"Ninja Gaiden's Revival: A Fresh Alternative to Soulslike Games"

The 2025 Xbox Developer Direct brought a thrilling announcement for fans of action-packed gaming: the revival of the iconic Ninja Gaiden series. With the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the immediate release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the event marked a surprising and welcome return for the franchise. After a long hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge in 2012, and aside from the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, this revival could signify a resurgence of old-school 3D action games, which have been overshadowed by the rise of Soulslike titles.

In the past, games like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and the original God of War series dominated the action genre. However, the landscape shifted with the advent of FromSoftware's Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. While Soulslike games have carved out a significant niche, there is a clear demand for the return of traditional action games, and Ninja Gaiden's comeback could balance the scales in the AAA market.

### **The Dragon Lineage**

The Ninja Gaiden series has long been widely considered the epitome of action gaming. The 2004 reboot on the original Xbox transformed Ryu Hayabusa's journey from 2D platforming roots into a 3D masterpiece known for its smooth gameplay, fluid animations, and notorious difficulty. While other hack-and-slash titles existed, Ninja Gaiden distinguished itself with its challenging gameplay that tested players from the very first level, famously with the boss Murai.

Despite its steep difficulty curve, Ninja Gaiden's challenges are largely fair, rooted in player error rather than game design flaws. Mastering the game involves understanding the rhythm of combat, a delicate balance of movement, defense, and counter-attacks. From the iconic Izuna Drop to the powerful Ultimate Techniques and various weapon combos, the game equips players with the tools needed to overcome its challenges.

The dedication and satisfaction of conquering Ninja Gaiden's toughest settings have influenced the Soulslike community, where players seek the thrill of overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Ninja Gaiden's influence on the genre is undeniable, yet the dominance of Soulslike games has somewhat eclipsed traditional action titles.

Follow the Leader

The release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 in 2009, the same year as Demon’s Souls, marked a turning point. Demon’s Souls received strong reviews and paved the way for Dark Souls in 2011, which has been hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made, including by IGN. As the Ninja Gaiden series struggled with Ninja Gaiden 3 and its re-release Razor’s Edge, Dark Souls and its sequels, along with FromSoftware's subsequent titles like Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring, captured the action market.

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 either

AnswerSee ResultsThe widespread adoption of FromSoftware’s mechanics influenced other titles such as Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel Jedi: Survivor, Team Ninja’s Nioh, and Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong. While these games are well-received, the prevalence of the Soulslike formula has left traditional 3D action games like Ninja Gaiden in the shadows. The last major entries in this genre, such as Devil May Cry 5 in 2019 and the revamped God of War in 2018, have shifted away from their roots, adopting elements more akin to Soulslike games.

The defining features of Soulslike games—timing-based combat, stamina management, character build customization, expansive level design, and respawn mechanics—have become industry standards. While FromSoftware pioneered this style, its widespread adoption has left gamers craving variety. The return of Ninja Gaiden with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black offers a refreshing contrast, showcasing the unique strengths of character action games.

The Master Ninja Returns

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black breathes new life into the action genre. Its fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and restored gore from the original version (missing in the Sigma iteration) make it the definitive version of Ninja Gaiden 2 for modern platforms. It's an ideal entry point for newcomers and a satisfying experience for veterans, despite some adjustments to difficulty and enemy numbers. The original Ninja Gaiden II had technical issues and unbalanced design, but Ninja Gaiden 2 Black strikes a balance, retaining the high difficulty and gore while incorporating additional content from Sigma 2, minus the unpopular statue boss fights.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots

19 ImagesThis remaster serves as a reminder of the action genre's lost diversity. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, games like PlatinumGames’ Bayonetta, Visceral Games’ Dante’s Inferno, Vigil Games’ Darksiders, and even FromSoftware's Ninja Blade filled the market with similar mechanics. The frenetic, combo-based combat against hordes of enemies and giant bosses in a linear format was a staple. Although games like Hi-Fi Rush in 2023 have continued this tradition, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black stands out as a major release from a prominent developer.

Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black underscores the unique purity of traditional action games. Without reliance on builds, experience points, or stamina bars, it's a pure test of skill. Players must master the provided tools or face repeated Game Over screens. While Soulslike games are likely to remain popular, the return of Ninja Gaiden heralds a potential new era for action games, offering hope that there's room for both styles in the gaming world.