AceShowbiz - After years in the shadows, a revered action franchise has roared back to life, shedding the tarnished reputation left by 2012's Ninja Gaiden 3 and the ill-received Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. For nearly a dozen years, the series lay dormant, but now, an explosive resurgence, dubbed "The Year Of The Ninja," has placed the franchise firmly back on the map. This revival includes not only the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, but also the welcome additions of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ragebound, all of which are proving to be essential experiences for fans.

The collaborative genius of Team Ninja and Platinum Games has achieved a remarkable feat with Ninja Gaiden 4. They haven't just resurrected the series; they've meticulously restored its signature flashy, technical combat roots. Crucially, they've also introduced a compelling new protagonist who is already resonating with players. While the iconic Ryu Hayabusa remains a significant presence and is playable, his proper appearance unfolds later in the game. Instead, players step into the shoes of Yakumo, a member of the enigmatic Raven clan, who serves as a subtle rival to Ryu's legendary Hayabusa clan.

Yakumo brings a wealth of fresh abilities to the battlefield, including a powerful Bloodraven form. Yet, his core combat mechanics ingeniously mirror the familiar base moveset from the three mainline modern Ninja Gaiden entries. This design choice ensures that picking up Ninja Gaiden 4 feels instantly intuitive—like riding a bike again—while simultaneously avoiding a mere copy-and-paste job. Players will master a dynamic system of light and heavy attacks, intricate combos, precise blocking, and agile dodging, all complemented by a devastating array of special moves. Acclimating to Yakumo's unique style and mastering the nuances of his Bloodraven stance proves particularly gratifying.

The Bloodraven form, for instance, offers multiple strategic applications. Enemies often telegraph unlockable attacks, which can frequently be interrupted or canceled by a quick Bloodraven ability. This form is also instrumental in breaking enemy guards and engaging multiple foes simultaneously, all governed by its own dedicated meter. Adding another layer of depth, a separate, Devil Trigger-like super meter allows players to unleash an overwhelming assault on adversaries for a limited duration. The sheer breadth of tools and abilities at the player's disposal ensures a constant feeling of being a formidable, one-person army. Yakumo's persona further enhances the experience; he exudes a dark and mysterious aura, even more so than Ryu, and his Raven clan is depicted as technologically advanced, perfectly complementing the game's grimdark Tokyo setting.