PlatinumGames has posted a new developer’s blog for Ninja Gaiden 4 written by one of the project managers, Murakami. The comprehensive optimization and technology used for this game were detailed, particularly regarding the company’s proprietary engine.
The team aimed for 120 FPS, requiring a processing time of just eight milliseconds per frame. This process required exceptional effort, bolstered by three performance modes: 120 FPS mode, Frame Rate Priority mode, and Graphics Priority mode.
Measures were taken to ensure that the graphical quality wasn’t significantly affected in the 120 FPS mode, with optimization applied to both the CPU and GPU.
The following techniques were used for load rendering:
LOD: Reduces the number of polygons in meshes based on distance
HLOD: Merges multiple objects and simplifies rendering by grouping meshes for distant views
Merged Mesh: Reduces mesh rendering commands when objects are densely clustered at close range
There was also InstaLOD, which was used for reducing polygons and preserving crucial 3D model data like UVs and standard maps.
You can view the article for more details.
This new mainline entry claims to be a return to the intense, high-speed action combat that fans of the series love, with a new protagonist, Yakumi, joining the fray alongside the returning Ryu. Players can anticipate using Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform their weapons, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow.
Narratively, a rain of misama plagues a near-future Tokyo following the resurrection of an ancient enemy. Yakumo appears to be the one who will steer the city’s fate, with his destiny intertwined with Ryu Hayabusa’s, needing to be reconciled.
Ninja Gaiden 4 will release on October 21, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X|S. The Two Masters DLC was announced for early 2026.