds to create an exciting and dynamic experience. Gaming Nexus and MGG also commended the heavy metal tracks during boss battles, which contribute significantly to the game's intensity and atmosphere. TheXboxHub and TechRadar Gaming noted that the sound design is well-executed and enhances the combat experience, making it a strong component of the game's presentation. However, some critics pointed out inconsistencies and a lack of memorability in the soundtrack. Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Japan both mentioned that the music is variable, with some tracks being enjoyable while others are forgettable, leading to an overall inconsistent audio experience. PlayUA noted that the soundtrack does not consistently match the intensity of boss encounters, creating mixed impressions. Vgames and Meristation criticized the music for lacking the iconic and memorable qualities of previous Ninja Gaiden titles, while Combo Infinito and Noisy Pixel found the music to be effective but not particularly distinctive. Additionally, TheOuterhaven and XboxEra pointed out that while the music is diverse and fits the game's mood, it can sometimes overshadow other elements, and Vandal noted that the soundtrack is decent but lacks an epic quality, failing to leave a lasting impression. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that the sound design and music of Ninja Gaiden 4 are strong and contribute positively to the gameplay experience, especially in high-intensity moments like boss fights. While some critics found the music to be underwhelming or inconsistent, the majority praised its energy, variety, and ability to enhance the action. Game8 and GamingBolt acknowledged the effective sound effects and music, even if they were not groundbreaking. Cultura Geek recommended using quality headphones to fully appreciate the sound design, and Omelete highlighted the distinct character-specific music as a positive aspect. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a fitting and effective complement to the game's fast-paced combat, even if it doesn't reach the legendary status of its predecessors.

The voice acting in Ninja Gaiden 4 receives mixed but notable praise, particularly for its technical execution and specific character performances. Critics like Final Weapon and Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey) highlight the English voice cast as a standout, with Final Weapon specifically commending the actor for Seori, who "captures the character's complexity," and Merlin'in Kazanı noting that Yakumo's "cold demeanor" and Seori/Misaki's "lighter touch" add depth. IGN Italia and XboxEra also acknowledge the high quality of both English and Japanese voice acting, with the latter praising Yakumo's performance as "particularly well-received" and the supporting cast for enhancing the narrative. Noisy Pixel and ZTGD describe the voice acting as "satisfactory" and "decent," respectively, while MondoXbox appreciates the full Italian text localization, which "adds to the immersion." These positive remarks often center on the technical proficiency and the ability of certain characters to convey their personalities effectively, even if the overall experience is not universally lauded. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings, particularly in the delivery and emotional range of key characters. Game8 and The Outerhaven criticize the voice acting as a "weak point," with The Outerhaven specifically calling Yakumo's performance "particularly poor" for lacking "necessary emotion and impact." PlayStation Universe and GameSpew describe Yakumo's voice as "monotone" and "abrasive," respectively, while IGN notes his dialogue is limited to "grunts and growls," making him "one-dimensional." PLAY! Zine and Vandal raise concerns about the difficulty of following Japanese voices and subtitles, and Gamer.no and PCGamesN find the voice acting "functional but lacking depth," with the protagonist's "stoic and uncharismatic" tone. Push Square and Critical Hits also note that the voice acting feels "cheesy" or "campy," which, while fitting the game's tone, fails to elevate the narrative. These critiques often focus on the lack of nuance and the limitations of the protagonist's portrayal. The overall consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden 4’s voice acting is a polarizing element, with strong performances for some characters and languages but significant flaws in others. While IGN Italia and XboxEra praise the high quality of both English and Japanese voice work, Game8 and The Outerhaven argue that Yakumo’s delivery undermines immersion. The infrequency of character interactions, as noted by GamersRD, and the lack of subtitles in certain languages (e.g., Critical Hits’ mention of Portuguese, Vandal’s request for Spanish) further dilute the experience. Yet, Merlin'in Kazanı and Final Weapon emphasize that the voice acting still contributes meaningfully to character development, and MondoXbox and Noisy Pixel find it "satisfactory" or "decent" overall. This duality suggests that while the voice acting is not a major strength, it is neither a deal-breaker, with its effectiveness hinging on individual character portrayals and language preferences.

The technical performance of Ninja Gaiden 4 is generally praised across all platforms, with many critics highlighting its stability and smooth gameplay. On the Xbox Series X, several reviewers, including IGN Benelux, Creative Bloq, MGG, and Generación Xbox, noted that the game runs at a consistent 60fps, with no major frame rate drops or performance issues during intense action sequences. XboxEra and TierraGamer also emphasized the game's smooth performance, quick load times, and stability on both the Series X and PC. On the PS5, TrueGaming and GamePro Germany praised the game's high frame rate and smooth operation, with the latter noting it runs smoothly at 50fps in 1080p. PC reviewers such as PCMag, PC Gamer, and IGN Japan highlighted excellent optimization, stable frame rates, and no major technical hiccups, even at high settings. Despite these positives, there are notable technical drawbacks reported across different platforms. On PS5, Stevivor and MeuPlayStation mentioned long loading times during boss fights and camera control issues in chaotic combat, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Shacknews also noted visual glitches and wall-sticking problems on the same platform. On PC, Oyungezer and SpazioGames criticized the outdated engine, inconsistent frame rates, and texture issues, while But Why Tho? warned that performance could suffer on lower-end GPUs. On Xbox Series X, Vandal pointed out that the technical performance is inconsistent, with slowdowns and frame rate issues, and Eurogamer Portugal noted resolution drops during fast-paced action. ComicBook also mentioned that the targeting system on Xbox could feel finicky, affecting the overall experience. Overall, the critics seem to agree that Ninja Gaiden 4 is well-optimized and runs smoothly on most platforms, especially the Xbox Series X and PS5, where it maintains stable frame rates and minimal technical issues. However, PC users face some challenges due to the game's outdated engine and scalability limitations. While some reviewers, like Vandal and Oyungezer, expressed concerns about optimization, many others, such as IGN Italia, XboxEra, and Gameliner, praised the game's performance and technical reliability. The consensus is that the game delivers a solid and enjoyable experience, though it is not without its technical flaws, particularly on PC and in certain scenarios on consoles.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Ninja Gaiden 4 is mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers praise the game’s structured systems that encourage multiple playthroughs, such as varied difficulty levels, New Game+ modes, and challenge rooms. For instance, GameSpot and IGN France emphasize the post-game content, including combat trials, leaderboards, and the ability to replay chapters on higher difficulties, which cater to players seeking mastery. Jeuxvideo.com and Dexerto note the option to play as different characters, like Ryu Hayabusa, adding depth to the experience. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle and SpazioGames highlight exploration and optional objectives, while MGG and Cultura Geek point to the game’s accessibility features and skill-based progression. These elements suggest that the game’s design is intentionally built to reward dedicated players, particularly those who enjoy refining their combat techniques and competing for high scores. However, several critics express concerns about the repetitiveness and lack of long-term engagement. IGN Deutschland and The Games Machine argue that the game’s linear structure and repetitive enemy encounters may reduce its appeal for those seeking variety. PC Gamer and Game Informer criticize the "sameness" of levels and missions, while CGMagazine and PlayUA mention that the penalty for slow exploration and the limited scope of side content could deter players from revisiting. IGN Turkey and MeuPlayStation also note the short base campaign (15–20 hours) as a drawback, especially at its price point. Some reviewers, like This Is Game and But Why Tho?, point to the complexity of controls and the potential for easier modes to feel underwhelming, which might diminish the incentive to replay. These criticisms often center on the game’s design choices that prioritize challenge over innovation, leading to a sense of monotony over time. Despite these reservations, the overall consensus leans toward a moderate to high replay value, particularly for fans of the series or those drawn to its combat mechanics. While some critics, like IGN Japan and SECTOR.sk, highlight the game’s potential for multiple playthroughs and the satisfaction of mastering its systems, others, such as PlayStation Universe and Eurogamer Portugal, acknowledge that its depth and optional content may not resonate with all players. The game’s replayability is often framed as niche—appealing to those who enjoy high difficulty, skill progression, and challenge modes, but less so for those seeking open-ended exploration or narrative variety. Most reviews agree that Ninja Gaiden 4 offers enough mechanics and post-campaign content to justify revisiting, though its repetitive elements and linear structure create a divide in how effectively it sustains long-term interest. The balance of praise and criticism reflects a game that prioritizes challenge and mastery over innovation, making it a polarizing but potentially rewarding experience for its target audience.