Ninja Gaiden 4 made a big impression during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, debuting a brand-new trailer that showcased its stunning boss fights and teased parts of its story. Fans of the legendary ninja action-adventure series can look forward to the return of its fast-paced combat, packed with deadly weapons, supernatural powers, and familiar faces.
A Legacy Reforged
The Ninja Gaiden franchise dates back to 1988, when Tecmo released the original arcade title before its infamous NES debut the following year. Known for its punishing difficulty and stylish action, the series has spanned more than 20 entries across three decades. Now, Team Ninja is bringing it back in a modern form with Ninja Gaiden 4.
New Hero, New Threats
The Gamescom trailer (watch here) introduces Yakumo, the game’s new protagonist. He wields lightning-fast sword combos and traditional ninja tools like giant shuriken, along with high-tech gadgets such as back-mounted mechanical claws. Players will face enemies equipped with advanced weaponry and supernatural abilities, including a towering mech suit and the long-awaited battle against the Dark Dragon.
Ryu Hayabusa’s Return
While the story shifts the spotlight to the Raven clan, the trailer teases an appearance from the series’ legendary hero, Ryu Hayabusa. In a dramatic cutscene, Ryu challenges Yakumo to prove himself if he truly has the strength to take on the Dark Dragon. It remains unclear if this will lead to a full boss fight between the two ninjas, but the moment is sure to excite longtime fans.
Release Date and Game Pass Launch
Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to release on October 21, 2025, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass. In the meantime, fans can enjoy Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, a retro-inspired 2D hack-and-slash title that launched on July 31, 2025, as a warm-up before diving into the next chapter of the saga.
With stunning boss battles, a fresh protagonist, and the return of Ryu Hayabusa, Ninja Gaiden 4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting action games of 2025.