Because of my love for great classic Ninja and Samurai games such as the Onimusha series and the Ninja Gaiden series. I decided to create a list based on the 10 best Ninja and Samurai games available on PS4 or Xbox One so far. I have also included an honorable mentions list, along with most anticipated games coming soon list. As new worthy games are released, this article will be updated.







10. Fruit Ninja VR (PS VR Exclusive)



– See On PSN Marketplace

If you ever played Fruit Ninja on your phone or tablet, the VR version takes this little score based game to the next level. You are a ninja, with the ability to hold two Katana swords at the same time, by using two PS move controllers. In a full-on 3D space, slice all fruits that are dropping down. Try not to miss any and be sure to avoid slicing bombs. Even with a few added action modes, Fruit Ninja VR still feels like a simple gaming experience. It’s not amazing, but it’s fun to play in small doses. It is pretty cool juggling and slicing fruit in this 3D world, especially with friends or family playing with you. It really does make you feel like a sword-wielding Ninja!

– Gameplay Video

9. Warframe (Free To Play)



– See On Marketplaces: PS4 | Xbox One

Warframe is an action-packed online-only free to play the game, with ninja style combat and characters. The playable characters are known as Warframes, they are cybernetic ninjas. Each Warframe has there own special abilities and stats. There are loads of Warframes to unlock by collecting blueprints, necessary parts, and materials needed to create them. You can create new weapons the same way also. There is a variety of different game modes to play including PVP, Assassination, Defense, Mobile Defense and more. It’s best to join a clan and party up with 3 other players, that have microphones. There are microtransactions, but they can be avoided by earning and selling in-game items. After a while (6 months) the gameplay became a bit repetitive for me, but it was fun while it lasted. Since it’s free, you might want to give Warframe a try.

– Gameplay Video







8. Strider



– See On Marketplaces: PS4 | Xbox One

Strider Hiryu is Capcom’s classic ninja character. This latest release of Strider is a good game. Strider is a 2D platformer hack & Slash Metroidvania hybrid game. Strider features nice styled art, with impressive levels, enemies, bosses, and simple combat. The controls are very tight, slashing at enemies while hanging from ceilings has never felt so easy. If you are craving something similar to classic NES Ninja Gaiden games, you might want to check this one out. It’s not a spectacular ninja game, but pretty solid and enjoyable enough.

– Gameplay Video

7. N++



– See It On Amazon: PS4

– See It On Xbox One Marketplace

N++ is a fantastic simple avoid and exit ninja game. You will play as a stickman ninja on a quest to conquer over 2000 levels. In each level, the main goal is to run to the exit door as fast as you can without dying. You can also collect yellow squares for extra time. Some of these levels are very challenging, requiring you to channel your inner ninja reflexes, by dodging deadly obstacles, avoiding weapon fire and hitting all necessary switches. If you love running, dodging and jumping, N++ is a must play.

– Gameplay Video

6. For Honor



– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One

If you ever wanted to see samurais, knights, and Vikings battle it out to the death, For honor is the game to check out. The single player story campaigns for each class are pretty good but nothing to brag about. The online multiplayer gameplay is much more satisfying. With four modes to play including Duel (1v1), Brawl (2v2), Dominion (4v4) and Elimination (4v4, last man standing). The combat is complex with on-point counters and parries, they are pretty easy to execute efficiently with some practice. Each class has there own movements and attacks to master. However, the lack of dedicated servers really kills this game sometimes. Sometimes when a player drops out, you will find yourself waiting for an extended period of time before the game finds a new player host. Lag can also be an issue if the player hosting has a terrible connection. Overall, For Honor is fun most of the time when playing against online opponents and the reputation system will keep you coming back for more.

– Gameplay Video

5. Aragami: Collector’s Edition (PS4 Exclusive)



– See It On Amazon

Aragami is an indie developed, 3D stealth action game. It’s a real shame that many gamers have never heard of it. Aragami’s gameplay is very similar to 3D stealth ninja classics such as Tenchu. Most areas will have you sneaking up on and taking down enemies while recovering important items. Moving quietly at the right time, while staying unnoticed will make for a more pleasant experience. Patience is definitely required if you plan on playing this all the way through. The difficulty spikes up in later areas, alarming enemies will surely be a death wish. The main character, enemies, environments, story, and Cel Shaded art style are all done very well. If stealth games are your thing, or you miss the gameplay of popular classic PS1/PS2 era stealth ninja games, I highly recommend playing Aragami. It’s definitely a hidden gem.

– Gameplay Video







4. Samurai Warriors 4-II (PS4 Exclusive)



– See It On Amazon

Samurai Warriors 4-II is a fantastic Samurai war based hack and slash game set in the Sengoku period of Japan. The story and writing most of the time isn’t that great. However, this series is known for its playable characters and unique horde style hack and slash gameplay. There are an impressive 56 characters to choose from, along with custom character creation. There are tons of skills, stats, and weapon upgrades available for each character. You can earn gold to buy upgrades, by clearing side objectives in each level. The goal in most levels is taking out enemies, then locate and kill commanding officers. The gameplay is fast, frantic and fun, with 3 character fighting classes including normal, hyper and special. If you plan on playing story mode, there are 12 different stories to play through, clocked in at about 2 hours each. I liked the cooperative 2 player split screen play also, comes in handy if you want to play locally with a buddy.

– Gameplay Video

3. Shadow Warrior 1 & 2



– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One

– See Part 2 On Marketplaces: PS4 | Xbox One

If you enjoy games like Serious Sam or Duke Nukem 3D you will probably love Shadow Warrior. It’s not labeled as a Samurai or a ninja game, but Shadow Warrior shares themes from both. Many of the enemies, environments, and weapons give out heavy samurai vibes. Lo Wang, the main character you play as fights like a ninja. Wielding a Katana sword and throwing ninja stars. There are also many firing weapons such as pistols, machine guns, flamethrowers and more. You can also upgrade Lo Wang’s stats, along with unlocking new special powers. It plays kind of like a classic first-person shooter, with an emphasis on melee combat along with modern graphics. It’s not uncommon to be surrounded by 10 or more enemies at a time, keeping the action at a fast pace. The violence and blood are gruesome, but also satisfying and entertaining. I also enjoyed the corny humor throughout, the game never takes itself too seriously and Lo Wang is a very serious but funny character. Both part 1 and 2 are worth playing and have lengthy single-player campaigns.

– Gameplay Video

2. Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun



– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One

If you are looking for a strategy based samurai game that excels in art direction, storytelling, and gameplay, Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun should not be missed. The stealth system is done amazingly well considering the type of game this is. Each of the five characters you can play as have there strengths and weaknesses. All characters are useful in certain situations. The stealth and attack gameplay is simple to learn but hard to master. Most levels in the game are fun to play through and are not too challenging. However, a few later levels are very challenging and will require you to be on your A-game when it comes to making split-second decisions. The story is very deep and taps into honor and betrayal, keeping things interesting outside the gameplay. I know strategy games are not everyone’s thing, but if enjoy them Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun is one of the best available for both PS4 and Xbox One.

– Gameplay Video

1. NIOH (PS4 Exclusive)



– See It On Amazon

NIOH is essentially Dark Souls with a Samurai theme and it’s done amazingly well. NIOH takes place during the Sengoku period of Japan. The story mixes Japanese history along with fictional fantasy, delivering a satisfying setting for the game. The combat system is the highlight of NIOH. Every fight feels like a chess match, figuring out how to maintain stamina when to dodge, and what attack to use is fun. The multi fighting stance system keeps the combat very strategic when fighting against harder demon or humanoid enemies. NIOH always packs a challenge, but learning from your mistakes and becoming better is oh so addicting. The progression system is also addicting, with the energy you collect, you can level up, upgrade your weapons, and skills. Every level is packed with secrets and loot to discover, so exploring is worth your time. The bosses are varied well, some are big, small, fast, slow, difficult and easy. So when entering in a new boss fight it always feels fresh and entertaining. All in all, this is an amazing samurai themed game. If you think NIOH might be too hard for you, play it anyways, have some patience, and just level grind a bit if you’re struggling. It’s actually not as hard as Dark Souls 3 or Bloodborne. I believe every hardcore PS4 gamer should play NIOH.

– Gameplay Video







* Honorable Mentions *

The following games either barely missed our top list, are older Xbox/Xbox 360 backward compatible on Xbox One games, or are loosely related to the Ninja or Samurai theme.

Ninja Gaiden Black (Xbox One Backwards Compatible) – The best Ninja Gaiden game in the series and probably also the hardest in the series. It took me weeks to beat this game. The combat is so satisfying though, even with countless deaths, I always came back for more.

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE (Xbox One Backwards Compatible) – Play as the cybernetic Ninja known as Raiden from the Metal Gear Solid series. Metal Gear Rising is an action-packed hack n’ slash that features a great story, characters, and combat. Graphically this game still holds up well today and the campaign is well worth a play through.

Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends (PS4 Exclusive) – It’s not exactly a Samurai game because Dynasty Warrior games are based on Chinese warriors, but it shares a lot of similarities to Samurai Warriors 4-II and is created by the same developers. So if you like Samurai Warriors, you will probably enjoy this one also.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 – A fighting game based on the Naruto ninja anime series. It’s pretty fun and a must play if you are a Naruto fan.

The Lego Ninjago Movie Videogame – It’s Not the best LEGO game but it is a Ninja game and I know small children would love it.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan: An average Ninja Turtles brawler game. I thought it was pretty good though. Younger children love this game.

Kyurinaga’s Revenge – One of the better 2D indie platformers that have Ninja and samurai characters in it.

Samurai Shodown 2, VI, & V Special – There are currently 3 different Samurai Shodown games available for PS4 & Xbox One on the digital marketplaces. These classic arcade 2D fighting games are fun. I played a lot of Samurai Shodown 2 back in the day with my older brother. If you decide to play any of these, I would recommend part 2 and V Special, you can skip VI.

Shadow Blade: Reload – A average 2D ninja platformer with nice graphics. It becomes a bit boring after a while, at least for me it did.

Ninja Shodown – If you have 2 to 4 other gamers to play with, Ninja Shodown can be pretty fun. With two modes of play, you can battle against hordes of enemies cooperatively or fight against each other.

Ninja Pizza Girl – A decent fast paced 2D platforming ninja game staring a Pizza Girl.

Ninja Kid 1 & 2 – Little fun cheap classic 2D platforming arcade ninja games. If you like retro 1980’s platformers, you might like these.

* Most Anticipated Ninja or Samurai Games Coming Soon *

– Ghost of Tsushima (PS4 Exclusive)

Release Date: Likely 4th Quarter 2018



I am very hyped for this samurai game because it’s being developed by renowned Sony developer Sucker Punch Productions. Not much is known about Ghost of Tsushima yet, besides its beautiful graphics. I am hoping it’s a fast-paced action game, similar to Infamous.

– Dead Cells

Release Date: 2018



Already available on Steam (PC) as early access (Beta). Dead Cells is looking great so far!





