With the October 21 release date for Ninja Gaiden 4 getting closer and closer, questions have now begun to pop up about whether or not the console release of the game will have all of its content on the disc. As caught by Wario64, a listing for Ninja Gaiden 4 through online retailer PnP Games indicates that at least some of the game’s content will indeed be present in the included disc.
With only the Deluxe Edition of the Xbox Series X/S release of Ninja Gaiden 4 being available to pre-order through the retailer, it looks like those that pick up the version won’t have to download the entire game even after buying a physical copy. The listing indicates that the Xbox Series X/S Digital Deluxe Edition will include a disc along with a download code, much like the PS5 Deluxe Edition.
The download code will likely be for the extra in-game goodies that are part of the Deluxe Edition, while the disc itself is expected to include at least most of the game’s data, with additional data likely needing downloading. Curiously, however, the box art for the Xbox Series X/S version still has the “Digital Game Code” text upfront, unlike the PS5 version. This can also similarly be seen for the Xbox Series X/S listing for The Outer Worlds 2.
It is worth noting that buying the game through a physical release on Xbox Series X/S comes with a set of drawbacks, including the fact that, despite it being an Xbox Play Anywhere title, buyers will only have access to the console version. In fact, the Play Anywhere feature has likely been a big reason for why Xbox Series X/S games tend to have download codes rather than a disc for the physical release.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is currently in development for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Back in June, the game got a trailer announcing its release date, while also giving a showcase of longtime series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa and how he fights. The trailer showed off Ryu making use of his iconic Dragon Katana and using moves like the Izuna Drop. The trailer also showcased new protagonist Yakuma using a new weapon – a large staff with a drill attached to it.
Back in June, director and producer Yuji Nakao spoke about how the gaming industry has changed, especially when it came to action games, with more and more titles taking their gameplay cues from FromSoftware’s Souls series. He also spoke about missing the “golden age” of 3D action games when titles like Ninja Gaiden Black and Devil May Cry dominated the charts.
“Speaking from a somewhat personal perspective, I grew up during the golden age of 3D slash-action games,” said Nakao. “For people of my generation, it feels like the types of games we grew up playing have become a lot less common in recent years. Instead, we’ve seen the rise of Souls-like games, which have certainly become very popular.”
“Of course, I’ve played and enjoyed many Souls-like games myself. But at the same time, I also think there’s some truth to the belief that ‘classic 3D slash-actions’, have been harder to find lately. Maybe it’s just my own wishful thinking, but I can’t help but feel that a lot of action game fans are starting to crave that experience again. Isn’t it about time we all dove back in?”
Ninja Gaiden 4 Deluxe Edition (XSX physical – will now be disc in a box) preorder at PNP Games buff.ly/YLxCAoC The Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition (now a disc in a box) buff.ly/dHb2M9w #ad not confirmed if it's full game on disc (assume it isn't)
