Ninja Gaiden 4 Review
The Ninja Gaiden series is one of the most beloved and respected action franchises in gaming history, with a legacy that spans over two decades. However, the mainline titles have been dormant for over a decade, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news of a new installment. In recent years, publisher Koei Tecmo has announced the development of Ninja Gaiden 4, which is being handled by the renowned Platinum Games team. Happily, this collaboration has resulted in an action-packed game that honors the spirit of the original while introducing some innovative changes.
Story and Characters
Ninja Gaiden 4 takes place in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo where two legendary ninjas, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa, must band together to prevent the resurrection of the dark and malevolent force known as Dark Dragon. The game's narrative is intentionally vague and nonsensical, serving primarily as a framework to support the intense action sequences that follow.
While the story itself is unremarkable, the characters of Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa are well-developed and memorable, each with their own distinct personalities and fighting styles. Ryu's inclusion in the game feels somewhat unnecessary, as his chapters serve only to retread previous mission content and boss fights.
Gameplay Mechanics
Ninja Gaiden 4's gameplay mechanics have undergone significant changes compared to its predecessors. The introduction of on-the-fly weapon switching and free-form combos provides a thrilling experience, but at the cost of some of the technical finesse and tight mission structure that defined the earlier titles.
One of the standout features is the Bloodraven Form, a special stance for Yakumo that allows him to wield magical abilities and assume new attacks. This mechanic creates an engaging interplay between using combos to build meter, then unleashing powerful Bloodraven attacks. However, some fans may find the lack of unique combo properties in Ryu Hayabusa's fighting style disappointing.
The new weapon parry system is less reliable than its predecessor and can be challenging to master, particularly when attempting to time attacks during counterattacks or navigating between blocking, defending, and dashing across the battlefield.
Combat System
Ninja Gaiden 4's combat system is significantly streamlined compared to earlier titles in the series. While this makes it more accessible to new players, some long-time fans may find the lack of depth and complexity lacking. The game incorporates elements from Platinum Games' other titles, such as the Bloodraven Form and Berserk status systems.
The combat encounters are relentless and unforgiving, with a focus on quick reflexes and strategy over intricate combos. This results in an action-packed experience that's sure to thrill fans of the genre.
Replay Value
Ninja Gaiden 4 offers an impressive replay value through its various challenge modes, including boss challenges, enemy gauntlets, and chapter challenges. Players can unlock new gear and upgrades by replaying story sections with either Ryu or Yakumo.
System Requirements
To play Ninja Gaiden 4, your PC must meet the following minimum system requirements: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G or Intel i5-8400 CPU, AMD Radeon RX 590 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 100GB of available storage. For recommended performance, an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel i5-10400 CPU, and an AMD Radeon RX 5700XT or Nvidia RTX 2600 Super GPU are necessary.
Verdict
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a hard-hitting action game that delivers on its promise of intense combat and thrilling gameplay. While it may have sacrificed some technical finesse in the process, the new mechanics and systems more than make up for it.
Overall, Ninja Gaiden 4 is an enjoyable experience that will satisfy fans of the genre, even if it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by its predecessors. It's a testament to Platinum Games' capabilities as developers, and their ability to breathe new life into a beloved franchise.