The 2025 Xbox Developer Direct event brought a thrilling announcement for fans of classic action games: the revival of the Ninja Gaiden series. With the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the immediate release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the franchise is making a significant comeback. This marks a surprising shift, as the last major entry, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, was released back in 2012. The resurgence of Ninja Gaiden could signal a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, potentially reviving the genre of old-school 3D action games that have been overshadowed by the dominance of Soulslike titles in recent years.
Historically, games like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and the original God of War series defined the action genre. However, the rise of FromSoftware's titles such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring has shifted the focus. While we appreciate the depth and challenge of Soulslike games, the action genre needs a balance, and Ninja Gaiden's return could be the catalyst for this much-needed equilibrium.
### **The Dragon Lineage**The Ninja Gaiden series has long been widely considered the epitome of action gaming. The 2004 reboot on the original Xbox transformed the series from its 2D roots into a 3D masterpiece, celebrated for its smooth gameplay, fluid animations, and intense difficulty. While other hack-and-slash games like Devil May Cry were known for their challenge, Ninja Gaiden set itself apart with its relentless difficulty, famously exemplified by the first boss, Murai, who tested players' skills from the outset.
Despite its steep learning curve, Ninja Gaiden's difficulty is fair, rooted in player error rather than unfair game mechanics. Mastering the game involves understanding the rhythm of combat, a delicate balance of movement, defense, and counter-attacks. From the iconic Izuna Drop to the powerful Ultimate Techniques and a variety of weapon combos, players have ample tools to overcome the game's challenges.
Ninja Gaiden's influence on the gaming community is undeniable. Its brutal challenge and the satisfaction of conquering its highest difficulty settings paved the way for the Soulslike phenomenon. The series' demand for mechanical mastery inspired FromSoftware and others to create an entire subgenre, though perhaps at the cost of overshadowing traditional action games.
Follow the Leader
The release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 in 2009, the same year as Demon’s Souls, marked a turning point. Demon’s Souls received strong reviews and set the stage for Dark Souls in 2011, which is often hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made, including by IGN. As Ninja Gaiden 3 and its rerelease Razor’s Edge struggled, Dark Souls and its sequels, along with FromSoftware's subsequent titles like Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring, dominated the action genre.
AnswerSee ResultsThe popularity of FromSoftware’s mechanics influenced other games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Jedi: Survivor, Nioh, and Black Myth: Wukong. While these games are well-received, the Soulslike model has dominated the AAA action space, leaving little room for traditional 3D action games. Ninja Gaiden's return after over a decade, alongside the last Devil May Cry entry in 2019 and the transformed God of War in 2018, highlights the need for diversity in the genre.
Soulslike games are characterized by challenging combat, timing-based dodges and parries, stamina management, customizable builds, and large, open-ended levels with save points that heal and respawn enemies. While FromSoftware's approach is innovative, the saturation of this style has left gamers craving variety. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's release offers a fresh perspective, showcasing the unique strengths of character action games.
The Master Ninja Returns
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black revitalizes the action genre with its fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and the return of the gore that was missing from the Sigma version. This remaster is the definitive version of Ninja Gaiden 2 for modern platforms, ideal for both newcomers and veterans. While some may criticize the adjusted difficulty and enemy counts, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black strikes a balance between maintaining the series' challenging nature and enhancing the overall experience with additional content, minus the unpopular statue boss fights.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots
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This remaster serves as a reminder of the action games that once thrived, such as Bayonetta, Dante’s Inferno, Darksiders, and even Ninja Blade. The linear, combo-based battles against numerous foes and giant bosses, a hallmark of the genre, have been largely replaced by the Soulslike model. However, games like Hi-Fi Rush in 2023 show that the spirit of Ninja Gaiden lives on.
Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black underscores the purity of action games where success depends solely on mastering the game's mechanics. There are no shortcuts, no builds to follow, and no leveling up to bypass challenges. It's a direct confrontation between player and game, demanding skill and precision. While Soulslike games will likely continue to captivate audiences, the return of Ninja Gaiden could herald a new era for action games, offering a diverse range of experiences for gamers to enjoy.
