Ninja Gaiden Fans Express Frustration Over Ryu Hayabusa’s Role in Recent Games

Longtime fans of the Ninja Gaiden series are voicing growing disappointment with the way legendary protagonist Ryu Hayabusa has been handled in recent releases. Once a symbol of action-game excellence and iconic combat design, Ryu’s presence in the gaming world has significantly diminished—leaving many wondering if Team Ninja has forgotten what made the character so beloved.

Over the past decade, the Ninja Gaiden franchise has seen fewer mainline entries, and Ryu has only appeared in minor roles or crossover titles, including the Warriors series and cameo appearances in Dead or Alive. However, fans feel these appearances lack the depth, intensity, and narrative focus that defined his earlier adventures.

In particular, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, released in 2021, received mixed feedback. While it brought classic titles like Ninja Gaiden Sigma to modern platforms, players were disappointed by the lack of new content, dated visuals, and minimal effort toward innovation. For many, it felt like a missed opportunity to properly revive the franchise.

Ryu Hayabusa’s absence from modern action titles has been a sore spot for the community. As one of the most iconic ninjas in gaming history, fans argue that he deserves more than background roles or nostalgia-fueled re-releases. Many are calling for a full-fledged reboot or a new Ninja Gaiden game that updates the series’ challenging combat, fast-paced movement, and deep lore for modern audiences.

Despite no official word from Team Ninja or Koei Tecmo about a new Ninja Gaiden title, demand for Ryu’s return continues to grow—especially as other classic franchises like Devil May Cry, God of War, and Prince of Persia find success with modern reinventions.

Unless a new installment is announced soon, it seems that fans of Ryu Hayabusa may be left waiting even longer for the ninja’s true return to the spotlight.