Ninjas have always had a special place in our hearts, haven’t they? These stealthy warriors have been a staple in popular culture, yet in the gaming world, they took a bit of a backseat. That is, until 2025 arrived, bringing a remarkable resurgence of ninja-themed games with five significant releases setting the stage: Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yotei, Sega’s Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, The Game Kitchen’s Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, alongside Team Ninja’s own Ninja Gaiden 4 and a remastered edition of Ninja Gaiden II from 2008.
These titles fall within a mix of ongoing franchises and those making triumphant returns. The blend of nostalgia and innovation is invigorating, particularly for games like Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden, both of which once defined the ninja genre with their notorious difficulty, captivating storylines, and innovative gameplay styles.
While Ninja Gaiden managed to hang on a bit longer than Shinobi, both series seemed to fade into the background during the 2010s as their developers shifted focus. Sega hinted at reviving Shinobi back in 2023, sparking excitement among fans, whereas Team Ninja wasn’t as forthcoming about the future of Ninja Gaiden.
The announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound sent ripples through the community, but Ninja Gaiden 4 felt like a jolt that surprised even the most dedicated fans. Following the lackluster Ninja Gaiden 3—the first installment without the legendary Tomonobu Itagaki—Team Ninja appeared to step away from the franchise. They shifted their focus to titles like Dead or Alive and collaborated on various third-party projects.
However, titles like Stranger of Paradise, a prequel to Final Fantasy I, and the Nioh series showed that Team Ninja had not forgotten the thrill of challenging gameplay. Reuniting with PlatinumGames to bring Ryu Hayabusa back into action made perfect sense.
If the return of Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden might have had viewers cheering, Assassin’s Creed Shadows provided a much-needed opportunity for fans of the franchise to finally say, “It’s about time.” Interestingly, the Assassin’s Creed series famously overlooked Japan in earlier installments, leading many to believe that Ghost of Tsushima had already claimed that territory back in 2020.
What’s intriguing is that both games feature characters driven by revenge, with Shadows‘ Naoe and Yasuke countering Yotei‘s Atsu and her brother Jubei. Despite their overlapping themes, each game has carved its distinct path, skillfully leveraging its strengths while nodding to the achievements of the other.
From the inside out, Shadows embodies everything fans adore about the Assassin’s Creed franchise, prioritizing stealth and quick action as part of its core gameplay. In contrast, Ghost of Yotei maintains the action-packed essence that made Sucker Punch a household name. Still, Shadows edges out in terms of stealth dynamics, an element where Ghost has sometimes faltered.
Yet, the implications of being a ninja in Yotei offer a deeper narrative experience. One standout side story reveals that the Tsushima hero, Jin Sakai, is remembered as “the First Shinobi.” His story, now forbidden by the shogunate to prevent civil unrest, sees his “dishonorable” tactics, which include assassinations and poison, evolve into the “Way of the Shinobi” embraced by an evil clan in the game. Thus, Atsu inherits this legacy as the game unfolds.
Each of these six games contributes to a revitalized interest in ninja-themed gameplay and storytelling. We might not yet have commercial numbers for all titles—while Ghost of Yotei reportedly sold 3.3 million copies in its first month, and Shadows is similarly divulging its sales figures—both have received praise from both fans and critics alike.
It’s clear that there is an audience eager for stealthy action, and with the recent successes of these games, the potential for even more ninja adventures beckons. Wouldn’t it be exciting to see new entries in this genre or even fresh titles making a splash? The more ninjas, the merrier!
What games made ninjas popular again in 2025?
In 2025, games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ghost of Yotei, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance revived the ninja genre, attracting both old and new fans.
How did Ninja Gaiden return to the gaming scene?
Ninja Gaiden returned through Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and Ninja Gaiden 4, marking the franchise’s first new titles since 2013, reigniting interest among fans.
What inspired the stealth elements in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows emphasizes stealth gameplay, aligning with the franchise’s core values while contrasting with other titles, showcasing a return to agiler, more calculated action.
Are there new ninja characters in the latest games?
Yes! Ghost of Yotei features characters like Atsu, while Shadows presents Naoe and Yasuke, each offering unique perspectives within their narratives.
What does the future hold for ninja games?
With the strong reception of recent titles, the future seems bright for ninja games. Fans eagerly anticipate more entries in this genre to satisfy their thrill for stealth and action.
Did any of these games catch your eye? Are you excited about the resurgence of ninja-themed games? Let us know in the comments below!