While DOOM: The Dark Ages stole the show at Developer_Direct with its stunning visuals, it wasn't the only highlight. The event also brought the exciting announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, the latest installment in Koei Tecmo's beloved series, slated for release in fall 2025.
The debut trailer promises an action-packed experience, featuring the iconic ninja Ryu Hayabusa as the protagonist. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces innovative mechanics, including the ability to swiftly navigate using wires and rails, as demonstrated in the gameplay trailer. This adds a fresh layer of excitement to the series' already intense combat.
The game's setting is a striking cyberpunk city, drenched in a perpetual toxic rain. Players will battle through waves of modified soldiers and fearsome otherworldly beings, all while striving to break an ancient curse that plagues the megacity.
In addition to Ninja Gaiden 4, the presentation showcased a massive remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2, which is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and included in the Game Pass catalog. Team Ninja has leveraged Unreal Engine 5 for this remaster, completely overhauling character models, visual effects, and landscapes. The remaster also incorporates elements from newer series entries and introduces three new playable characters, enhancing the overall experience.
Koei Tecmo's efforts have certainly captured the community's attention, and they are well-deserved.