📖 Story & Setting

• The game takes place a significant time after Ninja Gaiden 3, in a near‑future version of Tokyo, which is plunged into chaos by the return of an ancient evil known as the “Dark Dragon.” Wikipedia+1

• Under this evil’s influence, the city is enveloped in a rain of miasma, a dark, almost cyber‑punk aesthetic, which helps reinforce one of the main themes: adversity. Gematsu+1

• The new playable protagonist is Yakumo (of the Raven clan). He carries the burden of a shared destiny with the series’ long‐time hero, Ryu Hayabusa. Ryu returns as a significant character (and is playable too) even though Yakumo is the spotlight this time. Wikipedia+2PlayStation+2

🎮 Gameplay & Features

• Signature high‐speed, precision‑based hack & slash combat returns but is evolved. The core idea: mix the classic feel of the series with fresh action elements from PlatinumGames’ style. Gematsu+1

• New mechanics: Yakumo uses something called Bloodraven Form (or “Bloodbind Ninjutsu”) which enables special transformations of his weapons and more devastating attacks by manipulating his own blood and that of enemies. Wikipedia+1

• Classic moves: Techniques from past games such as the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow are present and usable by the characters. PlayStation Store+1

• Traversal has been more dynamic: expect wire and rail‑grinding like features, to keep the pace high and the action fluid. Gematsu

• Difficulty & accessibility: The game offers multiple difficulty settings and assistance options to make it approachable for newcomers, while still offering hardcore challenge for veterans. Gematsu+1

✅ Why it might interest you

• If you’re a fan of the earlier Ninja Gaiden games, this one brings back that intense combat feel but also adds modern polish and new features.

• The fact that it’s co‑developed by PlatinumGames suggests a stylistic reboot/refresh, so the feel might be both familiar and new.

• For newcomers: the use of a new protagonist (Yakumo) and a slightly updated approach means you may not need to have played all past entries. The game seems designed to welcome new players. Gematsu

⚠️ Considerations / What to watch

• While the game introduces new mechanics and characters, Ryu Hayabusa (the classic hero) might not be the primary protagonist, which could be an adjustment if you expected the old hero to be front and center.

• Being a hack & slash game of this type means you’ll likely face steep challenge and rapid combat; even with assist modes, the game leans into that genre’s intensity.

• Storywise, some critiques s