Developer Interview: "NINJA Gaiden 4" Right Before Release. Dive into the New Super Ninja Born from the Chemistry Between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/875/G087562/20250927079/

Writer: Takahashi Yusuke Photographer: Nagayama Wataru | 2025/09/27 15:15 (UTC)

At the Koei Tecmo Games booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025, numerous demo stations for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” (available on PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), set to release on October 21, 2025, were bustling with enthusiastic fans.

Thumbnail image No.001: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

While honoring the series’ traditions, this installment breaks a 13-year silence by introducing fresh elements through collaboration with PlatinumGames. Observing the passionate fans gathered at the demo stations, what emotions did the development team experience?

We spoke with Fumihiko Yasuda, Producer from Team NINJA; Masakazu Hirayama, Director; and Yuki Haruo Nakao, Producer and Director from PlatinumGames, at a nearby hotel.

Thumbnail image No.002: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

PC Xbox Series X|S PS5 Event

Authentic Japanese swords recreating weapons used by the two protagonists of “NINJA GAIDEN 4” unveiled during tape-cutting ceremony [TGS2025]

On September 25, 2025, at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Koei Tecmo Games hosted a “NINJA GAIDEN 4 Area Grand Opening Tape-Cutting Ceremony” during Tokyo Game Show 2025. Key figures from the game appeared on stage for talks, and two custom swords—“Onikiri Tamakuni” and “Ryūken”—crafted by a master swordsmith were revealed to the public.

[September 25, 2025, 8:54 PM]

Official website for “NINJA GAIDEN 4”

[Passing on the latest “NINJA GAIDEN” to today’s generation]

4Gamer:
Today we’re glad to have you here. First, how are you feeling right now?

Fumihiko Yasuda (hereafter, Yasuda):
It’s been 13 years since the last numbered entry in the series, so I’m truly savoring this moment—finally, it’s arrived.

Yuki Haruo Nakao (hereafter, Nakao):
I often say this at such events: as a fan myself, I feel “This is really happening now.” I’ve poured my personal love into developing the game.

Team NINJA Director Masakazu Hirayama Thumbnail image No.003: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

Masakazu Hirayama (hereafter, Hirayama):
Seeing everyone enjoying themselves at the venue has finally given me peace of mind. Still, I want to keep pushing until the very last moment.

4Gamer:
What did you think about the demo experience at the event?

Hirayama:
The short demo time seemed challenging for many players—some struggled quite a bit. Also, fans familiar with the series didn’t jump straight into gameplay; instead, they took time to feel out the control and action rhythm first—it stood out.

Nakao:
Seeing people start from practicing controls made me happy—they actually came all the way here to check things out. I wanted to whisper in my heart: “It’s fine—your expectations are fully met.” (laugh)

4Gamer:
2025 marks Team NINJA’s 30th anniversary, so you’ve positioned it as “Year of the NINJA.” How do you feel about the momentum so far?

Yasuda:
Actually, Microsoft and I had discussed earlier in the year about concentrating on ninja-themed titles for 2025. Just then, a major event occurred in January—and we were asked: “Why not launch everything at once now?”

4Gamer:
Ah, that’s how it came to be.

Team NINJA Producer Fumihiko Yasuda Thumbnail image No.004: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

Yasuda:
But if too many titles overlap, fans might get confused. We also needed to adjust our schedule accordingly. Especially since the “NINJA GAIDEN” series hasn’t seen a new entry since the Master Collection, we’re focusing this year on launching “NINJA GAIDEN 4”—the first new installment in over ten years—as the centerpiece. The 3D action of “NINJA GAIDEN” will be crucial for today’s generation.

4Gamer:
The recent article I published on 4Gamer received a lot more overseas responses than expected—quite surprising!

Yasuda:
Of course, it’s a long-running IP with strong global recognition. It receives consistent acclaim not just in Japan but internationally as well. Judging from community reactions, there’s definitely momentum—and we feel good about that.

4Gamer:
The recently released side-scrolling action title “NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound” also came out, and for fans who’ve followed the series since “Ninja Dragon Sword,” it feels like a seamless connection between 2D and 3D worlds.

Yasuda:
That game was developed by The Game Kitchen in Spain. They treated the franchise with great care, which we deeply appreciate. Personally, I’ve been involved since “NINJA GAIDEN II,” so I’m truly happy to deliver a modernized version of “NINJA GAIDEN”—one that preserves past elements while bringing them up-to-date.

4Gamer:
I’m particularly interested in the newly announced character Kagachi. A one-armed cybernetic samurai as a rival, his design feels very much like something PlatinumGames would create.

Kagachi Thumbnail image No.005: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

Nakao:
I didn’t aim for it specifically, but many people seem to feel that way (laugh). Maybe because he’s built like the big brother from “Bayonetta,” with a solid frame. When such powerful characters are paired with strong presentation, excitement naturally builds. Fighting someone who symbolizes strength is thrilling—this might be part of our long-standing creative philosophy.

4Gamer:
Many players seem concerned about difficulty levels. What’s your take on game balance?

PlatinumGames Producer and Director Yuki Haruo Nakao Thumbnail image No.006: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

Nakao:
As someone who deeply loves “II,” I think it should be tough—just enough to make you slightly frustrated at times (laugh). We’ve carefully adjusted level design, enemy placement, and gimmicks. So please trust our work.

Yasuda:
Agreed. That’s exactly the right balance for me too. Personally, my action skills are average—but if even I find myself complaining during testing, that means players will likely feel just right at home.

Hirayama:
Just to clarify, the “Master Ninja Mode”, available after completing the first playthrough, is a completely different challenge level—entirely new. Enemy placement and AI patterns change dramatically, so even familiar stages require entirely different strategies.

4Gamer:
I’m really looking forward to it. By the way, right now “ROG Xbox ALLY” is making headlines after its release date was announced—have you considered supporting it?

Nakao:
The game was developed with console and PC in mind, but the “ROG Xbox ALLY” runs smoothly with minimal adjustments. The button and stick responsiveness are excellent—it maintains full action feel even in single-player mode, which is fantastic since stability is crucial for action games.

I tried executing moves like “Izanagi Drop” on-site—though it takes practice, the controls feel smooth and responsive. Thumbnail image No.008: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]

HARDWARE

Portable gaming PC “ROG Xbox ALLY” series set for October 16 release, featuring Ryzen Z2 and optimized Windows 11

On September 26, 2025, ASUS announced the domestic release of its portable gaming PCs, “ROG Xbox ALLY” and “ROG Xbox ALLY X,” on October 16. The suggested retail prices are ¥89,800 and ¥139,800 (tax included), respectively.

[September 26, 2025, 9:01 AM]

4Gamer:
Finally, any message for players?

Yasuda:
I really want everyone to fully enjoy the latest entry. Whether you’re a fan of past games or new to the series, it’s designed to be enjoyable for both. I hope we can build momentum around this release and expand through DLCs—letting this game become the launchpad for the franchise’s revival.

Nakao:
I’m caught between my role as a developer and my identity as a fan—I’m filled with that same “It’s finally here!” emotion everyone else feels. Working alongside Team NINJA on this project will be deeply etched into my personal history.

Hirayama:
This title was only possible through collaboration with PlatinumGames. The system design and difficulty curve are crafted to entertain players of all skill levels—from beginners to experts. Just controlling the characters is enjoyable in itself. Please look forward to it!

4Gamer:
Thank you very much.

Thumbnail image No.009: Pre-release developer interview for “NINJA GAIDEN 4” – Exploring the new ultimate ninja born from the chemistry between Team NINJA and PlatinumGames [TGS2025]