The undisputed titan of ninja action games, the 'Ninja Gaiden' series, is finally making a comeback with the upcoming 'Ninja Gaiden 4', landing this 21st. It is not just the first mainline entry in over a decade; the sheer spectacle of the combat showcased so far has rightfully captured the attention of every fan waiting in the wings.

This entry retains the grim, uncompromising world we know, but injects it with fresh doses of 'curse' and 'chaos.' The narrative follows the series icon, Ryu Hayabusa, and a newcomer named Yakumo, whose fates are inextricably linked. Set in a near-future Tokyo, they battle against a torrential downpour of 'miasma'—the fallout of a failed Black Dragon resurrection—and a lingering ancient curse that has left the city in ruins.

The spotlight falls on Yakumo, a young prodigy and the latest 'super-human' ninja. Hailing from the Crow Clan—the bitter rivals of Ryu Hayabusa’s Dragon Clan—Yakumo finds himself saddled with the heavy burden of liberating a near-future Tokyo from the toxic rain and the enemies spawned by it.

As Yakumo clashes with mechanized ninja units and otherworldly creatures, his path inevitably crosses with Ryu Hayabusa. This intersection seems to be the beating heart of the game, detailing Yakumo's journey to becoming a Master Ninja and the friction that sparks between him and the legendary Hayabusa.

Ryu Hayabusa returns as a playable character, naturally equipped with updated gear. While he shares the weight of the main campaign with Yakumo, players will also have the freedom to play as both characters in the 'Chapter Select' and 'Trial' modes, which unlock upon completing the main story.

You'll also encounter a colourful cast of characters, including Seori, the shrine maiden who sealed the Black Dragon; Misaki, the tactician of the Crow Clan; and Kagachi, the commander of the mysterious 'Divine Dragon Cult.' Uncovering how their paths cross with our heroes is a key hook here.

The series' signature high-speed ninja action has evolved. With Team NINJA, the veterans of the franchise, collaborating with PlatinumGames—the maestros behind NieR:Automata and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance—expect a combat tempo that is noticeably faster and more dynamic than ever before.

Yakumo wields a combat stance dubbed 'Bloodraven,' while Ryu Hayabusa utilizes 'Dragon Gleam.' These unique stances don't just provide distinct playstyles; they add significant depth to the combat. Yakumo can use 'Blood Snow' to morph his weaponry for wide-reaching, one-hit-kill strikes, while Ryu retains his classic arsenal, including the 'Art of the Inferno' and 'Art of the Wind Blades,' alongside returning staples like the 'Izuna Drop' and 'Flying Swallow.'

Yakumo’s 'Bloodraven' stance drains a resource gauge but allows him to break enemy guards or stagger foes during heavy attacks. He can also enter a 'Berserk' state, which, when paired with specific inputs, triggers visceral execution animations to wipe out enemies instantly.

Ryu Hayabusa can unleash powerful ultimate abilities once his weapon is sufficiently charged. Furthermore, filling a separate gauge allows him to awaken the Dragon Sword, triggering special execution moves. These systems are clearly designed to encourage players to refine their own unique combat rhythm.

Ninja Gaiden 4 balances the scales, offering a punishing experience for hardcore action fans while providing accessibility options for those just starting out.

The notorious 'Master Ninja' difficulty returns for the masochists among us. It dials up enemy AI, damage output, and sheer numbers, ensuring that even a minor slip-up leads to a swift game over. Be warned: once you commit to Master Ninja, there is no turning back to an easier setting mid-game.

For the newcomers, there is the 'Hero Mode.' This provides a safety net by automating guards and dodges, allowing players to find their footing and focus on the story. You can toggle this on or off at will, or adjust the difficulty to 'Normal' or 'Hard' as you see fit.

Additionally, a 'Training Mode' makes its series debut. It is the perfect place to master complex combos, defensive maneuvers, and most importantly, the parry system. It is a flexible suite of tools that ensures everyone from the greenest recruit to the hardened veteran can find enjoyment here.