During today’s Xbox Developer Direct, Koei Tecmo, Team Ninja, and Platinum Games revealed Ninja Gaiden 4, the next entry in the long-dormant action franchise. Additionally, a remaster of one of the series’ most beloved entries was announced, and it is out right now.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black shadow drops for PS5 during Xbox Developer Direct
Ninja Gaiden 4 is co-developed by Team Ninja and Platinum Games. Although Platinum has never worked on a Ninja Gaiden before, the developer is mostly known for its incredibly stylish action games like Nier: Automata and Bayonetta. A specific launch date was not announced, but it is currently slated for a Fall 2025 release for PS5.
“The fourth installment of the definitive ninja action-adventure series introduces an all-new protagonist in Yakumo, a young ninja prodigy whose fate is intertwined with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself,” reads an official description of the game. “Prepare for a legacy reborn with exhilarating style and thrilling action for a new generation of players!”
Just as surprising was the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remaster of the acclaimed 2008 action game. Even more unexpected, PS5 players can grab the game right now. It is $49.99 on the PlayStation Store.
The remaster utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to improve the visuals across the board. It also adds some extra features new to the game, including three additional playable characters (Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel), and the “Hero Play Style” which automatically supports players when things get too difficult.
“In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, players assume the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a deadly ninja who wields the legendary Dragon Sword while embarking on a global battle against a series of formidable foes,” reads an official description. “The beautiful and bloody remaster utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance the graphic expression, elevating everything from character visuals to environmental backgrounds.”
Back in 2022, head of Team Ninja Fumihiko Yasuda discussed potentially outsourcing a Ninja Gaiden title as they lacked the resources at the time.
“We’re not announcing anything, but both of those ideas sound like great plans and are both possibilities in a sense,” said Yasuda in the interview. Those are both very, very reasonable ideas for potentially a sequel in any series, not just Ninja Gaiden.”
“But what I want to say is, if we were to theoretically work with another company on a new Ninja Gaiden title, we would need to make sure that it would be a title that the fans would really enjoy and exceed their expectations,” Yasuda continued.
