PlatinumGames has recently delighted the gaming community with a new update on Ninja Gaiden 4. As part of Xbox’s third annual Developer Direct showcase, they provided insights into some of their major 2025 releases, like South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 was a highlight, surprising fans not only with the game itself but also with a stealth release of a remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black during the event.
In collaboration with Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to propel the franchise into a future setting, specifically a rain-soaked Tokyo. The game brings in a fresh character named Yakumo, who will face off against the well-loved series protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa. From what we’ve gathered from the reveal trailer, the game retains its well-known fast-paced combat style, much to the satisfaction of fans eagerly awaiting its Fall 2025 release.
Just days after the reveal, an Xbox Wire post provided more details about Ninja Gaiden 4’s development status. According to PlatinumGames director Yuji Nakao, the game is about 70-80% complete and is in the polishing phase. If Nakao’s timeline holds, the release might feel closer than the anticipated Fall 2025 date, hinting at a potentially earlier launch.
For fans itching to experience the game, this progress update is promising. It suggests that delays are unlikely, and if everything proceeds without hiccups, Ninja Gaiden 4 might even hit the shelves earlier in the fall, possibly in September. Gamers can expect more updates during the Summer Game Fest in June, particularly at Xbox’s upcoming games showcase, given Xbox is publishing the title.
In the meantime, Ninja Gaiden enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy while waiting. The surprise release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black has already captured many players’ attention. Moreover, the 2D action platformer Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, crafted by The Game Kitchen, known for Blasphemous, is expected this summer. Dubbed the “Year of the Ninja” by Koei Tecmo, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for this iconic action series with all the exciting content lined up.