A New Era for Ninja Gaiden
The creators of Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising are aiming for a big budget redemption story, not just for the Ninja Gaiden franchise but also for themselves as developers. It has been more than a decade since the release of Ninja Gaiden 3, and it's fair to say that this game and its spin-off Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z had a disastrous impact on the franchise. At one point, it seemed as if the entire series might have faded into obscurity.
However, despite its origins in the late eighties, the franchise has always been closely linked with Xbox, especially after it was rebooted as a console exclusive in 2004. Alongside the Dead Or Alive series, it is one of the few major Japanese-made franchises that is primarily seen as an Xbox title. Although all games have eventually made their way to PlayStation and there have been Nintendo spin-offs, the association with Xbox remains strong. This is likely why Microsoft has provided financial support for this new sequel, as well as the recent 2D spin-off Ragebound and new remasters of the original games.
While this support is certainly positive, our main interest lies in the fact that PlatinumGames is the primary developer for this new installment. After several high-profile exits from the company, it seemed as though the studio, which was once a favorite during the last decade, might be on the decline. However, this new project represents a significant opportunity for them to redeem themselves, and so far, the signs are promising—suggesting they haven't squandered this chance.
It's important to note that this new entry has relatively little in common with the earlier Ninja Gaiden games beyond the most general aspects. Additionally, it may not reach the peak of what PlatinumGames is capable of. The fact that it even comes close seems almost miraculous, given that co-director Yuji Nakao, who is involved in an advisory role alongside the original Team Ninja, hasn’t led any major game before. His closest experience was as a producer on Bayonetta 3.
As in Ragebound, players do not start off as the series regular Ryu Hayabusa but instead take on the role of a new character named Yakumo from the rival Bloodraven clan. The Ninja Gaiden franchise is somewhat unique in that it features very little stealth and often involves fighting demons in a near-future setting. In contrast, Ninja Gaiden 4 takes place in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo with a distinct cyberpunk atmosphere, surrounded by the defeated husk of the Dark Dragon from the first game and the DS spin-off.
We’re not sure how many dedicated Ninja Gaiden lore experts there are in the world, but it’s clear that the story is not immediately obvious to everyone. However, it seems like the narrative serves more as a loose framework to allow for whatever kind of monster or sci-fi elements the developers want to include, which aligns well with PlatinumGames' usual style. While the game isn’t entirely unlike previous entries in the series, it only shares a few characters and the general concept of an ultra-violent ninja game.
Key Features of Ninja Gaiden 4
- New Protagonist: Players assume the role of Yakumo, a member of the Bloodraven clan.
- Setting: The game is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo with a cyberpunk aesthetic.
- Story Context: The narrative provides a flexible backdrop for various sci-fi and monster-themed content.
- Developer Involvement: Co-director Yuji Nakao brings a fresh perspective to the franchise.
Ninja Gaiden 4 represents a bold step forward for both the franchise and PlatinumGames. Whether it will be a critical and commercial success remains to be seen, but the initial signs are encouraging. With a new direction and a fresh approach, this installment could potentially revive the legacy of one of gaming's most iconic franchises.