After a fierce climactic battle with the Darkish Dragon, Yakumo gazes upon the surroundings he has reclaimed. But even now, the shadow of a brand new—and terrifying—archfiend creeps ever nearer. Although the skies have cleared, the presence of deeper evil by no means fades. The battle of the Grasp Ninja is way from over.
Following the occasions of the principle Ninja Gaiden 4 storyline, the long-awaited The Two Masters DLC sheds extra mild on the tales of each Ryu Hayabusa and Yakumo, who now stand collectively as Grasp Ninjas.
This DLC expands past the principle sport’s ending with new narrative content material, and likewise introduces new weapons for each characters, provides an 100-battle gauntlet mode aptly named “Abyssal Street,” and incorporates wide-ranging quality-of-life enhancements.
To entry the brand new chapters that proceed the story, in addition to the brand new Abyssal Street problem mode, gamers should full the unique marketing campaign on any problem degree (together with the new-player pleasant “Hero” mode). Nevertheless, the brand new weapons added to Yakumo and Ryu’s arsenal might be accessible at any level after the tutorial for gamers who haven’t but defeated the Darkish Dragon.
I not too long ago had the chance to play the DLC prematurely, and spoke to PlatinumGames’ Yuji Nakao, the sport’s producer and director. Right here’s what you want to know earlier than taking over the most recent challenges Ninja Gaiden 4 has to supply.
The Story Continues
Within the newly added DLC storyline, set after the occasions of the principle sport, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa spring into motion to carry an finish to the schemes of a brand new enemy, the Archfiend Seere. It additionally depicts Yakumo, who turned a Grasp Ninja throughout the principle story, reconsidering his personal function in existence as he strives to catch as much as Ryu Hayabusa.
“This time, we have been lastly capable of set issues below clear skies! So, we ready places the place that brightness actually shines,” says Nakao, with a smile on his face. “Yakumo’s levels have been created with an city, trendy setting befitting the brand new Ninja Gaiden, whereas Ryu Hayabusa’s replicate the basic Ninja Gaiden picture. We aimed for visuals that differ from [the main game], and stage design that absolutely embraces the essence of the Ninja Gaiden sequence.”
True to Nakao’s comment about clear skies, many battlefields within the DLC storyline are sunlit, marking a significant shift from the ambiance of base sport’s primary storyline. The Darkish Dragon that after loomed over Tokyo’s sky is already gone, and likewise the Raven clan has been free of its destiny. Having fulfilled his clan’s long-held want, Yakumo now should confront a brand new risk whereas grappling with internal battle, all of the whereas maintaining with Ryu Hayabusa.
An Addition to the Arsenal
As a part of the DLC, Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa every obtain one new weapon. Yakumo features Solitaire, a double-bladed warfare scythe named for the French phrase, symbolizing his religious solitude and solitary nature. Ryu, in the meantime, receives Jakotsumon, a freely extending chain weapon that fires from serpent-themed gauntlets.
Solitaire
“Whenever you consider a scythe, you consider the Grim Reaper, proper? Yakumo, the solitary ninja who mercilessly cuts down enemies one after one other, is nothing much less of a grim reaper himself, and that was the picture behind bringing Solitaire into the sport. I’m unsure the place he discovered it, although,” laughs Nakao. “As a result of it’s a scythe, we aimed for mild, playful dealing with in every of Solitaire’s kinds. The nice scythe appears heavy, however you possibly can wield it rapidly and easily, providing extra responsive motion than Yakumo’s earlier Bloodraven strikes.”
Solitaire permits much more agile motion and is characterised by having comparatively low threat when holding down the assault button for charged assaults. Its sustained assault can repel enemy projectiles, demonstrating wonderful breakthrough energy, even in chaotic battles in opposition to giant enemy waves.
Jakotsumon
“Till now, Ryu’s weapons haven’t actually had a protracted attain, so this time we challenged that,” says Nakao relating to Jakotsumon’s improvement. “Jakotsumon not solely extends for assaults however can pull enemies in or pull Ryu towards them; it’s a weapon extremely specialised for mobility and positioning. It additionally has strategies that strike many foes directly, so by way of usability you might say it’s fairly versatile.”
In Ninja Gaiden 4, Ryu Hayabusa wielding the Dragon Sword already makes him probably the most succesful variations of the character within the sequence. With Jakotsumon’s addition, the sport provides an all-round weapon that allows much more aggressive close-quarters fight whereas guaranteeing enemies don’t slip away.
As gamers develop accustomed to it, they’ll be capable of get pleasure from a technical playstyle, the place they’ll choose to make use of Jakotsumon’s versatility to compensate for actions troublesome with simply the Dragon Sword.
A Gaze into the Abyss
The Abyssal Street, a recent addition in The Two Masters DLC, is a mode for Grasp Ninjas searching for easy but limitless fight. Problem is about by tiers; ranging from Regular and growing as gamers descend deeper, till across the a hundredth ground the place you will need to repeatedly battle at Grasp Ninja problem.
“As you advance deeper, enemy placement is strengthened. It actually turns into an abyss,” warns Nakao. “Gamers should overcome the 100-floor ordeal with restricted gadgets. Key options of the Abyssal Street embrace specifically coloured blood orbs and enemies in a Frenzied state. In a different way coloured blood orbs behave in a different way, from elevating rating multipliers or filling the Berserk Gauge.
“Frenzied enemies, when defeated, unfold their state to close by foes. Defeating the Frenzied enemies assure the spawn of a particular blood orb, so you will need to rigorously decide when to complete them off. However the Frenzied state additionally enhances enemy aggressiveness and power, so whether or not you spare them or kill them, neither path is straightforward.”
Whereas it could appear overwhelmingly troublesome at first look, the Abyssal Street imposes no particular restrictions like those within the Problem Missions. For individuals who merely wish to get pleasure from pure, relentless fight, it is a perfect new mode, the place you might spend numerous hours in blissful focus.
Providing the Greatest Potential Expertise
A number of months have handed because the launch of Ninja Gaiden 4, and the sport continues to evolve based mostly on participant suggestions. The standard-of-life enhancements launched alongside The Two Masters embrace enhanced fight responsiveness, added choices for weapon set customization, and fixes throughout a number of chapters.
One enchancment I observed instantly, and significantly appreciated, was the numerous discount in retry time. Beforehand, when Yakumo or Ryu fell, a few-second curtain-call sequence would play. Now, it may be skipped with a button inputs. Gamers now not want to look at the display screen in frustration pondering “I used to be so shut!” whereas ready for the retry immediate.
The Two Masters DLC arrives at the moment, and with it Nakao needs to current a heartfelt message of gratitude to the sequence’ followers:
“Thanks to your persistence since we introduced the DLC. In the course of the time you’ve been ready, we packed in as a lot replayable content material as potential, together with new weapons, levels, and challenges.
“We additionally ready a very new weapon for Ryu, the Jakotsumon, and I hope you’ll get pleasure from making an attempt out his first new weapon in fairly a while.
“Even gamers who’ve already cleared the sport will discover extra situations to get pleasure from and new enemies awaiting them. We hope you’ll take this chance to play Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Two Masters DLC!”
The Two Masters is included as a free replace for many who bought the Ninja Gaiden 4: Deluxe Version ($89.99 USD) or the Deluxe Improve ($20 USD). It is usually accessible as a standalone supply for $14.99 USD.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Deluxe Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
$89.99
$58.49
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge journey the place legacy meets innovation on this high-octane mix of fashion and no-holds-barred fight.
Return of the Legend
Expertise a return to the extraordinary, high-speed fight that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier motion sport sequence. Put together for a legacy reborn with charming type for a brand new technology of gamers.
Epic Hack and Slash Fight, Developed
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Staff NINJA’s tempered fight philosophy with the fashionable, dynamic motion gameplay of PlatinumGames. Have interaction in visually beautiful fight that rewards precision and technique. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to rework your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy strategies just like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa additionally returns with a revamped but acquainted set of instruments to grasp. With a customizable participant expertise, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push motion sport veterans to their limits whereas permitting newcomers to get pleasure from a heart-pounding journey filled with twists and turns.
An Historic Enemy Returns
An limitless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo within the wake of an historic enemy’s resurrection. The destiny of the town lies within the arms of younger ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Preventing his approach by means of cybernetic ninja troopers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo should reconcile a future he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the traditional curse that introduced the town to its knees.
Expertise a return to the extraordinary, high-octane motion of NINJA GAIDEN with the Deluxe Version.
Consists of:
• Base Recreation
• Future Gameplay Content material*
• Conventional Darkish Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
• Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Pores and skin
• Divine Chimera and Raven Grasp Yakumo Skins
• Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
• 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
• Extra In-Recreation Objects
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Customary Version
Xbox Recreation Studios
$69.99
$45.49
PC Recreation Go
Xbox Recreation Go
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge journey the place legacy meets innovation on this high-octane mix of fashion and no-holds-barred fight.
Return of the Legend
Expertise a return to the extraordinary, high-speed fight that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier motion sport sequence. Put together for a legacy reborn with charming type for a brand new technology of gamers.
Epic Hack and Slash Fight, Developed
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Staff NINJA’s tempered fight philosophy with the fashionable, dynamic motion gameplay of PlatinumGames. Have interaction in visually beautiful fight that rewards precision and technique. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to rework your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy strategies just like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa additionally returns with a revamped but acquainted set of instruments to grasp. With a customizable participant expertise, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push motion sport veterans to their limits whereas permitting newcomers to get pleasure from a heart-pounding journey filled with twists and turns.
An Historic Enemy Returns
An limitless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo within the wake of an historic enemy’s resurrection. The destiny of the town lies within the arms of younger ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Preventing his approach by means of cybernetic ninja troopers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo should reconcile a future he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the traditional curse that introduced the town to its knees.
