For over two decades, Ryu Hayabusa has been the undisputed face of Ninja Gaiden, setting the gold standard for razor-sharp, skill-based combat. But in 2025, a new shadow rises. Ninja Gaiden 4 breaks tradition by introducing a dual protagonist system, pairing the legendary Super Ninja with a mysterious new rival — Yakumo of the Raven Clan.
This isn’t just a sidekick situation; it’s a complete evolution of the franchise’s DNA. Whether you’re wondering if Ryu’s being sidelined or curious about how these two warriors differ, this guide breaks down everything we know so far — their roles, abilities, and how this new structure could redefine the future of Ninja Gaiden.
📜 The New Era: Introducing the Dual Protagonists
For the first time in series history, Ninja Gaiden 4 gives players two equally important heroes. It’s a bold move that mirrors the game’s larger theme — tradition versus transformation.
Yakumo: The Raven Clan’s Prodigy
Yakumo is a completely new face in the franchise — a young prodigy from the rival Raven Clan. Art Director Tomoko Nishii describes him as “high-speed, slender, and technical,” with a raven motif designed to contrast Ryu’s falcon theme.
His mission? To hunt the Dragon Priestess Seori and end the cursed Dark Dragon bloodline once and for all — a path that inevitably pits him against Ryu and the Hayabusa Clan.
Ryu Hayabusa: The Legend Returns
The legendary “Super Ninja” is back in all his glory. While Ninja Gaiden 4 centers on Yakumo’s perspective, Ryu remains pivotal to both story and gameplay. He serves as both a mentor and a test — the ultimate challenge Yakumo must face to truly grow.
Ryu’s visual design has also evolved: more weathered, battle-scarred, and powerful than ever, representing his decades of experience as gaming’s most formidable ninja.
⚔️ Clash of Blades: Comparing Playstyles and Abilities
While both characters share the fluid DNA of Ninja Gaiden’s legendary combat, their fighting philosophies couldn’t be more different.
| Feature | Yakumo | Ryu Hayabusa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Playstyle | Fast, technical, combo-oriented | Balanced, powerful, classic “Super Ninja” feel |
| Signature Ability | Bloodraven Form – harnesses blood to create shape-shifting weapons and AoE attacks | Gleam Form – enables high-speed, multi-hit slashes reminiscent of ultimate techniques |
| Key Tools | Caddis Wire (grappling hook) for mobility & traversal | Ninpo Magic (e.g., Art of the Inferno) and a refined traditional arsenal |
| Character Fantasy | The agile newcomer rising through adversity | The seasoned master who’s seen it all |
🧩 How the Game Balances Two Ninjas
Balancing two protagonists in one campaign isn’t easy — but Ninja Gaiden 4 appears to pull it off through smart structure and narrative integration.
Narrative Integration
The story revolves around Yakumo’s mission, but Ryu plays a crucial role as both rival and mentor. Early previews reveal that Ryu even serves as a temporary antagonist, creating a memorable face-off before players can control him later in the story.
Gameplay Segmentation & Shared Systems
Each hero gets their own set of environments and missions.
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Yakumo’s Chapters: Feature Tokyo’s cyberpunk-inspired districts, blending high-speed traversal and experimental combat mechanics.
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Ryu’s Chapters: Channel the classic Ninja Gaiden atmosphere — dark temples, cursed shrines, and old-school boss encounters.
Both characters share progression systems, but with unique vendors:
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Yakumo upgrades via DarkNest Terminals
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Ryu sticks to the iconic Muramasa’s Shop
💡 What This Means for Players
This dual protagonist setup isn’t just a narrative gimmick — it’s a meaningful evolution that broadens the game’s appeal across all audiences.
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For Newcomers: Yakumo acts as a soft on-ramp. His journey mirrors the player’s learning curve, making Ninja Gaiden 4 more accessible without watering down the challenge.
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For Veterans: Ryu’s return guarantees that the series’ brutal precision and mastery-driven gameplay stay intact. He’s the nostalgic yet evolved power fantasy longtime fans crave.
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For Completionists: Two full combat styles mean double the replay value. Mastering both ninjas will be key to unlocking the game’s toughest endgame modes.
🏁 Conclusion: Two Blades, One Destiny
Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t replace Ryu Hayabusa — it expands his legacy. The addition of Yakumo introduces new themes, mechanics, and emotional layers that make this the most ambitious entry in the franchise’s history.
It’s a thoughtful evolution: Ryu embodies the past, while Yakumo represents the future. Together, they forge a game that honors what came before while carving a path forward for the next generation of ninjas.
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