While FromSoftware’s style of games – often referred to as Soulslike games – have become quite popular over the last decade, Ninja Gaiden 4 director and producer Yuji Nakao misses the older style of action games we used to see in the 2000s. In an interview with Xbox Wire, Nakao spoke about how he also believes that there might be players out there who share his views.
Nakao spoke about having grown up during the “golden age” of 3D hack-and-slash action games with titles like Ninja Gaiden Black and Devil May Cry dominating the video game charts. He said that these types of games have become much rarer these days, especially once FromSoftware’s take on action RPGs started getting popular
“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?”
Nakao believes that Ninja Gaiden 4 might be one of the games to bring back an appetite for this classic style of action games. “If it could carve out its place in the history of modern slash-action, and as a new benchmark for the genre, I’d be thrilled,” he said. “And if Ninja Gaiden 4 could serve as a spark that reignites excitement around slash-action games, then that would be even better.”
He also spoke about how Ninja Gaiden 4, thanks to its trailers, doesn’t quite look like a modern action games, especially when compared to other upcoming action titles like Naughty Dog’s upcoming Intergalactic, or Santa Monica’s gameplay reboot of the God of War franchise.
“When PlatinumGames speaks to Team Ninja about this next Ninja Gaiden, we often joke that ‘we’ve made something that really doesn’t feel like a modern game—it’s just too hard,'” Nakao said. “These days, games are trending toward being easier to play, but Ninja Gaiden 4 goes in the complete opposite direction. So don’t lose heart!”
Ninja Gaiden 4 recently got a new trailer during Xbox Games Showcase 2025. Along with showing off quite a bit of new gameplay, the trailer has also confirmed that Ninja Gaiden 4 will be coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on October 21. In the meantime, you can also check out how the studio celebrated the 21st anniversary of the 3D games in the Ninja Gaiden franchise back in March, which celebrated the 2004 release of the original Ninja Gaiden on Xbox.
As you wait for Ninja Gaiden 4’s release, here are 10 things you need to know about the game.
