ROUNDUP
NINJA GAIDEN 4
Developer Team Ninja, PlatinumGames
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Format PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Origin Japan
Release Autumn
Microsoft’s backing of this revival surely looks like a shrewd move to longstanding followers who cut their Xbox teeth on Ryu Hayabusa’s notoriously brutal adventures. That Team Ninja and PlatinumGames’ development talent is being employed makes it feel even more like a dream come true, albeit not a dream we’ve had for a few years. Early glimpses suggest
Ninja Gaiden II
is the clearest influence here, with blood and limbs shooting off like fireworks during the ferocious fights. It appears control will alternate between Ryu and a new ninja, Yakumo, switching fighting styles while the body count continues to tick upwards.