After more than a decade of silence, Ryu Hayabusa is finally back—and fans have one burning question: was it worth the wait? Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the long-anticipated revival of one of gaming’s most iconic action franchises, uniting Team Ninja and PlatinumGames in a dream collaboration that promised to redefine fast-paced combat. Now that reviews are in, the verdict is clear: this isn’t just a nostalgic comeback—it’s a bold new era for the series.
We’ve rounded up critical reactions from top gaming outlets to bring you the definitive look at what works, what doesn’t, and who this game is truly for.
The Critical Verdict: By the Numbers
Ninja Gaiden 4 currently boasts an impressive Metascore of 83 based on 39 critic reviews, landing firmly in the “Generally Favorable” range. Meanwhile, OpenCritic reports that 88% of critics recommend it—a strong indicator that while not flawless, the game delivers where it matters most: brutal, fluid, and deeply satisfying combat.
Most outlets settled in the 8/10 range, with a handful giving perfect scores. The message? Ninja Gaiden 4 nails the essence of what made the series great, even if a few elements lag behind.
What Critics Are Loving: The Triumphant Return of Pure Action
Combat Excellence: The New Gold Standard
GamesRadar+ awarded a 10/10, calling it “a genre triumph” and praising how “action doesn’t get much better than this.”
Key highlights include:
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The PlatinumGames Partnership Delivers: IGN praised the blend of Team Ninja’s tactical precision with PlatinumGames’ chaotic flair, calling it “the best of both worlds.”
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Relentless Enemy AI: Critics love the “ruthless” enemy design that forces players to think fast and adapt constantly.
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New Mechanics Shine: The Bloodraven Form and Berserk Meter add depth and spectacle, allowing for devastating combos and cinematic finishers that feel endlessly rewarding.
Accessibility Without Compromise
Reviewers also applauded how the game balances its brutal legacy with modern accessibility.
The tiered difficulty system, including Hero Mode and optional assists, opens the door for newcomers while keeping veterans satisfied. Dexerto’s review called it “the perfect sweet spot between accessibility and challenge.”
Where Critics Say It Falls Short
Storytelling & Character Depth
The most frequent criticism? The story.
IGN described new protagonist Yakumo as a “lame edgelord” whose emotional depth doesn’t match his combat prowess. Even returning hero Ryu Hayabusa feels underused in sections that some called “missed opportunities.”
Most agreed that while the plot is serviceable, it’s predictable and lacks the intensity found in its combat.
Level Design & Pacing Issues
Several reviewers felt that level design occasionally dips below the game’s high standards. Recycled environments and overly linear sections made some chapters feel repetitive.
PC Gamer’s 69/100 pointed out that “modern design tropes clutter the elegant simplicity” that once defined the franchise.
The Consensus: Who Should Play Ninja Gaiden 4?
Play Ninja Gaiden 4 if you:
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Love games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta
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Crave deep, technical combat with high replay value
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Want the thrill of mastering a brutal but fair challenge
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Appreciate accessibility options without losing core difficulty
Maybe skip (or wait for a sale) if you:
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Value strong storytelling and character arcs
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Prefer exploration-heavy gameplay
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Struggle with high-difficulty action games
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Expected a complete franchise reinvention
Final Critical Assessment
At the end of the day, Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers exactly what its fans hoped for: blisteringly fast combat, punishing difficulty, and unmatched technical precision.
VGC summed it up best with their 8/10 review, calling it “a balls-to-the-wall action game with a relentless pace that fans will adore.”
While the story and pacing hold it back from perfection, few can deny that Team Ninja and PlatinumGames have reignited a classic franchise with fresh energy and style.
As GameSpot wrote, “It’s a brutal menagerie of blood, blades, and beauty—everything Ninja Gaiden was always meant to be.”
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