Welcome to an exciting dive into the world of high-octane action gaming! Today, we’re thrilled to chat with Nia Christair, a renowned expert in mobile gaming and app development, who also brings a unique perspective on device hardware design and enterprise mobile solutions. With her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of gaming mechanics, Nia recently got hands-on with the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden 4 on Xbox Series X through the Xbox Insider Program. In this interview, we’ll explore her initial impressions of the game, the impact of the collaboration between two powerhouse developers, the evolution of the series’ iconic combat, and much more. Let’s jump right in!
How did diving into the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden 4 feel for you, and what was the standout moment or feature that grabbed your attention right away?
Playing the first chapter of Ninja Gaiden 4 was an absolute rush. From the opening moments, the game throws you into a visceral, blood-soaked experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. What really stood out was the sheer intensity of the combat—it’s fast, unforgiving, and demands your full focus. There’s this electric energy in every encounter, especially with the slick visuals of the neon-drenched streets. It’s like stepping into a futuristic ninja fantasy, and I couldn’t put the controller down.
With Ninja Gaiden 4 being a joint effort between two major studios known for action games, how do you see their individual strengths blending into the gameplay, and can you point to a specific moment from the demo that showcases this?
The collaboration between these two studios is like a dream team for action fans. You can feel one studio’s signature tight, punishing combat design paired with the other’s flair for stylish, responsive mechanics. It’s a perfect marriage of precision and panache. A specific moment that stood out was during a hectic mob fight in the demo— the enemy AI forced me to think strategically about every move, while the fluid animations and quick button responses let me pull off combos with a cinematic flair. It’s a balance of grit and style that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Given the ups and downs both studios have faced in recent years, did you have any reservations about their partnership before playing the demo, and how has your view shifted after experiencing it?
Honestly, I did have some reservations going in. Both studios have had their share of hits and misses lately, so I wasn’t sure if they’d mesh well or if past stumbles would show up in the game. But after playing the demo, I’m completely sold. Ninja Gaiden 4 feels like a return to form for both teams, as if they’ve channeled their best work into this project. The polish and passion in the first chapter alone have turned my skepticism into excitement for the full release.
The combat in Ninja Gaiden 4 is hyped as both lightning-fast and brutally challenging. Can you describe what it’s like to play, especially when stacking it up against earlier titles in the series?
The combat is everything you’d expect from a Ninja Gaiden game and then some. It’s blisteringly fast, with no room for error—you can’t just mash buttons and hope for the best. Compared to older titles, it feels more refined, with smoother transitions between moves and a greater emphasis on timing for counters and dodges. It’s still got that signature difficulty, but the controls are so tight that when you mess up, you know it’s on you. It’s punishing, but in the most satisfying way possible.
Yakumo steps in as the new protagonist for the series. What are your early thoughts on him as a character, and how well does he embody the essence of Ninja Gaiden action?
Yakumo is an intriguing addition to the Ninja Gaiden roster. He’s got this brooding, edgy vibe that fits the series’ tone perfectly, and his design screams ninja with a modern twist. In terms of action, he’s a natural—he handles classic moves with finesse while bringing something new to the table with his unique abilities. I think he captures the essence of the series by being both a skilled warrior and a bit of an underdog you want to root for as the stakes ramp up.
The demo brings back fan-favorite moves like Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop. How do these iconic techniques play in Ninja Gaiden 4, and did any changes or refinements catch your eye?
Seeing Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop return was like reuniting with old friends. They feel just as impactful as ever, with Flying Swallow closing gaps in a flash and Izuna Drop delivering that brutal, satisfying slam. What caught my eye was how they’ve been polished for this game—the animations are sharper, and there’s a slight tweak to the timing that makes them feel even more rewarding when you nail them. It’s a subtle evolution, but it keeps the moves fresh while honoring their legacy.
Can you break down the Bloodraven Form for us and explain how it transforms the gameplay experience? What was your favorite part about using it?
Bloodraven Form is Yakumo’s trump card, and it’s as cool as it sounds. When you activate it by building up a gauge and holding the trigger, Yakumo’s attacks get a massive power boost, and you can absorb hits to charge even stronger strikes. It also lets you counter certain unblockable enemy moves, which is a lifesaver. My favorite part was using it to turn the tide in tough fights—there’s nothing like soaking up an enemy’s attack and then unleashing a devastating blow. It adds a layer of strategy that makes combat even deeper.
The game’s difficulty is notorious, even on normal mode. How did you handle the challenge, and were there any particular enemies or moments that really tested your skills?
The difficulty is no joke—Ninja Gaiden 4 doesn’t hold your hand, even on normal. I found myself getting humbled by basic enemies early on because I underestimated them. One moment that really tested me was a group of grunts who coordinated their attacks; if I didn’t guard or dodge at the right time, I’d get overwhelmed fast. It forced me to slow down and think, which I appreciated. The challenge is steep, but it’s fair, and every victory feels earned.
Boss battles are a huge highlight in Ninja Gaiden 4. Can you paint a picture of one boss fight from the demo and tell us what made it memorable?
One of the boss fights in the demo was an absolute standout. You face this towering, menacing figure at the end of the first chapter, and it’s a masterclass in tension. The boss shrugs off most of your attacks unless you time your Bloodraven moves just right, and their attack patterns are relentless. What made it memorable was the pacing—every phase felt like a desperate struggle, and the visual feedback when you finally stagger them is so rewarding. Plus, the boss theme had this intense vocal track that got my adrenaline pumping. It’s an encounter I won’t forget.
The setting in the first chapter leans into a sci-fi aesthetic with neon streets and bold visuals. How does this vibe compare to the atmosphere of previous Ninja Gaiden games, and did it resonate with you?
The sci-fi aesthetic is a bit of a departure from the more traditional or gritty settings of past Ninja Gaiden games, but I think it works incredibly well. The neon-soaked streets and flashy billboards create a cyberpunk ninja vibe that feels unique yet still tied to the series’ over-the-top nature. I loved how it contrasted with the raw violence of the combat—it’s like fighting in a dystopian fever dream. It resonated with me because it adds a fresh layer to the Ninja Gaiden identity without losing its core.
What’s your forecast for the future of action games like Ninja Gaiden 4, especially with this blend of classic difficulty and modern design sensibilities?
I think action games like Ninja Gaiden 4 are poised for a big resurgence. There’s a growing appetite for titles that challenge players with high skill ceilings while delivering cutting-edge visuals and mechanics. This blend of classic, punishing difficulty with modern polish—think tight controls and stunning environments—sets a high bar for the genre. I predict we’ll see more developers taking inspiration from this approach, focusing on rewarding mastery and creating experiences that feel both nostalgic and innovative. It’s an exciting time for fans of hardcore action titles.
