Team Ninja's long-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally in development, a collaboration born from discussions between Koei Tecmo, PlatinumGames, and Xbox. Producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed that the project faced initial hurdles in conceptualizing a new installment. However, conversations involving Koei Tecmo president Hisashi Koinuma, PlatinumGames head Atsushi Inaba, and Xbox's Phil Spencer ultimately led to a partnership. Spencer, who initiated talks as early as 2017, recognized PlatinumGames' expertise in fast-paced action titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata as the ideal complement to Team Ninja's vision.
The surprise announcement last week was coupled with the unexpected release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remastered version for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC. Early footage showcases Ryu Hayabusa's return as the protagonist, promising a thrilling slasher experience. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces innovative mechanics, including agile traversal using wires and rails, setting it apart from its predecessors.
While DOOM: The Dark Ages dominated the Developer_Direct showcase, the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 generated significant buzz. The game is slated for a Fall 2025 release.
