Ayane is back in Ninja Gaiden 4, returning as a familiar face in a game that otherwise pivots to a new lead. The latest entry centers on Yakumo, a young ninja whose path crosses with series mainstay Ryu Hayabusa, but fans will spot Ayane in story moments that nod to her long history with the franchise. On PlayStation 5, the game is listed as a single‑player, PS5 Pro Enhanced release with mature content and multiple editions available through the official store listing for Ninja Gaiden 4.

Ayane’s history in Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive

Ayane originated in the Dead or Alive series and crossed into Ninja Gaiden as a supporting character. She made brief appearances in the original Xbox-era Ninja Gaiden before becoming playable in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. Within Ninja Gaiden’s story, she often operates in the shadows—scouting, relaying intel to Ryu Hayabusa, and occasionally stepping onto the front lines.

Ayane’s role in Ninja Gaiden 4

In Ninja Gaiden 4, Ayane appears in narrative sequences rather than as a headline playable character. The focus is squarely on Yakumo and Ryu, with Ayane serving as connective tissue to the modern Ninja Gaiden arc. Expect short, story-driven moments that acknowledge her ties to the Hayabusa clan and her established place in the series’ world, rather than a full playable campaign.

Is Ayane playable in Ninja Gaiden 4?

There’s no indication that Ayane is part of the playable roster in this release. The new entry introduces Yakumo as the primary protagonist and emphasizes legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop alongside new abilities such as Bloodbind Ninjutsu. Ayane’s presence here functions more as a cameo and continuity beat for longtime fans.

Where to actually play as Ayane today

If you want hands-on time with Ayane, the most straightforward route remains the recent modern releases of earlier games in which she’s playable, especially Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge. Those entries feature dedicated Ayane missions and movesets that reflect her faster, more acrobatic combat style.

What Ninja Gaiden 4 emphasizes (and how Ayane fits)

  • New lead character: Yakumo anchors the campaign, with Ryu Hayabusa in a prominent supporting role.
  • Combat identity: High-speed, precise hack-and-slash that rewards timing and route selection over button mashing.
  • Setting and stakes: A near-future Tokyo shrouded in miasma and an ancient enemy’s return—classic Ninja Gaiden supernatural escalation.
  • Ayane’s function: Lore continuity and fan recognition rather than a full gameplay arc.

PS5 versions, pricing, and content

Item Details
Platform listing PS5 (PS5 Pro Enhanced), single player, Remote Play supported
Publisher (listing) Xbox Game Studios Publishing
ESRB rating Mature 17+ (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes)
Standard Edition $69.99, base game
Deluxe Edition $89.99; includes Character Skins, Weapon Skins, 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin, additional in‑game items, and future gameplay content
Tip: If you’re on a PS5 Pro display setup, the PS5 Pro Enhanced designation signals higher-target performance and visuals compared to baseline PS5, which pairs well with the series’ speed-first combat.

Why Ayane’s cameo matters

Bringing Ayane on screen—even briefly—serves two goals. It reassures series veterans that the modern Ninja Gaiden storyline hasn’t lost track of its core cast and signals potential connective threads for future updates or entries. It also gives new players a touchpoint with the wider Ninja Gaiden / Dead or Alive character web without overcomplicating a debut built around Yakumo.

If you’re primarily here for Ayane, treat Ninja Gaiden 4 as a story check‑in and revisit her playable chapters in the modern releases of earlier games. If you’re here for razor‑sharp combat, the new entry doubles down on speed and precision—and Ayane’s cameo is a familiar bow on top.