Ninja Gaiden’s Revival is the Perfect Antidote to the Soulslike Phenomenon

The resurgence of Ninja Gaiden at the 2025 Xbox Developer Direct is arguably the biggest reveal. The classic action franchise is getting a major reboot with multiple new titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and a surprise shadow drop, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This marks a significant shift for the series, dormant since Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge in 2012 (excluding the Master Collection). More importantly, it signals a potential turning point for gaming: the return of classic 3D action games after years of Soulslike dominance.

Once, titles like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and the original God of War defined action games. However, FromSoftware's Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring shifted the landscape. While Soulslike games are enjoyable, the AAA market needs diversity. Ninja Gaiden's return could be the much-needed balance.

### A Legacy of Dragons

The Ninja Gaiden series was once considered the apex of action games. The 2004 Xbox reboot, a departure from its 2D NES roots, established Ryu Hayabusa's adventures with fluid gameplay, stunning animation, and brutal difficulty. While other hack-and-slash titles existed, Ninja Gaiden stood out, challenging players from the very first encounter. The infamous Murai, the initial boss, is a testament to this unforgiving yet fair challenge. Deaths stemmed from player error, demanding mastery of combat rhythm, movement, defense, and counter-attacks. The Izuna Drop, Ultimate Techniques, and diverse weapon combos provided ample tools for success.

Interestingly, Ninja Gaiden's demanding gameplay foreshadowed the Soulslike phenomenon. The satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, a hallmark of Soulslike games, resonated with Ninja Gaiden players who conquered its hardest difficulties. FromSoftware, and the games it inspired, amplified this concept into a subgenre, perhaps to its own detriment.

Following the Trend

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, a widely criticized PS3 port, coincided with Demon's Souls (2009). Demon's Souls, receiving strong reviews, paved the way for the critically acclaimed Dark Souls (2011). While Ninja Gaiden 3 and Razor's Edge faltered, Dark Souls and its sequels, along with Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring, dominated the action market. This influence extended to other franchises like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Nioh, and Black Myth: Wukong.

While Soulslike games are popular, their dominance has stifled classic 3D action games. Ninja Gaiden's return after a long absence, alongside DMC5 (2019) and the evolved God of War (2018), which moved away from its fast-paced origins, highlights this issue. Soulslike hallmarks—challenging combat, stamina management, character builds, open-ended levels, and save points—are effective, but oversaturation has occurred. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's release offers a fresh perspective.

The Master Ninja's Return

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black offers a refreshing take on action gaming. Its lightning-fast combat, diverse weapons, and the return of the original game's gore (absent in Sigma 2) make it the definitive version. While veterans might critique difficulty adjustments, the original Ninja Gaiden II suffered from technical issues and unbalanced design. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black strikes a balance, retaining high difficulty and gore while incorporating bonus content (excluding disliked statue boss fights).

Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots

19 ImagesThis remaster showcases what was lost when similar games faded. The late 2000s and early 2010s saw numerous Ninja Gaiden and God of War-inspired titles (Bayonetta, Dante's Inferno, Darksiders, Ninja Blade). The frenetic combat against hordes of enemies and giant bosses in a linear format is a proven formula, surprisingly overshadowed by the Soulslike model. While similar mechanics persist (Hi-Fi Rush), Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a significant release from a major developer.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black highlights the unique appeal of its genre. There are no shortcuts—no build guides, experience points, or stamina bars. It's a pure test of skill, demanding mastery of combat. While Soulslike games remain popular, Ninja Gaiden's return hopefully ushers in a new era for action games, catering to both audiences.

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 Results