NINJA GAIDEN 4: Slicing Through Demons and Expectations

A new protagonist, a familiar challenge, and a whole lot of slicing

Launch Day Larry

NINJA GAIDEN 4 has arrived, and it’s slicing its way through the gaming world with the precision of a katana wielded by a caffeine-fueled ninja. This latest installment in the storied series brings a mix of old-school charm and new-school mechanics, but does it live up to the legendary status of its predecessors? Let’s dive into the shadows and find out.

Gameplay: A Dance of Blades and Button Mashing

NINJA GAIDEN 4’s gameplay is a whirlwind of fast-paced action, where your reflexes are tested as much as your patience. The mechanics are as tight as a ninja’s grip on a shuriken, with controls that are responsive and intuitive. The combat system is a highlight, offering a dynamic experience with a variety of tools and skills at your disposal. You can wield both a main weapon and an alternate blood weapon for special attacks, adding layers to your combat strategy.

However, not all is perfect in this ninja paradise. The skill system feels like a trip to a ninja flea market, where basic skills from previous games now come with a price tag. It’s a bit of a money sink, and some players might find themselves longing for the days when skills were earned through sheer ninja prowess. The combat, while exhilarating, can sometimes feel like a dodge-and-parry fest due to the lack of enemy mixups and grab mechanics. And let’s not forget the movement, which can feel as floaty as a ninja on a sugar high, with limitations on rolling and blocking out of staggers.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Glare

Visually, NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a feast for the eyes, especially if you’re playing on high-end hardware. The game boasts some of the best visuals Team Ninja has ever produced, with high-resolution assets that make every demon-slaying moment a spectacle. The game supports ultra-widescreen resolutions and offers customization options for HUD and controls, making it a treat for those who like their ninjas in high definition.

Yet, like a ninja’s stealth, the graphics have their shadows. The settings menu is as sparse as a ninja’s diet, lacking detailed options and ray tracing capabilities. Performance can be inconsistent on mid-range systems, and the excessive lighting sometimes makes characters look like they’ve been dipped in a vat of shiny glaze. It’s a bit like trying to watch a ninja movie through a foggy window.

Story: A Tale of Demons, Dragons, and Pink-Haired Antagonists

The story of NINJA GAIDEN 4 picks up years after Ryu Hayabusa’s last adventure, with Tokyo overrun by demons and a new protagonist, Yakumo, stepping into the spotlight. The narrative is more cohesive than previous entries, but it still feels like a side dish to the main course of combat. Yakumo’s introduction is a bold move, and while some fans miss the iconic Ryu, others appreciate the fresh perspective.

The story, however, doesn’t quite reach the heights of its gameplay. Emotional sequences often fall flat, and the main antagonist’s pink hair reveal is more “Ninja Turtles” than “Ninja Gaiden.” Missions can feel repetitive, and the overall aesthetic, with its blue hues and red text, might not win any beauty contests. Still, the game introduces new characters and expands the lore, offering a narrative that’s serviceable, if not groundbreaking.

Final Verdict

NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a thrilling ride for fans of the series, offering a blend of fast-paced combat and stunning visuals. While the gameplay mechanics shine, the story and graphics settings leave room for improvement. It’s a game that demands your attention and rewards your skill, even if it occasionally tests your patience. For those ready to embrace the chaos and carve their path through a demon-infested Tokyo, NINJA GAIDEN 4 is a worthy addition to the series.

Score: 7.0/10