Ninja Gaiden 4

Even though Yakumo received the leading role here, Ryu appears throughout the whole story. From time to time, the game also allows us to take control over him.

Gameplay

In Ninja Gaiden 4 the action is viewed from a third-person perspective (TPP).

Combat system and difficulty level

As was the case in previous parts of the series, we mainly engage in dynamic clashes with opponents. We eliminate them using a katana and combat skills. Apart from regular enemies, who most often attack in groups, we also have to face powerful bosses.

On the battlefield, we must be in constant motion, blocking and parrying blows, and carefully observing our enemies. We must timely notice their weak points or gaps in defense and use that knowledge against them, for example by launching an accurate counterattack or executing an impressive combination of punches.

The situation is complicated by the fact that enemies have the same range of moves, being able to block and parry our attacks. The game provides a challenge, and while designing it, it was inspired by Ninja Gaiden II in this respect. Nonetheless, the difficulty level can be adjusted to individual preferences, making it suitable for both seasoned veterans and rookies.

Ryu Hayabusa and Yakumo differ significantly from each other in terms of fighting style. The young ninja, for example, possesses the so-called Bloodraven Form, giving him access to the Bloodbath Kill attack, which cuts through several targets in one swoop. Skillful use of this ability can immediately end a fight or at least significantly influence its course.

Dynamic exploration

Between battles, we can explore locations, among which the streets of rain-soaked Tokyo take the lead. Wanting to maintain a fast pace of gameplay, developers allow us to slide on rails and glide on inclined surfaces, as well as run on walls (horizontally or vertically). In addition, a rope with a hook is made available to us, allowing us to cross chasms.