Racing through a Tokyo consumed by darkness, slipping behind enemies and striking in a flash. A standoff where you are against all odds, dancing on the edge of death in relentless swordplay. Before I realized, the character I was controlling felt less like a digital avatar, and more like an extension of my own body.

Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t just let you play as a ninja—it slowly, silently transforms your mind and body into one.

Since its explosive reveal at this year’s Developer Direct, Ninja Gaiden 4 has been featured on Xbox Wire, spotlighting several key elements: Yakumo, the new protagonist, the near-future Tokyo landscape, the visceral Bloodraven Form that redefines the series’ combat, and the long-awaited return of Ryu Hayabusa.

But now that I’ve played through the first three chapters, it’s clear that there’s more beneath the surface. Something deeper. Something that demanded to be uncovered.

What makes Ninja Gaiden 4 so striking is its ability to draw players into a state of flow, where reaction overtakes thought, and instinct replaces intention.

You’re not just pressing buttons. It’s as if your entire nervous system is tuned to every motion, every enemy, every second. You’re not calculating the perfect moment. You’re responding with something closer to that of pure animal instinct.

It feels as though the game is training you, refining your senses to match the pace and pressure of the world it throws you into.

To get to the heart of this immersive design, the Xbox Wire Japan editorial team sat down with Yuji Nakao, the producer and director of Ninja Gaiden 4 himself.

After spending time in the early chapters, we brought the questions that naturally rose from the experience, unfiltered and direct. The conversation ranged from the intricacies of the battle system, to the shaping of this new Ninja Gaiden world, to the dynamic between Yakumo and Ryu. And in their answers, we uncovered a philosophy: a quiet intensity and clarity of purpose driving the game’s ferocious polish.

In this article, we revisit the moments that pulled us so deeply into Ninja Gaiden 4’s world, and together with the developers’ insights, unravel the secrets behind its razor-sharp design.

First, can you tell us about the world design of the initial stage where players accompany Yakumo?

In this game, players will start from the ground and ascend upward through a reimagined “Sky City Tokyo.” In other words, Ninja Gaiden 4 inverts what we believe was the structure of Ninja Gaiden 2, and players will experience Yakumo climbing his way up from its depths. This inversion directly reflects one of the game’s central themes in Yakumo’s growth, and the level design is built to faithfully support that idea.

The setting of Tokyo at the beginning of the story is drastically different — it’s now infested with Daemon (supernatural beings) and is under the control of a hostile faction called the Divine Dragon Order. Time has passed, and the city has transformed under various influences, giving it a much more oppressive, eerie, and fear-inducing atmosphere.

Chapters 1 through 3 focus tightly on Yakumo’s perspective as he begins his climb toward becoming a master ninja, offering players an inverted viewpoint compared to Ryu’s. It’s an intense, condensed experience that we hope everyone will enjoy.

What kind of experience did you intend for players to have in these three chapters, and what expectations did you want to set?

Each of these early chapters has been carefully crafted to serve as the foundation for the story of Ninja Gaiden 4. In Chapter 1, our main goal was to let players enjoy the sheer thrill of battle, drawing on stage design that embodies the essence of the Ninja Gaiden series. Then, in Chapter 2, we introduced the newly added rail action mechanic, aiming to deliver a sense of speed and fluidity that still feels authentic to the franchise. And finally, Chapter 3 culminates in a boss fight that showcases just how far the series has come, offering an evolved encounter befitting a brand-new entry after more than a decade.

These chapters serve as an introductory arc in every sense. They pack in all the essential gameplay elements that players will need to carry into the rest of the game. As the story progresses, the mechanics you learn here will become increasingly intertwined, driving faster, more intense, and more terrifying battles that never let up.

Hopping onto rails in-between battles, and swerving through obstacles with the press of a button added a refreshing dynamic that hasn’t been seen in previous Ninja Gaiden games. How did you ensure this new feature still felt true to the Ninja Gaiden experience?

The rail action mechanic was designed to keep players engaged, even during brief pauses between battles. With Ninja Gaiden 4, we aimed to deliver the fastest-paced action experience in the series so far, not only in combat but across the entire stage structure. Simply put, we didn’t want the momentum to break. The rail action serves as a kind of “spice” for the game, offering exhilarating and tension-filled moments even during transitions and movement sequences.

For instance, you might finish a rail sequence, leap into the next area, and immediately strike down an enemy, a “NINJA KILL” if you may. Then you hop onto another rail, start moving again, and suddenly find yourself dodging falling skyscrapers. These unpredictable, fast-paced scenarios create a live-action feel—something constantly evolving and urgent.

At first glance, some players might worry that introducing gimmicks like this could water down the core identity of a Ninja Gaiden experience. Our goal wasn’t to dilute the experience, but to add to it without compromising its core. If anything, the rail action strengthens the game’s identity.

Were there any challenges in integrating such a new mechanic into the traditionally structured stages of Ninja Gaiden?

We spent a lot of time figuring out how much rail action to include and how to balance it within each stage. One of our biggest challenges, especially in collaboration with Team NINJA, was making sure the rail sequences felt natural and didn’t disrupt the density of gameplay that fans expect from the series.

That density is a hallmark of Ninja Gaiden, and when you try to add rail segments on top of already intense combat, there’s a risk that the stage becomes overly bloated.

To achieve the perfect balance, we played and replayed the stages countless times, adjusting and refining them based on feedback. Together with Team NINJA, we went through that loop over and over. We’re now at a point where the experience feels incredibly polished, and just the right tempo. If players find themselves flowing through the game as if they’re running a smooth marathon, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do. And if players feel the rail action is seamlessly woven into the game without disrupting the Ninja Gaiden experience, then I’ll be more than happy.

In the early part of the game, players face a boss with very direct, linear movement patterns, followed by another boss who moves unpredictably and erratically. Can you elaborate on the differences in these experiences and the design philosophy behind them?

Let’s start with the first boss, the D.D.O. Commander. He belongs to an organization called the Divine Dragon Order, which outwardly presents itself as a force of justice. Because of this, Yakumo, who acts in opposition to them, is labeled as the villain.

In terms of gameplay, the Divine Dragon Order, and the D.D.O. Commander in particular, are characterized by discipline and order. Their fighting style is highly structured, focused on “kata (forms)” and patterns, reflecting their rigid hierarchy. Their attacks are straightforward, easy to read, and symbolically meant to be “clean.”

The D.D.O. Commander is designed to let players learn the game’s controls in a natural and stress-free way. Throwing a wildly erratic enemy at the player right out of the gate would only frustrate them. So instead, the D.D.O. Commander is someone players can face head-on, offering a chance to practice the fundamentals. In that sense, he’s deliberately built as a boss who embodies the basics. He’s honest and by the book.

Next comes the Kitsune Courtesan, affectionately nicknamed the “Oiran Kitsune (Fox)” by our staff. She symbolizes the newly introduced Daemon, which are otherworldly beings central to this game’s narrative.

Unlike the demons or the fiends that appeared in previous Ninja Gaiden entries, the Daemon in this game are mysterious entities that seemingly emerge from our own world. No one knows where they came from or what they want. This unsettling ambiguity, which highlights the fear of the unknown, is reflected in their visuals, behavior, and especially in their attack styles.

You’ll see that her movements are highly unpredictable and distinctly inhuman. She attacks with what feels like magical power, defying logical combat patterns. The goal here was to instill a sense of fear rooted in the unexpected. This is very different from the disciplined combat of the Divine Dragon Order, and the contrast is intentional.

As the first major Daemon boss, the Kitsune Courtesan is meant to be a symbolic figure, an embodiment of the unknown. Her presence marks a shift in both the gameplay and the narrative, signaling that the threats in Ninja Gaiden 4 go far beyond what players may expect.

A new weapon called “Yatosen” was introduced during this hands-on. Could you explain its key features and how it differs from “Takeminakata”, the dual blade?

TheYatosen is designed around the concept of ultra-close-range combat. In its default form, when using the Base Form, it takes the shape of a twisted drill-like rapier, something similar to what you might call a twist sword or twist knife. When you switch to the Bloodraven form, it transforms into a spinning drill.

In contrast to the Takeminakata, which allows you to extend its blade using the Bloodraven form and strike from a distance, the Yatosen takes the opposite approach. It’s meant for players who want to get right up close to enemies, using thrusts, stabs, and piercing attacks. It’s a weapon built for tight, one-on-one encounters. In certain scenarios, it may even be more effective and easier to handle than the Takeminakata.

The Yatosen does require a bit more finesse than Takeminakata. It’s not the kind of weapon you can just swing wildly. You’ll get the most out of it by choosing the right moments and enemy types. It’s a tool that greatly rewards players who tailor their approach to each situation. In that sense, the Yatosen really represents a flexible and exciting option within the player’s arsenal.

In this title, we’ve learned that players can freely switch weapons in the middle of a combo. This system seems to explosively expand the range of combat dynamics. Could you tell us more about the reasoning behind implementing this feature?

Because this is a brand-new numbered title being delivered more than 10 years since the last one, we felt it was necessary to evolve every aspect of the game experience. The real-time weapon switching system is one such important piece of that evolution. Naturally, it improves responsiveness in action gameplay, and for advanced players, it also facilitates combo construction. With the aim of enhancing the quality of the action experience and expanding gameplay variety, we adopted this new method.

This free-switching system was part of our concept from the early stages of development. We were confident that it would make Ninja Gaiden, as a full-fledged 3D action game, even more enjoyable. And once you play it, you’ll find it’s a fun mechanic that makes you want to try out various weapons more casually. We are proud to present this as one of the highlights of the title, and we hope everyone will enjoy it.

In the demo version, players were able to use all weapon techniques and martial arts from the start. However, in the actual game, we assume that the degree to which these are acquired will vary significantly depending on the player’s skill and the game’s difficulty level. With that in mind, we’d like to ask: is it still possible to progress through the game even if players fail to learn most of the weapon techniques or martial arts?

If I were to give a bit of advice, I’d still recommend first acquiring the low-cost Combat and Weapon Skills, and then gradually work your way up to the more expensive and advanced ones. As you progress, you can try out different skills and see which ones suit your playstyle. This process allows you to develop your own approach to combat and enjoy a more personalized Ninja Gaiden 4 experience.

We’ve tried to prevent situations where players are completely stuck because they haven’t learned any Combat Skills. Of course, if someone intentionally avoids learning new techniques and continues playing that way, the game can essentially turn into a self-imposed hardcore challenge (laughs).

Anyhow, you’ll begin by spending Ninja Coins to learn the cheaper techniques, and under Tyran’s guidance, you’ll train and practice each move in combat scenarios. Through this process, you’ll slowly but surely develop the skill set needed to overcome the next big challenge. That sense of growth and mastery is what we believe defines the gameplay experience of Ninja Gaiden 4.

One of the things we’re most confident about in Ninja Gaiden 4 is just how rich and varied the action system is. We’ve prepared such a wide array of systems because, in the end, we want players to discover the styles and combat feel that resonate most with them. Even among techniques or weapons that serve similar purposes, there’s a full spectrum, from low-risk, low-return options to high-risk, high-reward ones, allowing players to choose what works best for them.

Moreover, in actual gameplay, the situation changes rapidly, and the number of enemies can become overwhelming. The true fun of this game lies in selecting the best technique for those evolving situations. That’s precisely why we didn’t want to throw everything at the player from the start. Instead, we designed the game so that players could grow attached to each action by learning them gradually.

In the preview build, we saw some martial arts techniques labeled with the term “Perfect,” which seemed to offer greater benefits when executed with more precise timing compared to standard techniques. Would you say that mastering these kinds of advanced skills is the key to mastering Ninja Gaiden 4 overall?

This game offers players an exceptionally wide variety of actions to choose from. The idea is for each player to discover which style suits them best from among this vast selection and then be free to refine and master it in their own way. That’s the kind of design philosophy that’s at the heart of Ninja Gaiden 4.

Take the “Perfect” Combat Skills, for example. These refer to moves that require precise timing, such as well-timed guards or counters. This kind of playstyle tests your ability to improvise during battle, as well as your ability to read and memorize enemy patterns. However, when multiple enemies appear on screen at once, their movements start to interfere with each other, which introduces unpredictability into their behavior. In those situations, improvisation becomes even more important.

On the other hand, some players may prefer an aggressive combo-heavy style, or a style that focuses on landing powerful, heavy blows using the Bloodraven form. For players who find appeal in those kinds of approaches, there are other valid routes toward mastering the game.

Ultimately, the fact that players can freely discover their own methods and strategies for tackling the game is one of the most enjoyable and compelling aspects of Ninja Gaiden 4.

In the preview build, Ryu Hayabusa was playable, and in addition to his previously known extraordinary powers, the players were able to also experience combat in his new “Gleam Form”. Could you tell us more about Ryu’s abilities in Ninja Gaiden 4?

In Ninja Gaiden 4, the “True Dragon Gleam”, which has existed from the first Ninja Gaiden and also an Ultimate Technique in Ninja Gaiden 2, is heavily featured. The Gleam Form in this game is inspired by the feeling of activating that Ultimate Technique, and you can enjoy watching Ryu and his afterimages cut down and massacre enemies from all directions, depending on the various commands, situations, and ranges. The Gleam Form was created while imagining, “What kind of technique could Ryu Hayabusa, the Super Ninja who has mastered the True Dragon Sword, use?”

As a result, the Gleam Form was created as a symbol of Ryu’s prowess.

To put it simply, the Gleam Form is when Ryu unleashes the power of the True Dragon Sword, making him incredibly strong. When you play him in this game, it will truly give you the impression where you might think, “Wow, Ryu’s movements are truly insane!” It’s a one-of-a-kind power that lets players experience Ryu Hayabusa at his peak, as the indomitable Super Ninja.

The Gleam Form can be switched freely with just one button, like Yakumo’s use of the Bloodraven Form. While in this state, you can unleash a variety of incredibly powerful techniques. As the form itself is based on the True Dragon Gleam, we’ve made sure to also include techniques that feel just like it. When playing, be sure to try and replicate it yourself.

In this preview build, since both Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa could be played on the same stage, does this mean that in Ninja Gaiden 4, players will be able to play through each chapter using both characters?

For each chapter, the story determines who is in which world and what they are doing, so for the most part, the characters will be fixed as you progress. In some chapters, you’ll play as Yakumo, and in others, you’ll play as Ryu, with each character assigned to specific parts of the story.

However, in the Chapter Challenge mode, where you can replay chapters, both Yakumo and Ryu are available to play on any stage. You can try playing stages that were originally meant for Ryu with Yakumo, vice versa. This mode offers a lot of freedom for players who want to replay the game, and I’m really excited to see how it will expand the variety of playstyles. I hope players will find their own unique ways to enjoy the game.