'Ninja Gaiden 4': Yakumo takes command in a whirlwind of precision and pure combat

'Ninja Gaiden 4' emerges from development with a clear statement of intent: to change protagonists in order to revitalize the saga without losing its essence . Instead of relying solely on Ryu Hayabusa, the game places Yakumo—an apprentice with acrobatic style and controlled energy—at the center of the combat, giving her prominence while Ryu remains present as a mentor and key character, but without overshadowing the new narrative. This decision breathes new life into the franchise without betraying the core ninja spirit that has always defined it.

The first thing that stands out is how well-constructed the combat system is. Yakumo responds with surprising agility: precise dodges, long combos, and a feeling of total control. Every strike, every counterattack, seems designed to make the player feel like they're in complete control. The media agrees: the combat is "one of the most fun experiences in the genre" and "the most accomplished in years in this type of action game," according to several reviews in both English and Spanish. This precision turns the game into a kind of personal test: either you learn to master it, or it will crush you.

Technically, ' Ninja Gaiden 4' doesn't aim to break visual molds, but rather to ensure the player never loses momentum . The cutscenes work very well, with fluid movements and detail, but during gameplay there's less ostentation: the environments are adequate, but not memorable; some cutting-edge effects are missing. The reason? Total fluidity. On Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, the title maintains a guaranteed 60 fps, and on compatible displays it even reaches 120 fps. This technical choice is sound: when combat is this fast-paced, any drop in frame rate becomes chaotic. PlatinumGames' internal engine, adapted by Team Ninja, prioritizes fluid gameplay over spectacular graphics, and that's evident in every second of gameplay.

Behind this installment are Masakazu Hirayama (Team Ninja) and Yuji Nakao (PlatinumGames) as co-directors, with Fumihiko Yasuda as executive producer. They decided it was time to take a risk, shifting the focus to a more speed-driven and system-driven experience. Yakumo not only brings a fresh perspective but also gives fans of the series a new way to experience the brutality of Ninja Gaiden from a different angle.

Regarding platforms, the title was released on October 21, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. There is no version for previous-generation consoles or a direct release for Nintendo Switch. Fortunately, I did have the opportunity to play it on ASUS's handheld, the ROG Xbox Alive X, and the experience was excellent: it maintained a stable 30 fps during my tests, and the battery easily lasted over an hour and a half of continuous gameplay without any performance issues or overheating. This confirms that, although the game doesn't have a "native Switch" version, it is perfectly viable on handheld platforms with good hardware or via cloud services.

In short: 'Ninja Gaiden 4' doesn't rewrite the rules of hack 'n slash, but it executes them with a mastery rarely seen these days. If you're passionate about mastering combos, reading enemy movements, and making the most of every ability, this game is for you. You don't need a gripping story; you just need every hit to count. And in this case, they count—a lot.