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Learn about all the difficulty settings in Ninja Gaiden 4, including the series’ iconic Master Ninja preset, and how to unlock it.
Ninja Gaiden 4 brings a lot of new elements to the series, which make it more accessible to new players. One such new feature is the difficulty presets. In the past, Ninja Gaiden games did not feature any difficulty options, akin to a traditional action game. It’s only after players finish their first playthrough, the game unlocks the Master Ninja difficulty, offering more challenging enemies and boss fights.
However, in the case of Ninja Gaiden 4, the game features multiple difficulty presets, even for the very first playthrough. The different difficulty presets are simply a tool to make the game more accessible, without hampering the “challenging” aspects of the series. Here’s a look at all the difficulty presets in Ninja Gaiden 4, and how they affect gameplay.
Also Read: Ninja Gaiden 4: All Trophies and Achievements
All Difficulty Settings in Ninja Gaiden 4
In Ninja Gaiden 4, there are a total of 4 difficulty presets – Hero, Normal, Hard, and Master Ninja. The first three difficulty presets are available right from the get-go. However, Master Ninja is only unlocked after you have finished your very first playthrough. The game defaults to the Normal preset, which is moderately challenging.
However, if you’re craving the challenge offered by the past games in the series, we highly recommend starting your first playthrough on Hard. Here’s a rundown of each of the difficulty presets and how they affect gameplay:
Hero
The in-game description of the Hero difficulty preset is as follows:
- For those who wish to feel the power of a legendary ninja hero. Recommended for new players looking for a fun experience. Support features will be activated to reduce game difficulty.
The Hero difficulty isn’t the “Easy” preset in the traditional sense. Enemy health, aggression, and damage in the Hero preset are identical to the Normal mode. However, the biggest difference in Hero mode, which makes it stand out, is the auto combo. Essentially, in Hero mode, Yakumo and Ryu dodge and parry attacks automatically.
Furthermore, some of the complicated weapon combos are automated and can be performed with a few button presses. This certainly makes combat much easier, especially for newcomers. However, Hero mode isn’t easing up on the challenge. It’s basically the same as the Normal mode, albeit with the flexibility of auto combos.
The Hero preset is the best option for players who are new to Ninja Gaiden and just want to experience the story on their first playthrough.
Normal
The in-game description of the Normal difficulty is as follows:
- For those who dare to walk the true path of the ninja. Recommended for players who enjoy a challenge.
The Normal mode is a great option for both beginners and veterans of action games. It’s not particularly challenging, but you don’t have the comfort of auto combos and dodges. Furthermore, some of the later boss fights can be quite a challenge on Normal.
Hard
The in-game description of the Hard difficulty is as follows:
- For those who desire to hone themselves through intense adversity. Recommended for experienced players seeking a difficult challenge.
Hard in Ninja Gaiden 4 is basically equivalent to the standard difficulty in past Ninja Gaiden games. If you’re familiar with the series and action games in general, Hard is the best starting point. In Hard mode, enemies have more health, poise, and can easily kill Yakumo or Ryu Hayabusa is a few combo strings or attacks.
That said, with a bit of practice and upgrades, you can easily conquer the game on Hard. Additionally, playing Ninja Gaiden 4 on Hard is a great way to prepare yourself for the Master Ninja preset.
Also Read: Ninja Gaiden 4 “Controller Not Connected” Error on PC: Possible Fixes and Reasons
Master Ninja
The in-game description of the Master Ninja difficulty is as follows:
- For those who have ascended to unparalleled heights. Recommended for players hungering for a brutal challenge and the pinnacle of ninja action. Tyran will provide no free items even if you struggle.
Master Ninja difficulty is unlocked only after you complete your first playthrough. And much like in the case of the Give Me God of War preset in modern God of War games, you cannot change the difficulty of your playthrough once you start Master Ninja. Much like in the past titles, Master Ninja is the ultimate challenge the game has to offer.
It’s essentially the Hard mode, but with quite a few restrictions. You won’t get free items from Tyran upon death. Furthermore, enemy gauntlets can be quite a challenge due to the increased enemy damage.
Can You Change Difficulty In Ninja Gaiden 4?
Yes, if you’re playing on Hero, Normal, or Hard, you can change the game’s difficulty at any time. Changing the difficulty won’t affect trophy progress either. However, if you’re playing on Master Ninja, you won’t be able to change the game’s difficulty.
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