Gamers are increasingly hunting for Samurai and Ninja PS4 games. It’s difficult to choose the greatest ninja or samurai title to play with titles like Ghost of Tsushima, Ninja Gaiden, and Samurai Jack. Today, we’ll be ranking the top 20 best ninja and samurai games for PS4 of all time, so sit back, grab a snack, sheath your sword, prepare your shurikens, and join us on this journey through heavily Japan-inspired genres.
#20 Ninja Village
We present to you the ninja simulation game Ninja Village, created by Kairosoft. You must construct your village from scratch while also defending it from those who want to take you down and expand it as you vanquish those who have come before you. You’ll accomplish this by contributing resources to hire an army and instructing locals to fight on their own. You’ll need to set up a working economy through farming and stores, as well as provide shelter and equipment for the people that choose to live in your town, to keep the coffers full. Ninja Village is so bright and cheerful that it will have you hooked to the screen hours on end. Games like this one are always so perfectly low-pressure to play, which is just what you need after a long day!
#19 Katana ZERO
Continuing with the retro-style trend, Katana ZERO is a stunning techno action platformer with fast-paced combat and instant death. The dystopic, neo-noir metropolis of New Mecca is the setting for Katana Zero. The plot of the game follows an invasion of an unknown Asian nation – an incident dubbed as the “Cromag War”. The player takes control of Subject Zero, a katana-wielding assassin hired by his psychiatrist to carry out numerous assassination contracts. However, there is no health bar in Katana Zero, and every attack from an enemy is fatal. The player character progresses through side-scrolling levels, using his blade and environmental traps to slaughter all enemies. On the other hand, the player character can use his slash to deflect bullets, slow time with a steadily refilling meter, and dodge assaults using rolls. If you’re looking for a futuristic ninja/samurai platformer, we highly recommend this game!
#18 Aragami
Aragami, the well-received third-person stealth game, is a title you should keep your eyes out for. You embody the furious spirit, Aragami, who wields the ability to manipulate the shadows. Yamiko, a girl imprisoned in Kyuryu’s city stronghold, has summoned you. Discover the truth about Aragami by embarking on a dark adventure filled with blood and secrets. With your supernatural abilities, infiltrate the occupied city of Kyuryu and battle Light with Shadow. The player can wield six differently themed abilities, which cater to both pacifists and killers. Some may be turned off by its rigid commitment to stealth. On the other hand, the game will appeal to many old-school fans who are tired of experiences that allow you to get out of difficult citations with pure force.
#17 The Messenger
It seems we just can’t run away from pixelated ninjas for long. The Messenger is a sidescroller action-platformer with various twists. The story is a mix of comedy with fantasy-driven concepts. The Messenger develops new skills as the game advances, such as scaling walls, gliding in the air, long-range shuriken assaults, and propelling himself past barriers and foes with a grappling hook. The player can acquire more upgrades such as health benefits or extra attack moves by collecting Time Shards gained by beating monsters or hitting lamps. The game might be frustrating for inexperienced platformer gamers, but the challenge is an immensely thrilling experience!
#16 Cyber Shadow
Followed by another Ninja Gaiden inspired-game, we silently present you Cyber Shadow. Artificial lifeforms have taken over the globe in Cyber-Shadow. Shadow embarks on a quest to discover what set him on the path to eternal downfall after receiving a desperate cry for assistance. Slash through the techno hordes, leap over traps, and maneuver around the ruins of Mekacity with dexterity. Cyber Shadow is a short six-hour game that delivers a lot of punch. In conclusion, you won’t want to miss out on this if you enjoy indie platformers and have a soft place for titles like Ninja Gaiden and Castlevania.
#15 Onimusha: Warlords
A classic most of us have played way back in the PS2 era has made its way to the PS4. Onimusha: Warlords is a hack-and-slash action-adventure game that was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. The developers released the remake in 2019. You play as Samurai Samanosuke Akechi in Onimusha: Warlords, a fearsome and honorable samurai on the quest to save Princess Yuki. In addition, the oni, Japanese demons, endowed Samonosuke with their strength, which allows him to acquire the souls of former foes and use them to enhance his weapons. The gameplay isn’t groundbreaking, but the appeal of this game resides in its nostalgic journey, which comforts the souls of seasoned gamers. To summarize, if you are looking for that trip down memory lane, check out this game.
#14 Strider
On 2D platforms, ninjas can’t seem to quit hacking and slashing. Strider Hiryu, the main character of the series, adds a twist to the conventional formula. Strider Hiryu’s main weapon is Cypher, a plasma weapon with multiple qualities that you would never give to a ninja. Exploring Kazakh will yield upgrades for the Cypher. Many of the secrets can be found the first time you go through a region, thus progression is essentially linear. Consider it a linear platformer with Metroidvania features. Strider, like the futuristic ninjas that share its name, makes the arduous job of single-handedly overthrowing a dictatorial tyrant seem trivial.
#13 Ghostrunner
The cyberpunk aesthetic is increasingly more popular as time passes, and it even got its grasp on our agile ninjas. Ghostrunner is a violent FPP slasher set in a gloomy cyberpunk megastructure with lightning-fast action. After a world-ending catastrophe, climb Dharma Tower, humanity’s only refuge. Ascend from the bottom to the top, confront the despotic Keymaster, and exact your vengeance. This action-packed game will pump up your adrenaline while also requiring rapid decision-making. Try this game for the amazing thrills and mind-boggling adrenaline rushes it has to offer.
#12 Shadow Tactics: Blade Of The Shogun
You probably know what this game is about, more stealthy ninjas but with added samurais! The game takes place during the start of Japan’s Edo period. After years of conflict, a nameless shogun has unified Japan. However, the country’s stability has been jeopardized by the appearance of a mystery warlord known only as “Kage-sama.” The Shogun entrusts the task of uncovering Kage-sama’s true identity and bringing him to justice to Oshiro Mugen, a samurai in his service. A welcome return to a style of stealth approach not seen on PlayStation in a long time. The action takes place in a period setting, the missions are atmospheric, and the major characters are just plain cool. Although the lack of co-op is a shame, the addictive challenge badges will keep you going back for more. Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun is a tactical game with a lot of depth.
#11 Shadow Warrior 2
Shadow Warrior 2 is a fun and exciting looter shooter that encourages upgrading and experimenting with weapons and gear to accomplish massive damage and annihilate adversaries with a wide range of weaponry. Swords, miniguns, pistols, LMGs, rocket launchers, shotguns, and even chainsaws are among the weapons available. Undoubtedly, the combat system in this game is a lot of fun, and it interprets parkour with incredibly violent yet fluid fighting tactics. The story is driven by pure comedy and bizarre moments. Another fantastic feature of Shadow Warrior 2 is that the entire game is co-op for up to four players, with the difficulty increasing as the number of players rises, much like Borderlands. We strongly suggest playing this game with friends, but you’ll want to get your piece of the fun either way.
#10 Samurai Shodown
Here’s a rare gem from the venerable SNK. The developers released the original way back in 1993. Including samurais in a 2D fighting game was a unique concept at the time. The PS4 remake launched in 2019, and fans went nuts over it. With its gorgeous graphics, the well-polished SNK-style fighting game is a genuine joy to play. Samurai Shodown has a function that learns from players’ game behaviors and patterns to produce “ghost” characters controlled by the CPU. A diverse ensemble of returning and new characters cross paths to realize their destinies in this story set one year before the first volume. This game is a must-have for everyone who likes old-school fighting games.
#9 Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time
You must have watched Samurai Jack on Cartoon Network if you were born in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Players can take control of one of the most popular childhood heroes in this action-adventure video game. Follow Jack as he embarks on an untold canon adventure that leads into the series’ grand conclusion. In addition, to vanquish his archenemy Aku, collect a variety of weapons for our trusty warrior and improve his unique set of talents. Expectedly, it’s ideal for those who have seen the show. However, a newcomer to the series will have no trouble playing this, either, because you can catch up to the story easily throughout the game.
#8 Mark of the Ninja: Remastered
Approaching from the shadows, we have perhaps the greatest stealth game of all the ninja games PS4 joining the ranks. Mark of the Ninja: Remastered is a side-scrolling action stealth video game. You’ll discover what it’s like to be a true ninja in Mark of the Ninja Remastered. If you wish to deceive your opponents in a world of breathtaking landscape and flowing animation, you must be silent, agile, and clever. Moreover, every circumstance presents you with possibilities, as you are marked with cursed tattoos that give you heightened senses. The remastered version increases the graphics resolution and the audio quality, amplifying the next-gen experience.
#7 Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
Ninja Gaiden is a game that hasn’t been played in a long time. The original, which was 17 years ago, was published in 2004 on the Xbox. If you’re fresh to the series and are looking for a place to start murdering, look no further! You get three full games with a total of more than 50 hours of playtime. The games follow Ryu Hayabusa, a super ninja, through a series of crazy stories that, to be honest, most people don’t care about. The actual reason players play Ninja Gaiden is to slice their way through hundreds of thousands of drowsy adversaries while looking super cool. Hayabusa is a serial killer, and no amount of character growth will change that. With just a few tweaks, the remaster stayed true to the original while substantially increasing the resolution.
#6 NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4
Naruto Shippuden, a classic anime series, had one of the best video game adaptations available. For any resident otakus out there, the fantastic anime-style graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and large cast of characters make this one of the best gaming experiences out there. However, one of the game’s best features is the ability to switch between three characters in the middle of a battle. The plot continues the events of the Naruto Shippuden anime, in which the main protagonists defeat Kaguya, and Naruto and Sasuke fight in a magnificent final battle. In conclusion, if you’ve ever wanted to be an anime ninja and throw insanely powerful jutsus at your foes, this game is for you!
#5 Nioh 1
Imagine Dark Souls with a horde of insane samurais and yokais to fight. The beginning of the Nioh series is now available! This game is jam-packed with interwoven mechanics that elevate it to the level of a masterpiece. A fast-paced Bloodborne-style fighting system with additional stances you can switch during combo chains makes for a very unique gameplay experience. However, do not enter hastily! If you don’t keep an eye on your surroundings or misjudge your opponents, this game will quickly punish you. Nioh tells the story of William, a man who travels across Japan during the Warring States period. William finds himself in the middle of Japan at the dawn of a new era on his journey to save his stolen spirit companion. Nioh is a formidable challenge for all players, but rather than scaring you away, let it inspire you to embark on this wonderful journey!
#4 Warframe
It’s time for the futuristic techno ninjas to take over the world! In recent years, Warframe has seen a steady increase in popularity. On the surface, Warframe appears to be a fast-paced third-person procedurally generated and instanced action game with pay-to-advance mechanisms. However, this game’s combat will certainly get your blood racing, with ultra-fast (and vicious) gun and blade combat connected by character powers. The developers produce information at a breakneck speed and pay attention. The learning curve can be steep, and being lost in the middle of the game with no direction can lead a lot of players to lose their way, but the community is there and it isn’t toxic. There is no better game out there for you if you want to slice foes as a ninja in space!
#3 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Here comes one of gaming’s biggest names in recent years. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You play as a shinobi attempting to save your kidnapped master. The combat is brilliant, and it is based on the Dark Souls series. You can kill your adversaries by whittling down their health meter with your katana, but the game’s defining moments are the stylish death blows that you can give when the enemy’s posture has just been shattered. However, the most important thing to remember is to maintain your guard up at all times while mixing up your strikes and parries to overwhelm your opponent. In conclusion, this game is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience due to its heavy mechanical reliance. The stunning landscapes and sophisticated story-telling add to the whole experience. This neatly packaged product is one of the games you really must play!
#2 Nioh 2
Team Ninja released the long-awaited sequel, Nioh 2, in 2020. Fortunately, the developers did an incredible job developing this game! This sequel accomplishes all of the goals that a successful sequel should. The creators updated and sharpened the fundamental gameplay with new options and modifications. New battle systems have been incorporated, making the game even better than it was before. Also, the plot picks off where the prequel left off. If you felt Sekiro was too slow and technical, Nioh 2 delivers significantly speedier combat with the ability to use sheer force to overcome the enemy. It would be a shame to miss out on this ARPG title; it’s worth a go!
#1 Ghost of Tsushima
The big boss has arrived! You will never be ready for the Ghost of Tsushima. Jin Sakai, a Mongol-war survivor, is determined to free his uncle Shimura from captivity in this tale. The story is divided into chapters, giving it a more natural flow rather than a linear task. The gameplay focuses on honing your katana, which is at the heart of being a samurai. You gain resolve through combat, which you can use to conduct special attacks or heal. Also, the battle system is so well-balanced that after just a few hours of gameplay, you’ll feel like you’re performing a deadly dance on the battlefield. Lastly, the cutscenes feel like a movie and immerse you further into the story as if you are reading a book. This cinematic masterpiece strikes your soul and leaves an indelible impact on you, ensuring that you will never forget Ghost of Tsushima.
