Ninja Gaiden 4

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. GameMAG
    Nov 24, 2025
    70
    Ninja Gaiden 4 cannot be called a return to the roots of Tomonobu Itagaki. However, PlatinumGames has created a bloody slasher with complex and interesting bosses in memorable settings.
  2. Edge Magazine
    Oct 30, 2025
    70
    An exercise in turning the volume up to maximum and keeping it there. The sound it emits is powerful, but with its constant presence can become mere noise. PlatinumGames has mastered the way of the ninja as a furious mass-death machine, yet somehow Ninja Gaiden 4 isn't a true killer. [Issue#417, p.100]
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  3. Push Square
    Oct 20, 2025
    70
    Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rock solid action game that delivers on what's most important — the combat. While some of the surrounding aspects are a little less successful, such as repeated environments and a forgettable story, the intense battles and myriad challenges are where the game shines, whether playing as Yakumo or Ryu. It doesn't hit every mark, but the simplistic structure, emphasis on technical combat, and even the cheesy performances combine for an action game that feels like it's from a bygone era, in the best way possible.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Oct 20, 2025
    70
    The emphasis on added complexity—in variable upgrade paths, multi-button inputs, and formidably expansive movesets demanding reflexive memorization—gives the game layers of depth and player expression that will delight aficionados of Bayonetta and other more modern character-action brawlers.
  6. Stevivor
    Oct 20, 2025
    70
    Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 4 is fun, but not memorable -- something that extends into its general narrative. You're not there for witty banter though, nor for its plot twists and turns -- but instead to decapitate enemies as a bad-ass ninja. In that sense, Ninja Gaiden 4 does exactly what it says on the tin.
  7. GameBlast
    Jan 12, 2026
    65
    In a straightforward and objective way, Ninja Gaiden 4 is on par with the original trilogy — the problem is that the last game was released over ten years ago. Even though it's competent, the lack of variability during the campaign noticeably hurts the final product. Everything the game delivers, it does so violently. And violence, when overdone, loses its intended shock value.
  8. PSX Extreme
    Nov 14, 2025
    65
    Without question, Ninja Gaiden 4 has amazing combat. Yakamo journey will send you head first like a blood-soaked death tornado. Those seeking old school gory action will love it, and its challenge will satisfy long time fans of the series. If you can turn your brain off and enjoy its forgettable story, there is a fun game here. But its lacking in depth for those looking for the next great ninja revenge tale.
  9. PlayStation Universe
    Oct 20, 2025
    65
    Maybe Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the weird transition game that helps the franchise find a new path in future entries. Like I said before, there is a good combat loop here. It just lacks the refinement and potency that fans have come to expect from this franchise. The Ninja Gaiden stories have never been complicated or over-the-top, but this one offers very little substantive content or drama to get its hooks in you. It's not perfect by any stretch of the word, but the right person can find a good time here.
  10. Restart.run
    Oct 20, 2025
    60
    For all this grousing, I very much enjoyed my time with Ninja Gaiden 4 when in combat. There are caveats and things I wish were better, but overall, I think this is a game made for people that will have fun mastering melee action systems and retrying until they do a section perfectly. If that is not you, if you are playing more for content tourism or for insight into the greater Ninja Gaiden story, I am afraid this game will not be what you are looking for in a Ninja Gaiden sequel. It is very much made for a specific type of person and most everyone else will just bounce off of it.
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  1. Polygon
    Oct 20, 2025
    With its new characters, harsh challenges, and a deep well of techniques to perfect, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a fascinating side-step that helps modernize the 3D ninja action formula (and just a few months after the refreshing 2D entry, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound) while also giving fans of Platinum fare like Astral Chain, Nier: Automata, and Vanquish something new to chew on. It may not be the Ninja Gaiden you remember, but it’s got good blood running through its veins.