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Ninja Gaiden 4

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ninja Gaiden 4
Item: Ninja Gaiden 4
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player

AvailableOct 21, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperTeam Ninja

Overview

The definitive ninja action-adventure franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in a high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, which critics initially praise for its fresh narrative potential and engaging dynamics with Ryu Hayabusa. However, the overall execution falters, with many reviews deeming the story shallow, predictable, and lacking in character depth. Critics highlight a forgettable plot primarily serving as a backdrop for action, with unmemorable characters and illogical decisions. While there are visually engaging elements, the narrative fails to resonate, leading to a mixed reception focused on the need for stronger storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Ninja Gaiden 4 has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its fresh approach through the introduction of a new protagonist, Yakumo. Critics like Shacknews and Final Weapon highlight the narrative's potential, noting that Yakumo's journey intertwines with Ryu Hayabusa, creating a compelling dynamic that adds depth to the overarching plot. Additionally, some reviewers, such as IGN France, appreciate the themes of ideological conflict and generational change, suggesting that these elements provide a layer of interest, even if the execution falls short. Cinematic scenes and unexpected locations, as mentioned by Saudi Gamer, also contribute to a unique character for the narrative, making it visually engaging. However, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the negative when it comes to the story's depth and character development. Many reviews, including those from Game8, PlayStation Universe, and Restart.run, criticize the narrative for being shallow, predictable, and lacking emotional resonance. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Gamepressure point out that while the story serves as a backdrop for action, it often feels underdeveloped and fails to engage players meaningfully. The characterization of Yakumo and the supporting cast has been described as flat and unmemorable, with several reviewers noting illogical decisions made by the protagonist that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the critics reach a consensus that while Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a fresh narrative perspective with its new protagonist, the execution of the story leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and PC Gamer, emphasize that the narrative struggles with pacing and depth, rendering it forgettable despite its intriguing premise. The story is viewed primarily as a vehicle for combat rather than a compelling narrative experience, leading to a mixed reception that highlights the need for more robust character development and a more engaging plot.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4 impresses with its thrilling, skill-intensive combat and deep mechanics, earning praise for player agency and diverse abilities. Critics enjoy its slick controls and engaging gameplay, though some note issues like automated elements and overwhelming enemy numbers that can disrupt flow. While there are concerns about repetitiveness and pacing, the game successfully blends nostalgia with modern enhancements, making it a strong addition to the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 4 has garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, with many praising its thrilling and challenging combat mechanics. Reviewers from Checkpoint Gaming and Game8 highlighted the fast-paced, skill-intensive nature of the gameplay, which allows for a high level of player agency and creative expression through a diverse arsenal of weapons and abilities. Critics like Shacknews and IGN emphasized the depth of the combat system, noting the incorporation of new mechanics such as Yakumo's Bloodbind Ninjutsu and the Bloodraven Form, which enhance both strategy and engagement during battles. The overall consensus is that the game successfully maintains the franchise's legacy of intense action, with slick controls and a rewarding combat experience that keeps players invested. However, some critics expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the gameplay that detracted from the overall experience. Gamepressure mentioned the presence of automated elements that can slow down the pace, leading to mixed feelings about the execution of combat. Additionally, PlayStation Universe pointed out issues with overwhelming enemy numbers and visual clutter, which can obscure the action and detract from the rewarding challenge expected from the franchise. Critics like Stevivor also noted that while the gameplay is stylish, it can become repetitive and overly long, suggesting that some encounters may lack the freshness that players desire. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience. Most critics, including GameSpot and Final Weapon, celebrated the fluid and responsive combat, with many noting that the game effectively balances complexity and accessibility. While some reviewers pointed out potential areas for improvement, such as the pacing and occasional repetitiveness, the majority agree that the game successfully captures the essence of the Ninja Gaiden series while introducing modern enhancements. This blend of nostalgia and innovation has resonated well with players, making Ninja Gaiden 4 a commendable addition to the franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4's graphics are praised for their striking visuals and immersive cyberpunk aesthetic, but critics also highlight major flaws like monotonous environments and uninspired level design. While the game showcases technical excellence, it lacks the environmental diversity and inspiration expected from the franchise, ultimately leading to a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Ninja Gaiden 4 have received a largely positive reception from critics, particularly regarding the game's aesthetic and technical execution. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and PlayStation LifeStyle praised the game for its moody cyberpunk world, highlighting the striking visuals, beautiful lighting, and detailed environments that enhance the overall gameplay experience. GameSpew noted the slick visuals and the availability of different performance modes, ensuring a visually appealing experience without performance issues. Additionally, critics such as GamesRadar+ and IGN France emphasized the game's gorgeous visuals and impressive character designs, which contribute to an immersive atmosphere that resonates with the franchise's roots. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks in the visual design. Gamepressure and Push Square criticized the artistic choices for being monotonous and lacking variety, with environments that often blend into a visually repetitive experience. Restart.run and Saudi Gamer echoed these sentiments, noting that while the technical quality is acceptable, the fragmented and dark world design detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, IGN's review pointed to uninspired level designs, with bland rooftops and corridors that fail to captivate players. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in certain areas, it suffers from a lack of environmental diversity and inspiration. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment towards Ninja Gaiden 4's graphics and visual design. While many reviewers, such as But Why Tho? and Shacknews, commend the game for its stunning visuals and artistic direction, others like Gamekult and GamingBolt feel that the visual presentation lacks ambition and inspiration. The game is described as having a captivating aesthetic, yet it is marred by repetitive environments and a cluttered HUD, as noted by PlayStation Universe. This dichotomy suggests that while Ninja Gaiden 4 offers a visually rich experience, it ultimately falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessors due to its repetitiveness and lack of variety.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4's sound design and music are praised for enhancing gameplay, especially during boss fights with a dynamic mix of synth and traditional Japanese elements. Critics highlight its diverse soundtrack—combining orchestral, EDM, and metal—but voice acting and some musical inconsistencies detract from the experience. Overall, the game shows strong potential in audio but needs refinement in execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Ninja Gaiden 4 have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting the game's robust auditory experience. Checkpoint Gaming notes the soundtrack's blend of synth and traditional Japanese elements, which significantly enhances the atmosphere, particularly during boss fights, where electric guitar backing adds intensity. Final Weapon echoes this sentiment, describing the music as diverse and engaging, with orchestral, EDM, and metal tracks that elevate the gameplay experience. Additionally, IGN emphasizes the adrenaline-pumping soundtracks during boss encounters, while Saudi Gamer points out that the music plays a crucial role in giving the game its identity, enhancing the overall experience. However, the reviews also reveal notable shortcomings, particularly in the realm of voice acting and some aspects of the music. Game8 mentions that while the audio design is strong, the voice acting lacks the necessary delivery and tone, which is further supported by PlayStation Universe's criticism of Yakumo's forced and personality-lacking performance. GameSpew adds that the dialogue and character interactions can come off as cringey, making it difficult for players to connect with the characters. Critics like Shacknews and Combo Infinito also express concerns about the inconsistency of the music, with Shacknews noting that some tracks fail to maintain the expected energy throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Ninja Gaiden 4 excels in certain areas of sound design and music, particularly during high-stakes moments like boss fights, it falls short in delivering a consistently engaging auditory experience. The soundtrack is generally praised for its diversity and ability to enhance gameplay, yet criticisms about voice acting and some musical inconsistencies indicate that the game's overall presentation could benefit from further refinement. The mixed feedback highlights a game that has strong foundations in sound but struggles with execution in specific areas, as noted by multiple critics across various platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4's voice acting receives mixed reviews—some characters shine, like Seori, but many critics slam the overall quality for poor delivery and lackluster engagement. While a few performances aid character development, the consensus is that most fail to immerse players, leaving them disappointed with the narrative's emotional depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Ninja Gaiden 4 has garnered a mixed reception among critics, with some positive notes emerging from the feedback. Notably, Final Weapon praised the English voice cast for effectively bringing characters to life, highlighting Seori's voice actor for capturing her complexity. Similarly, Gamer.no described the voice acting as "good enough" to drive the story and character progression forward, suggesting that while it may not be groundbreaking, it serves its purpose in advancing the narrative. These positive remarks indicate that there are moments where the voice acting resonates well, particularly in character development and engagement. However, the majority of critics have expressed significant concerns regarding the voice acting quality. Game8 pointed out that it is a weak point, particularly due to the delivery and tone of certain characters. GameSpew echoed this sentiment, describing the protagonist and his team's dialogue as abrasive and unengaging. PlayStation Universe criticized Yakumo's voice acting for its "early 2000s edge lord style," noting a deep and monotone delivery that detracts from immersion. Push Square added that the voice acting comes off as cheesy, failing to enhance the story. IGN further criticized Yakumo's limited communication, reducing him to a one-dimensional character through grunts and growls. This collective feedback paints a picture of dissatisfaction with the overall quality and engagement of the voice performances. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a negative perception of the voice acting in Ninja Gaiden 4. While there are commendable performances that contribute positively to character depth, such as those highlighted by Final Weapon, the overwhelming feedback suggests that many characters suffer from poor delivery and lack of personality. Critics like Game8, GameSpew, and PlayStation Universe have pointed out specific weaknesses that hinder immersion and emotional engagement. As a result, it appears that while there are redeeming qualities, the voice acting ultimately falls short of expectations, leaving a significant portion of the audience wanting more in terms of character portrayal and narrative enhancement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4's technical performance on PS5 impresses with smooth gameplay and a solid 120 FPS mode, but suffers from glitches, camera issues, and long loading times during boss fights. The PC version also runs well on high settings but has minor optimization flaws. Overall, it's a strong game, but not without notable bugs and inconsistencies that need fixing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Ninja Gaiden 4 has generally been well-received, particularly on the PlayStation 5. Critics such as Game8 and GameSpew praised the game for its smooth gameplay experience and solid performance across various modes. PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted the impressive 120 FPS mode and various performance options, indicating a strong technical execution. Restart.run also noted that the game maintains a locked frame rate and resolution on the PlayStation 5 Pro, further emphasizing the platform's capabilities. Overall, the PS5 version is regarded as offering a robust gaming experience with minimal issues. However, there are some notable criticisms regarding the technical performance on the PS5. Shacknews pointed out the presence of technical issues, such as visual glitches and instances of players getting stuck in walls, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, Slant Magazine raised concerns about the camera and lock-on mechanics, especially in crowded battle arenas, which can hinder gameplay. Stevivor mentioned long loading times during difficult boss fights, which can disrupt the flow of the game. These criticisms suggest that while the PS5 version is largely solid, it is not without its flaws. On the PC front, the consensus is similarly positive, with several reviewers noting that the game runs smoothly on adequately powered systems. Critics like But Why Tho? and PC Gamer emphasized the game's flawless performance at high settings, while PCMag acknowledged good optimization with only minor frame dips. However, some reviews, such as those from SpazioGames and GamingBolt, pointed out limitations, including DLSS options and texture issues, which could affect the overall experience. The overall sentiment from critics across both platforms suggests that Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers a commendable technical performance, though it is marred by some inconsistencies and bugs that developers may need to address in future updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4 boasts strong replay value with mission replays, combat challenges, and a New Game+ mode, praised by many critics for its engaging content. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth could limit long-term appeal, leaving some players feeling one playthrough might suffice. It’s a hit for challenge-seekers but may disappoint those craving variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Ninja Gaiden 4 is predominantly positive, with many critics highlighting various features that enhance the game's replayability. Reviewers from Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews noted the significant replay value stemming from mission replays, combat challenges, and post-game content, including new difficulty levels and a New Game+ mode. Game8 and GameSpew echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the engaging main campaign length and the multiple playthrough options available, such as replaying chapters as Ryu. Additionally, the inclusion of exploration rewards and optional objectives, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle, further enriches the gameplay experience, encouraging players to return to the game for new challenges and abilities. However, some critics pointed out notable drawbacks that could hinder the game's long-term replayability. PlayStation Universe and PC Gamer expressed concerns about the lack of depth and engaging content, suggesting that while the game offers replay options, it may not be enough to keep players invested over time. Gamekult and Omelete also highlighted the repetitive nature of certain levels, which could lead to a sense of sameness that detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, Stevivor's observation that one playthrough might feel sufficient for some players suggests that the game may not appeal equally to all audiences, particularly those seeking a more varied experience. In conclusion, while there is a strong consensus among critics that Ninja Gaiden 4 offers substantial replay value through various modes, challenges, and character options, the game is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers, including Final Weapon and Eurogamer Germany, praised the depth of combat and the variety of challenges available, but concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of engaging content were also prevalent. Overall, the game's replayability appears to cater well to players who enjoy mastering combat systems and engaging in challenges, though it may fall short for those looking for a more diverse gameplay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Ninja Gaiden 4 is largely positive, with many critics praising its return to form for the franchise. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Game8 highlight the game's challenging combat and engaging gameplay, emphasizing its successful revival of the series. The visuals receive commendations as well, with GameSpew noting that the game stands out as possibly the best in the series yet. Critics such as Shacknews and Final Weapon laud the game for its thrilling action, strong new protagonist, and nostalgic elements that resonate with both veterans and newcomers. The balance of traditional gameplay with modern enhancements is also a recurring theme, as seen in reviews from IGN France and Eurogamer Germany, which appreciate the deep and engaging combat experience. However, despite the many strengths, Ninja Gaiden 4 is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and PC Gamer, express concerns about the game's narrative depth and character development, suggesting that it lacks the refinement expected by long-time fans. The pacing and story issues are also pointed out by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Restart.run, who feel that these elements detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some critics note that the new protagonist may not resonate with all fans, as highlighted by GameSpew. The game is described by Gamekult as having potential but ultimately falling short of fully realizing the franchise's legacy, suggesting that design flaws hinder its success. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden 4 is a solid entry in the series that successfully combines engaging combat with nostalgic elements, yet it struggles with narrative and pacing issues. While many reviewers, such as PlayStation LifeStyle and GamingBolt, regard it as a must-play for fans of the genre, others like PCMag and Gamepressure caution that it may not meet the expectations of those seeking a deeper story or varied gameplay. The game captures the essence of its predecessors while introducing new elements, making it appealing to a specific audience, but it ultimately leaves some feeling that it could have been more.

TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden 4 returns to form with thrilling combat and stunning visuals, praised by critics for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic elements. However, it stumbles in narrative depth and pacing, leaving some fans wanting more. While it's a must-play for action enthusiasts, those seeking a richer story may find it lacking. Overall, a solid entry that captivates some but falls short of fully realizing the franchise's legacy.

MONSTER

Reviews

107 reviews found

100

Final Weapon

Oct 20, 2025