Team Ninja's long-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally in development, a collaboration born from years of deliberation and a fortuitous meeting of minds. Producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed that the studio struggled to solidify a concept for a new entry in the franchise. This impasse was broken through discussions involving Koei Tecmo president Hisashi Koinuma, PlatinumGames head Atsushi Inaba, and ultimately, Xbox's Phil Spencer. Spencer's involvement proved pivotal, suggesting a collaborative effort between the three companies.
Spencer confirmed that initial talks began as early as 2017, aiming for a potential sequel. The partnership with PlatinumGames, renowned for its high-octane action titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata, ultimately provided the perfect synergy to breathe new life into the Ninja Gaiden series.
The surprise announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 was accompanied by the unexpected release of a remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Early footage showcases Ryu Hayabusa once again at the helm, promising a thrilling, action-packed experience. Gameplay trailers highlight innovative mechanics absent from previous installments, such as agile traversal using wires and rails.
While DOOM: The Dark Ages dominated headlines at the Developer_Direct event, the unveiling of Ninja Gaiden 4, a highly anticipated addition to Koei Tecmo's acclaimed series, undoubtedly stole some of the spotlight. The game is slated for a Fall 2025 release.