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

The 2025 Xbox Developer Direct brought a wave of excitement, especially with the announcement of the Ninja Gaiden series revival. Fans are thrilled with the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the immediate release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black right after the event. This marks a significant shift for the franchise, which last saw a major entry with Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge in 2012. The return of Ninja Gaiden signals a potential renaissance for traditional 3D action games, a genre that has been overshadowed by the rise of Soulslike titles in recent years.

Once dominated by classics like Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and the original God of War, the action genre has seen a shift towards games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. While Soulslike games have their place and appeal, the resurgence of Ninja Gaiden offers a much-needed balance in the AAA action game market, catering to fans longing for the fast-paced, skill-based gameplay of yesteryears.

Ninja Gaiden has long been widely considered the gold standard for action games. The 2004 reboot on the original Xbox transformed the series from its 2D roots into a 3D masterpiece, renowned for its smooth gameplay, fluid animations, and challenging difficulty. While other hack-and-slash titles like Devil May Cry also pushed the envelope, Ninja Gaiden set itself apart with its relentless difficulty, famously exemplified by the first boss, Murai, who tested players' resolve from the outset.

Despite its notorious challenge, Ninja Gaiden remains fair. The game's difficulty stems from the player's need to synchronize with its combat rhythm, mastering the art of movement, defense, and counter-attacks. Techniques like the Izuna Drop, Ultimate Techniques, and a vast array of weapon combos empower players to overcome any obstacle. The game's influence on the Soulslike genre cannot be overstated, as it inspired the community's drive to conquer seemingly impossible challenges through sheer skill and dedication.

Follow the Leader

The shift in the action genre's landscape began around 2009, with Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2's release coinciding with Demon’s Souls. The latter, with its strong reviews, paved the way for Dark Souls in 2011, which redefined action RPGs and was hailed as one of the greatest games ever, including by IGN. As Ninja Gaiden 3 and its re-release Razor’s Edge struggled, Dark Souls and its sequels, along with FromSoftware’s subsequent titles like Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring, dominated the market.

The popularity of FromSoftware's mechanics influenced other games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Jedi: Survivor, Nioh, and Black Myth: Wukong. While these titles have been well-received, the dominance of the Soulslike formula has marginalized traditional 3D action games. Ninja Gaiden's return after a long hiatus, alongside the latest Devil May Cry and God of War entries, underscores the need for diversity in the action genre.

Soulslike games are characterized by challenging combat centered on precise timing, stamina management, customizable builds, expansive level design, and strategic save points. While FromSoftware's innovation is commendable, the saturation of this style has left gamers craving the unique strengths of traditional action games, which Ninja Gaiden 2 Black exemplifies.

The Master Ninja Returns

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black breathes new life into the action genre, offering fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and the visceral gore missing from previous iterations. This version stands as the definitive experience for both newcomers and veterans, balancing the game's notorious difficulty with technical stability and enriched content. While some purists may miss the original's raw edge, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black successfully captures the essence of what made the series legendary.

Ninja Gaiden 4 Screenshots

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The remaster serves as a poignant reminder of the genre's lost glory. The late 2000s and early 2010s were filled with action games inspired by Ninja Gaiden and God of War, from Bayonetta to Darksiders. The linear, combo-driven combat against hordes of enemies and epic bosses defined a formula that has since waned in favor of the Soulslike approach. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black stands out as a testament to this classic style, offering a fresh take on the genre.

The essence of games like Ninja Gaiden lies in their purity. Without shortcuts or crutches like builds or experience points, players must hone their skills to progress. The return of Ninja Gaiden could herald a new era for action games, providing an alternative to the Soulslike dominance and catering to an audience eager for the thrill of mastery and skill-based gameplay.