In 2012, the Ninja Gaiden franchise became inactive, creating a gap in the precise action game category that Tecmo had previously excelled in. Renowned for its challenging gameplay and rapid combat, the series had established a high bar for action titles. Nonetheless, following the release of Ninja Gaiden 3, the franchise entered a pause, with only a forgettable 2014 spinoff, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, attempting to bridge the void. Enthusiasts were left contemplating the appearance of a contemporary Ninja Gaiden, particularly as the gaming realm transformed with the emergence of Soulslike games.
The Soulslike category, noted for its demanding difficulty and complex combat systems, took the industry by storm. Titles such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne introduced new standards for action games, and the launch of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice further bolstered the appeal of this genre. Fans pondered that if Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary hero of Ninja Gaiden, were to make a comeback, he may incorporate features from these games, like a stamina or posture meter, similar to the mechanics found in Sekiro.
This year, the speculation came to an end as the long-silent series was brought back to life with the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4. The upcoming chapter aspires to restore the fierce action and precision that fans cherished, without necessarily conforming to the trends established by Sekiro and other Soulslikes. While information is still unfolding, the return of Ninja Gaiden is set to rekindle enthusiasm for the series and provide a modern interpretation of the classic action formula that established it as a cherished franchise.
For further information regarding Ninja Gaiden 4 and its development, you can read the complete article on Rock Paper Shotgun.