Part 10

Learn essential combat techniques for Ninja Gaiden 4, including counter-attacks, On-Land Charge, and enemy-specific strategies to dominate Master Ninja difficulty.

This guide section focuses on advanced combat techniques and enemy strategies for Ninja Gaiden 4, crucial for mastering higher difficulties.

Advanced Combat Techniques:

1. Learn the Counter-Attack: Hold the Block Button. When an enemy strikes and you hear the "CLANG" sound, press Square or Triangle at the right time to perform a counter while blocking. This breaks enemy attacks and is essential for faster combat.
2. Avoid Using Ninpo Attacks (on lesser modes): Ninpo is generally a time-waster on easier difficulties and not necessary for regular enemies or bosses. However, on higher modes like Master Ninja, Ninpo provides crucial invincibility frames. It is possible to complete the game without equipping Ninpo.
3. Utilize the On-Land Charge (OLC): When performing an Ultimate Attack, Ryu normally charges, leaving him vulnerable. To speed this up, jump, and as Ryu's feet touch the ground, press and hold Triangle to perform a quick Ultimate Attack. This allows Ryu to absorb essence immediately and attack without a lengthy charge, especially useful when multiple essences are present or enemies are close. OLC can also be performed from a roll jump.
4. Rely on Blue Essence Instead of Elixirs: Consuming too many Elixirs indicates a need to practice techniques. Elixirs should be conserved for boss battles, unless playing as Rachel.
5. Avoid Spamming Your Attacks: Constantly repeating the same move (e.g., Flying Swallow) shows a lack of understanding of Ryu's diverse move set. Be creative and mix up attacks. Spamming is generally not advised except perhaps in the final chapters or for Karma farming.

Master Ninja Difficulty:

• This difficulty is for hardcore players and not required to be considered a veteran.
• Very Hard Mode is the most challenging in terms of patience. Defeating it with ease is a significant achievement.
• Master Ninja Mode should be attempted after successfully completing Very Hard Mode.

Enemy Strategies (Regular Enemies Only):

• Brown Ninja / White Ninja: Easiest enemies. Brown ninjas lack guard-breakers. White ninjas are slightly trickier.
• Black Spider Ninja / Red Flame Ninja / Purple Windmill Shuriken Ninja: More dangerous with guard-breakers, grab moves, and special weapons. Be highly defensive and evasive. Use counter-attacks and the Izuna Drop to manage groups.
• Samurai / Warlock: When Samurais are present, focus on the Warlock. Evade Samurai attacks. Roll towards the Warlock to avoid fireballs and perform a combo. If dodging fireballs is difficult, use a projectile on the Warlock before he attacks to stun him for a combo. Use leftover essence for Ultimate Attacks on Samurais. This tactic is particularly effective in Chapter 2.
• M-SAT Soldier / Robot M-SAT Soldier / M-SAT Commander / Robot M-SAT Commander: These enemies have guns at range and dangerous guard-breaker/grab moves. Use quick evasive rolls, counter-attacks, and the Izuna Drop.