Ninja Gaiden 4 Review: Personal Experience And Best Tip 2025
Introduction: My Journey Into Ninja Gaiden 4
I still remember the first time I booted up Ninja Gaiden 4. My hands were sweaty. My heart was racing. I had heard all the stories about how tough this series is.
And let me tell you—the rumors are true.
But after spending over 40 hours with this game, I discovered something amazing. Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t just hard. It’s also one of the most rewarding action games I’ve ever played.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience. I’ll talk about what makes this game special. And I’ll help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Ninja Gaiden 4?
Ninja Gaiden 4, also known as Ninja Gaiden: Razor’s Edge in some regions, is an action-adventure game. It was developed by Team Ninja. The game continues the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a legendary ninja warrior.
This game focuses on fast combat. You fight demons, monsters, and other ninjas. The gameplay requires quick reflexes and smart thinking.
Key Features
- Platform Availability: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
- Genre: Action, Hack and Slash, Adventure
- Developer: Team Ninja
- Release Year: 2023-2024 (various platform releases)
- Player Count: Single-player with online leaderboards
My First Impressions: Starting the Game
When I first started Ninja Gaiden 4, I chose Normal difficulty. Big mistake.
I died 12 times in the first level alone. The tutorial felt like a real boss fight. But here’s the thing—each death taught me something new.
The game doesn’t hold your hand. It expects you to learn from mistakes. This might frustrate some players. But for me, it felt refreshing.
Graphics and Presentation
The graphics are stunning. Character models look sharp and detailed. The environments feel alive. Blood effects are realistic (maybe too realistic for some).
The game runs at 60 frames per second on modern consoles. This smooth framerate is crucial for combat. Every movement feels responsive.
Combat System: Where Ninja Gaiden 4 Shines
The combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 is the heart of the experience. It’s fast, brutal, and incredibly satisfying.
Weapons and Fighting Styles
You start with the Dragon Sword. This is your basic weapon. But as you progress, you unlock more options:
- Dragon Sword: Balanced and reliable
- Lunar Staff: Great for crowd control
- Dual Katanas: Fast but require precision
- Kusari-gama: Chain weapon with long reach
- Falcon’s Talons: Quick claw weapons
I personally loved the Lunar Staff. It helped me handle groups of enemies better.
Ninpo (Magic Attacks)
Magic attacks saved my life many times. These powerful moves can clear entire rooms of enemies. But you can only use them when you have enough ki energy.
My favorite was the Fire Wheel Ninpo. It deals massive damage to bosses.
Difficulty Levels Explained
Ninja Gaiden 4 offers several difficulty options. Here’s my breakdown:
| Difficulty | My Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja Dog | Easier with helpful items | Complete beginners |
| Normal | Still very challenging | Average action game players |
| Hard | Enemies hit harder, more aggressive | Series veterans |
| Master Ninja | Brutal and unforgiving | Hardcore players only |
I recommend starting on Normal. If it’s too hard, don’t feel bad about switching to Ninja Dog mode. There’s no shame in choosing fun over frustration.
Story and Characters: Following Ryu’s Journey
The story picks up after previous games in the series. Ryu must stop an evil organization from unleashing ancient demons.
Honestly, the plot isn’t groundbreaking. But it gives you reasons to visit different locations. You’ll fight in Tokyo streets, ancient temples, and demon realms.
Character Development
Ryu Hayabusa remains a stoic hero. He doesn’t talk much. But his actions speak volumes. Other characters like Ayane and Momiji return. They provide support and additional perspectives.
The voice acting is solid. The cutscenes look cinematic. But the real star is the gameplay, not the story.
Level Design and Exploration
Each level in Ninja Gaiden 4 feels unique. You’ll explore urban environments and mystical locations.
The game includes some platforming sections. These can be tricky. The camera sometimes fights against you during these parts.
Hidden Items and Secrets
I loved hunting for hidden items. Golden Scarabs unlock special rewards. Crystal Skulls boost your health. Finding these secrets adds replay value.
Some items are really well hidden. I had to search every corner. This exploration element adds depth beyond just combat.
Boss Fights: Epic and Challenging
Boss battles are spectacular. Each boss has unique patterns. You must learn their moves and find openings.
My most memorable fight was against the Greater Fiend in Chapter 7. It took me 23 attempts. But when I finally won, I felt like a true ninja master.
Tips for Boss Battles
Here’s what helped me:
- Watch patterns before attacking aggressively
- Use Ninpo during critical moments
- Don’t waste healing items early
- Learn to dodge, not just block
- Stay patient and calm
Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture
Pros
- Combat feels incredible: Every hit has weight and impact
- Great weapon variety: Multiple playstyles available
- Excellent replay value: New Game Plus and challenge modes
- Smooth performance: 60 FPS makes combat responsive
- Rewarding difficulty: Overcoming challenges feels amazing
- Beautiful graphics: Detailed character models and environments
- Soundtrack: Epic music that enhances battles
Cons
- Very difficult: Can frustrate casual players
- Camera issues: Sometimes struggles in tight spaces
- Story is basic: Plot takes backseat to action
- Loading times: Can be long on older consoles
- Limited accessibility options: No easy mode for beginners
- Steep learning curve: Takes time to master mechanics
Performance Across Different Platforms
I tested Ninja Gaiden 4 on PlayStation 5 and PC. Here’s what I noticed:
PlayStation 5
- Runs at consistent 60 FPS
- Quick load times with SSD
- DualSense controller adds immersion
- Graphics look sharp in 4K mode
PC
- Best graphics if you have strong hardware
- Keyboard and mouse feel awkward
- Controller is highly recommended
- More customization options
Nintendo Switch
I haven’t personally tested the Switch version personally. But reviews suggest it runs at 30 FPS with lower graphics quality. Portable mode is convenient though.
Is Ninja Gaiden 4 Worth Buying in 2025?
After 40+ hours, here’s my honest answer: Yes, if you love challenging action games.
This game isn’t for everyone. If you get frustrated easily, you might hate it. But if you enjoy learning from failure, Ninja Gaiden 4 is incredible.
Who Should Buy This Game?
- Fans of Dark Souls or Sekiro
- Players who loved previous Ninja Gaiden games
- Anyone wanting a real challenge
- Action game enthusiasts
- People who enjoy mastering combat systems
Who Should Skip It?
- Casual gamers looking for relaxation
- Players who dislike difficult games
- Anyone wanting a story-focused experience
- Gamers frustrated by trial and error gameplay
Tips for Beginners: What I Wish I Knew
Starting Ninja Gaiden 4 can be overwhelming. Here are tips that helped me:
- Block Often: Blocking is more useful than dodging at first
- Upgrade Health First: More HP gives you breathing room
- Learn One Weapon: Master basics before trying everything
- Save Ninpo for Emergencies: Don’t waste magic on regular enemies
- Practice Timing: Button mashing doesn’t work here
- Use Items Wisely: Healing items are limited resources
- Watch Enemy Patterns: Every enemy telegraphs attacks
- Stay Mobile: Standing still gets you killed
- Manage Ki Energy: This powers your special moves
Don’t Give Up: Every player dies repeatedly at first
Comparing to Previous Ninja Gaiden Games
As someone who played earlier titles, I can say Ninja Gaiden 4 improves several areas.
The combat feels smoother than Ninja Gaiden 3. Weapon variety returns from Ninja Gaiden 2. The game balances difficulty better than Sigma versions.
However, some fans prefer the original Ninja Gaiden Black. That game had perfect pacing. Ninja Gaiden 4 sometimes feels slightly padded with extra encounters.
Final Score and Recommendation
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Ninja Gaiden 4 delivers exceptional action gameplay. The combat system is deep and satisfying. Boss fights are memorable. Graphics and performance shine.
But the difficulty will turn away some players. The story won’t win awards. And camera problems are occasionally annoying.
My Personal Recommendation
I absolutely recommend Ninja Gaiden 4 to action game fans. It’s one of the best in the genre. Just know what you’re getting into.
Start on an easier difficulty if needed. Take breaks when frustrated. And celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
This game made me a better player. It taught me patience and persistence. And it gave me some of my most satisfying gaming moments this year.
If you’re ready for the challenge, grab your controller and become the ninja master you were meant to be.
