- Two protagonists: Ryu Hayabusa and the debutant Yakumo, with different styles and weapons.
- Performance: Quality, Performance, and up to 120 FPS modes on supported consoles.
- Date and platforms: October 21; PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with Game Pass at launch.
- Studio to studio: Team Ninja and PlatinumGames fine-tune a challenging but more accessible hack and slash.
Tras much expectation, Ninja Gaiden 4 has taken a step forward with its first playable sessions for the press: a preliminary version that several media outlets have been able to test for a few two hours of play. The collaboration between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames suggests a return that respects the essence of the saga's technical combat, while also adding layers of mobility, defensive reading and new systems that enrich the experience.
In the absence of the final version, the impressions coincide in a fast-paced action approach, a marked cyberpunk tone in Tokyo and a structure that alternates to Ryu Hayabusa yakumo, a new ninja of the Raven Clan. With date set for October 21 and launch in PS5, Xbox Series X|S y PC —included in Xbox Game Pass from day one—, the fourth installment seeks to satisfy veterans and attract new players.
Story and setting: Tokyo under a curse
The narration places the action in a futuristic and degraded Tokyo megalopolis, where the remains of the Dark dragon They unleash a cursed rain and attract all kinds of got damn. The Order/Organization of the Divine Dragon patrols the streets with cutting-edge technology, while Ryu y yakumo They advance along routes that end up crossing at key moments.
The start with yakumo It works as an extended tutorial: the young shinobi accepts a mission to kill the priestess Seori and prevent a resurgence of Dark dragon. However, a twist soon emerges: Sealing the threat requires reviving it to purify it, opening a game of loyalties, infiltrations and ideological clashes between rival clans.
In gameplay, this background is reflected in the scenarios. linear but wide, with sanctuaries that function as hub to buy items, accept side missions and access challenges. There are also special arenas such as Purgatory, optional waves of high difficulty with attractive rewards that encourage deviating from the main course.
Winks are incorporated to the exploration through integrated platform in combat: sections on rails, walls to run on and a retractable hook to link movements. The intention is not to create a classic platformer, but feed the rhythm and offer tactical variants in clashes.
Two styles, one edge: Ryu and Yakumo
The main structural change is to alternate to Ryu Hayabusa yakumo, two different ways of dealing with the same threat. Ryu keeps the condensation from your kit in your Dragon Sword and in the precise execution that has characterized the series, with a punishment game for mistakes.
yakumo brings a different layer with its Blood Bond Ninjutsu: When charging a specific bar, it enters a state of Bloodraven which increases the range, breaks defenses and enables explosive shots. Its main weapons, such as Takeminakata (high-paced double katana) and Yatousen (a heavier configuration that can convert into a spear), allow you to narrow down your tactical options depending on the enemy.
The defensive system evolves with parries y perfect blocks, which, if executed at the right time, open counterattack windows -What “Deadly Flash”, "Reflection" o "Mirage"— encouraging careful reading of patterns and management spaceThe key remains knowing who to neutralize first and how to take advantage of opportunities.
From the demo, several unlocked moves and weapons are already available, but the final version will incorporate a progression system in which players will be able to improve techniques, increase their health, and expand their arsenal. It will also include Challenge Modes and a chapter system with leaderboards to experience additional challenges.
Performance, camera and level design
In terms of its technical aspect, the game stands out for its fluency and different configuration options: modes that prioritize quality, FPS or with a 120 FPS mode that meets the genre's requirements on compatible hardware. The scenarios, although directed, present a high level of detail and effects that reinforce the atmosphere of a toxic and militarized city.
The level design in the early stages is a not very innovative: clearly marked routes, hidden chests, shops and specific secondary objects. The camera It can become uncomfortable in narrow hallways; adjusting it helps, but it will require experimenting on the final version.
In terms of difficulty, there is a wide range: from a more accessible mode to break the ice without losing the essence to more demanding challenges such as Ninja MasterThe demo includes targeted help for those who suffer consecutive defeats, an option that smooths out the difficulty spikes without taking away from the series' challenging essence.
Regarding the aerial combos, have been expanded—with the signing of PlatinumGames—although the core remains focused on combat on landThe series continues to emphasize parades, you dodge the frame and group control, with classic movements such as the obliteration after dismemberments and the Izuna Drop, now with an even higher pace.
Date, editions and availability
The launch is scheduled for October 21st. en PS5, Xbox Series X|S y PC, with availability Day one on Xbox Game Pass. The work? are already open in physical and online stores, with versions standard y Deluxe.
La Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic extras for Ryu y yakumo, credits y additional content yet to be confirmed, such as possible missions or expansions. There is also the option of distribution in Physical format on some platforms, with disc in the PS5 edition according to the listings.
In Mexico and other countries, the presales have already been activated with usual conditions: payment close to launch and policies price guarantee, if applicable. It will be important to see how all the combat elements and technical polish fit into the final version of the game.
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