At today’s Xbox Developer Direct event, the gaming community was taken by storm with the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, marking the return of the iconic action series. Alongside this big reveal, fans were delighted by the immediate release of a remastered fan-favorite installment.
### Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Makes a Surprise Debut on PS5 at Xbox Developer Direct
In an exciting collaboration, Ninja Gaiden 4 is being crafted by Team Ninja and the renowned Platinum Games. While Platinum Games is new to the Ninja Gaiden series, their expertise in crafting visually stunning action titles like Nier: Automata and Bayonetta has raised anticipation levels. Although we didn’t get an exact release date, plans are set for a Fall 2025 launch for the PS5.
The game promises to introduce an intriguing new protagonist, Yakumo—a young ninja gifted with extraordinary skills—and he’s destined to cross paths with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa. Official details tease a rejuvenation of the franchise, offering high-octane action and stylish gameplay for a new audience to experience.
The developers kept the surprises coming with the unexpected announcement of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This remaster of the well-loved 2008 hit is now available for PS5 owners and can be downloaded for $49.99 from the PlayStation Store.
Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, the remaster boasts enhanced visuals and introduces exciting new features. Players can enjoy the addition of three extra characters—Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel—and utilize the “Hero Play Style,” which provides automatic assistance during challenging moments.
The game challenges players to step into the shoes of Ryu Hayabusa, a formidable ninja on a mission to defeat tough opponents worldwide using the legendary Dragon Sword. The enhanced graphics bring new life to both the characters and backgrounds, providing a visually rich experience.
Interestingly, back in 2022, Team Ninja’s head, Fumihiko Yasuda, spoke about the possibility of outsourcing a Ninja Gaiden game due to the studio’s limited resources at that time.
“We haven’t made any announcements yet, but those ideas seem quite promising and are genuine possibilities,” Yasuda mentioned in an interview. He further elaborated, “If we were to collaborate with another company on a new Ninja Gaiden title, we would ensure it aligns with fans’ expectations and delivers an exceptional experience.”