The resurgence of Ninja Gaiden at the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct was a major highlight, announcing not one, but multiple new titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and the surprise release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This marks a significant comeback for the franchise, dormant since Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge in 2012 (excluding the Master Collection). More importantly, it signals a potential shift in the action game landscape, a genre long dominated by Soulslike titles.

While the Soulslike formula (exemplified by FromSoftware's Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring) has undeniably thrived, the return of Ninja Gaiden offers a much-needed counterpoint. The classic action style, previously championed by titles like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and the original God of War series, deserves a prominent place alongside the Soulslike genre in the AAA market.

A Legacy of Challenge

The original Ninja Gaiden (2004) redefined action gaming. Its fluid animation, precise controls, and brutal difficulty set it apart. While other hack-and-slash games existed, Ninja Gaiden’s unforgiving nature was unique, demanding mastery of its mechanics. The difficulty, though demanding, was generally considered fair, rewarding skillful play and precise execution of combos, Ultimate Techniques, and iconic moves like the Izuna Drop. This focus on skill-based challenge inadvertently foreshadowed the Soulslike emphasis on overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

A Genre Shift

The release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 (2009), a widely criticized port, coincided with the rise of Demon's Souls, a precursor to the Soulslike boom. Dark Souls (2011) solidified this trend, influencing numerous subsequent titles, including FromSoftware's own. While the later Ninja Gaiden 3 and Razor's Edge struggled, Soulslike games gained significant traction. This influence extended to other franchises, such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Nioh, and Black Myth: Wukong, all successful but contributing to a market saturated with the Soulslike formula.

If you had to choose between Soulslikes and traditional action games like Ninja Gaiden, which would you pick?

I'm a Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry kinda personSoulslikes, every single timeI don't really care for eitherAnswerSee ResultsWhile Soulslike games aren't inherently flawed, their dominance has overshadowed other action game styles. Devil May Cry 5 (2019) and the revised God of War (2018) represent the few exceptions, but even these show the influence of Soulslike mechanics. The hallmarks of Soulslike design – challenging combat focused on timing and parrying, stamina management, character builds, open-ended levels, and checkpoint-based respawning – have become ubiquitous.

A Revitalized Classic

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black offers a refreshing alternative. Its fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and restored gore (absent in Sigma 2) make it the definitive version. While some veterans may find the difficulty adjustments altered, the remaster addresses the original's technical shortcomings and unbalanced design. The inclusion of bonus content from Sigma 2 (excluding unpopular elements) enhances the overall package.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots

19 ImagesThe game serves as a potent reminder of the strengths of classic action games. The frenetic combat, diverse enemy encounters, and linear level design, once prevalent, were largely eclipsed by the Soulslike model. While games like Hi-Fi Rush (2023) showcase similar mechanics, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black stands out as a major release reviving this style.

The purity of the Ninja Gaiden experience – its focus on raw skill and mastery of the core mechanics, devoid of leveling systems or build optimization – is a key differentiator. The return of Ninja Gaiden hopefully ushers in a new era of diversity in the action genre, allowing both Soulslike and classic action games to coexist and thrive.