After a ⁣thirteen-year hiatus, the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa is ​back‍ in action‌ with *Ninja‍ Gaiden 4*, released on October‌ 21, 2023. This marks the first mainline installment in the critically acclaimed series since 2012,⁢ and ​represents a notable evolution for ⁤the franchise.

A Collaborative Effort

The progress of⁤ *Ninja ‌Gaiden 4* is a noteworthy collaboration​ between Team Ninja, the long-standing‍ creators of the *Ninja Gaiden* series ​(and part of Koei Tecmo), and Osaka-based action game ‌specialists PlatinumGames. This partnership‌ signals ‍a desire⁢ to both honor the​ series’ ‍legacy and inject ⁢fresh ideas into its core gameplay.

Sharing the spotlight:⁣ Introducing​ Yakumo

Perhaps the most ample change ⁤in *Ninja ‌Gaiden 4* is the introduction of a new playable protagonist, Yakumo. Described as a‌ young prodigy, Yakumo is directly connected to the ​series’‍ history‌ as a descendant of the Dark Dragon – a formidable enemy previously thought defeated ⁤by Ryu Hayabusa. This narrative choice suggests a deeper exploration of the *Ninja ‍Gaiden* universe and its​ complex lore, while perhaps dividing ⁤focus from the iconic Ryu.

While early impressions indicate *Ninja Gaiden 4* delivers ‌the ⁣high-speed combat and spectacular action‌ fans expect,⁣ the inclusion of Yakumo and the overall shift in ​narrative structure may require some adjustment for longtime players. The game aims to ⁣balance ‍fan ‌service with innovation, setting the stage for a potentially new direction for the *Ninja Gaiden* franchise.