Microsoft shocked fans at the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 with the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, the very long-anticipated sequel of the legendary action-adventure franchise. It has been more than a decade since it last came out, and now Team Ninja is finally back to finish what it helped start: the hack-and-slash genre.

It introduced a new hero, Yakumo, a ninja from the Raven clan fighting against a black dragon so that peace may be restored in devastated Tokyo. Players can make use of two combat styles: Raven and Nué, offering different combat mechanics. The classic sets of moves keep the atmosphere of the series dark.

Co-developed by PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 ships Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X|S. It'll also land on Xbox Game Pass.

Finally, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black-an Enhanced Edition of the 2008 original-is finally available for PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X|S. As part of its redevelopment, Unreal Engine 5 is leveraged heavily, bringing about tremendous graphical improvement to the remake while maintaining the exact style of gory action scenes full of blood, but with the new graphics quality. Improved graphics, same gameplay.

First released in arcades in 1988, Ninja Gaiden became a cult classic due to its notorious difficulty and innovative gameplay elements, such as its unique combat system that required quick reflexes, and its use of cinematic cutscenes to tell its story.

Since its premiere, a host of remakes and reboots have surfaced, making this one of the most influential franchises in the genre. The 2004 version on Xbox was quite revolutionary; with smooth controls and elegantly choreographed scenes of combat, it consolidated this series' cult following.

More information about Ninja Gaiden 4 is expected, along with the opportunity to plunge into new ninja adventures.