Staff Ninja and PlatinumGames coming collectively for an motion sport virtually sounds too good to be true, however that’s precisely what occurred for Ninja Gaiden 4. Removed from the disappointing sequel that was 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3, the fourth entry in Ryu Hayabusa’s journey is nearly as good because the sequence ever has been. Whether or not you’re a newcomer to the franchise or somebody who performed the traditional 2D Tecmo video games, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a top-notch motion sport that merely rocks.
One of many massive focuses for Ninja Gaiden 4 is accessibility for newcomers. This manifests from a narrative perspective in getting a brand new protagonist named Yakumo (though Ryu does present up afterward and is playable). This enables for a contemporary batch of expertise, which manifest in a brand new Bloodraven kind that lets you breakthrough enemy defenses and a fight type that’s distinctive but undeniably appears like Ninja Gaiden.
What has at all times set Ninja Gaiden other than different character-action video games is how methodical you must be in the way you select to method fights. That layer of technique continues to be right here, though fight feels extra fashionable than ever earlier than. The hot button is to at all times keep on the assault, as invincibility frames in sure expertise will be the distinction between succeeding and dropping an encounter. Blocking and parrying can be necessary, however you at all times wish to be transferring and unleashing assaults. From performing executions on downed but nonetheless lethal enemies to utilizing your blood arts to handle a crowd of foes, the fights by no means cease being satisfying, even when there have been often some janky camerawork that led to some off-screen hits.
The levels, which function a stunning cyberpunk aesthetic and the beautiful sights of Tokyo, culminates in some stellar boss fights that can actually take a look at gamers to place all their expertise collectively. Mastering Yakumo’s completely different weapons, particularly his charged Final Approach assault, was key to survival. Because you’re continuously unlocking new skills and weapon expertise, you must preserve bettering upon your gameplay type to maintain up with the more durable enemies somewhat than get caught right into a loop of simply doing what labored at first. It’s a way more rewarding and layered sport in consequence.
Staff Ninja and PlatinumGames additionally do a terrific job of rewarding gamers for exploring. Whereas ranges are nonetheless principally linear, the sport continuously rewards gamers that poke round corners and search for methods to make use of their raven gear with chests and hidden challenges. There’s even non-obligatory goals throughout missions which you can full. Anytime I veered off the overwhelmed path, I used to be capable of finding one thing value my time, so be certain to be looking out for non-obligatory areas somewhat than simply dashing forward to the following goal.
Whereas the sequence is simply as troublesome and rewarding as previous entries, that is additionally essentially the most accessible sport within the sequence. That includes three problem settings to select from initially (and a Grasp Ninja problem to unlock), gamers can even use non-obligatory aids that vary from auto block and evade to a useful vacation spot indicator that you simply set off by holding in the best stick. Throw in a coaching mode that lets you get used to the entire new skills you’ll be able to unlock within the sport, and also you’ve acquired a terrific entry for these new to the sequence with out sacrificing something that longtime followers have come to count on.
Ninja Gaiden 4 can be one other nice cause to personal a PlayStation 5 Professional. There are 4 efficiency modes, with a stellar 120 FPS mode that hardly ever drops any frames being the standout for gameplay. There’s additionally a PS5 Professional unique mode — Prioritize Body Fee (Professional), which runs at 60 FPS however with enhanced graphics, together with commonplace body price and backbone choices. This quantity of alternative is the best approach to do issues, particularly as some PS5 Professional enhanced video games have given Professional homeowners no alternative in any respect.
Ninja Gaiden 4 (PS5) Evaluate: Last Verdict
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a real return to kind for Staff Ninja’s signature sequence. That includes the most effective motion you’ll discover in a sport this yr and a terrific new character in Yakumo, it is a worthy successor to Ninja Gaiden II and avoids the various missteps that plagued 3. Positioned properly amongst Staff Ninja and PlatinumGames’ greatest efforts, Ninja Gaiden 4 totally lives as much as the hype and is a complete blast.
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Tough but extremely satisfying boss fights
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Each characters are a pleasure to play
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A number of problem choices and modifiers
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Occasional digital camera jank
Disclosure: The writer offered a digital copy for our Ninja Gaiden 4 PS5 assessment. Reviewed on model 1.001.000.
