Ninja Gaiden 4 Deluxe Edition delivers a third-person hack and slash experience centered on intense, skill-based ninja combat across a cyberpunk setting on PS5. Players take control of Yakumo as the primary protagonist, with Ryu Hayabusa appearing as a major playable character and narrative milestone. The game emphasizes fluid combos, precise timing, and weapon variety in relentless encounters against fiends and members of the Divine Dragon Order.
Gameplay
Core combat revolves around chaining attacks, parries, and perfect dodges to build momentum and trigger powerful counters. Yakumo accesses Bloodraven Form by holding the left trigger, transforming weapons into heavier variants such as longswords or drills for sweeping strikes while a meter fills through regular hits and obliteration finishers on dismembered foes. Ryu enters Gleam state for rapid sword barrages reminiscent of classic ultimate techniques. Instant weapon switching supports juggling multiple enemy types in the air for extended stylish sequences. Environments support vertical movement including wall runs and arena shifts that influence positioning during fights. Boss encounters demand pattern recognition and adaptive use of forms and skills. A standalone Training Mode lets players practice specific combos, defensive maneuvers, and weapon skills in isolation at any time from the menu.
Game Modes
Story Mode structures the campaign into chapters where players progress through linear areas filled with combat arenas and optional detours. Hidden Purgatory trials accessed via torii gates off the main path present wave-based enemy challenges that require sacrificing a portion of health to enter, with the Realm of Hell variant demanding up to 75 percent health loss for the most extreme tests. Challenge modes and Trials become available after the campaign, allowing replays of specific missions, bosses, or remixed scenarios with altered parameters as either protagonist. These include leaderboards and rewards that carry over to enhance the main experience. Difficulty selection includes Hero, Normal, Hard, and Master Ninja, with on-the-fly switching supported throughout. Hero mode incorporates optional assists such as auto-evade and auto-block that players can toggle individually. Master Ninja unlocks post-story and features a Death Wish variant that resets growth elements for heightened challenge.
Combat Systems and Progression
Both protagonists share foundational movesets drawn from the series while incorporating distinct powered forms that expand options mid-fight. Weapon skills upgrade separately within each form, creating layered progression that rewards experimentation across encounters. Environmental interactions and quick-time elements during traversal add variety without shifting focus from direct confrontation. The campaign incorporates replay incentives through chapter selection and trial completion that unlock further customization and resources. Post-launch content titled The Two Masters expands the narrative with additional chapters, introduces Abyssal Road as a new challenge mode, and adds weapons, stages, and enemy types.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reviews highlight the combat as a standout evolution of the franchise, with strong emphasis on spectacle, challenge variety, and replay value through trials and character switching. Accessibility features in Hero mode broaden appeal for those new to the series, while higher difficulties preserve the demanding precision long associated with Ninja Gaiden. The single-player structure suits players seeking focused action sessions rather than ongoing multiplayer commitments. Availability on PS5 includes full support for the Deluxe Edition content bundle, and the standard edition launched on Game Pass. Those who enjoy deliberate, high-skill hack and slash gameplay with options to adjust intensity will find substantial depth in the verified systems and modes. The experience rewards repeated playthroughs focused on mastery and style expression.
