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 declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja," culminating in the surprise reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black during the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. This marks a significant return for the franchise, thirteen years after Ninja Gaiden 3.

Developed collaboratively by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a new protagonist: Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving to become a Master Ninja.

Art Director Tomoko Nishii (PlatinumGames) describes Yakumo as a character designed to stand alongside Ryu Hayabusa, while Producer and Director Yuji Nakao (PlatinumGames) explains the decision to introduce a new hero to broaden the series' appeal while retaining Ryu Hayabusa as a pivotal figure in the story. Ryu remains playable, ensuring longtime fans won't be disappointed.

The game boasts fast-paced, brutal combat, characteristic of the series, with the addition of the new "Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style" for Yakumo, complementing his Raven Style. Team Ninja Director Masazaku Hirayama assures fans the action remains true to the franchise's core while incorporating PlatinumGames' signature speed and dynamism. The game is currently 70-80% complete and in the polishing phase.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated for a Fall 2025 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, launching day one on Xbox Game Pass.

Meanwhile, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 title, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, also included with Xbox Game Pass. This updated version features additional playable characters from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, offering a satisfying experience for both veterans and newcomers.

This collaborative effort between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames promises a thrilling return to the Ninja Gaiden universe, blending classic gameplay with modern enhancements. The future is looking bright for fans of fast-paced, challenging action games.