Alright, so Ninja Gaiden 4, huh? Let me just spill the beans on what it felt like diving into those first few chapters. Imagine Tokyo at night, but not the usual neon buzz. We’re talking shadows and a kind of danger that creeps up behind you like a cat on a stealth mission. Fitting, right? You’re Ryu Hayabusa, master sword-swinger, slicing shadows with a sword that feels like it’s part of you. Honestly, the first time the blade moves, it almost feels like you’re the one swinging it. Weird, I know.
Now, hang on a second. Before I get too deep into why this game had me hooked, let me rewind a bit. Since everyone saw it at the Developer Direct earlier this year, people have been buzzing about it. Some new protagonist, Yakumo, a reinvented Tokyo, and something they’re calling Bloodraven Form. Sounds a bit over-the-top, but trust me, it kind of works.
So, playing through the first few chapters is like being pulled into some kind of ninja boot camp. But not in a "drill sergeant shouting in your face" kind of way. It’s more of a sneaky transformation. Like, at first, you’re just a gamer sitting on your couch, eyes glued to the screen. But then—bam!—you’re moving like a ninja, reacting without thinking. Weirdly enough, you start to feel it in your body. It’s like your fingers and reflexes sync with the game, and suddenly, you’re not controlling a character. You are the character. Wild, right?
I got to chat (well, virtually) with Yuji Nakao, the guy behind this madness. He explained how they really wanted the game to teach you, like, naturally pull you into its rhythm. Some of it went over my head, but what I caught was this: Yakumo, climbing up from the depths of Sky City Tokyo (sounds epic), has to face these Daemon creatures. Think demons from another dimension or something, but with a twist. They’re creepy, unpredictable, and definitely not your Saturday morning cartoon ghosts.
Now, in the heat of battle, it’s all about flow. Those first bosses? Designed to test you in different ways. It’s this mix of structured and chaotic, like tangoing with a lion. One moment you’re facing this disciplined boss, the next you’re dealing with the Kitsune Courtesan. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, she flips the script with moves that defy logic. If logic even had a place here.
Every step, every swing—feels like it’s fine-tuned to keep you on the edge. There’s this new drill-rapier-the-Yatosen—whatever you wanna call it—that’s like dancing with the enemy at arm’s length. Love it or hate it, it’s a weapon that rewards those who get a kick out of being up-close and personal.
What’s even crazier? You can switch weapons mid-fight like swapping hats at a magician’s show. One moment you’re slicing through enemies, the next, you’re dropping bombs—or whatever weapon lets you do cool stuff. Better yet, Ryu’s got this Gleam Form ability. Ultimate Ninja mode, let’s say. I mean, it’s supposed to make you feel powerful—like you might just leap out of the TV screen.
Anyway, I could ramble on. But the lowdown is this: Ninja Gaiden 4 really just throws you into a whirlwind. Each level, each mechanic, it tries to draw you in, make you a part of its universe. Whether you’re a ninja at heart or just someone looking to blow off steam by slicing through supernatural baddies, this game’s got a bit of magic. Or maybe it’s smoke and mirrors. Either way, it’s got me hooked.
Till next time, keep those swords sharp and your reflexes sharper.
