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Developer Direct

‘Ninja Gaiden 4’, ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ Headline Microsoft’s First 2025 Developer Direct

Microsoft’s first gaming event of the year, Developer Direct 2025, has come to a close, and to say it kicked off 2025 on a high note would certainly be an understatement, as not only did it reveal Team NINJA and Platinum Games’ Ninja Gaiden 4, along with the release dates for its three other previous announced titles, it also announced a surprise shadow release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remaster of the second game in the series.

Accompanying the ninja action titles were id Software’s Doom: The Dark Ages, Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight and Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, all of which received extended gameplay looks and most importantly, confirmed release dates for 2025.

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Here’s everything revealed at Developer Direct 2025:


Ninja Gaiden 4

Where shadows fall, legends rise. Team NINJA is back after over a decade with Ninja Gaiden 4, its latest entry in the beloved high-octane ninja action franchise. Co-developed by action genre legends Platinum Games, the sequel will shift focus to a new protagonist, Yakumo of the Raven Clan, as he carves through the streets of a gruesomely transformed Tokyo after a mass infection by the Dark Dragon’s miasma rain.

Although the game is set years after Ninja Gaiden 3, long-time series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa is set to make a return as well, not only being an integral part of the story but also being fully playable, with the trailer showing off some of his iconic moves like his ninja slam and flying bird flip.

Ninja Gaiden 4 will be released in Fall 2025 for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.


Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

In a surprise shadow drop, fans of Ryu Hayabusa can jump back into the franchise while they wait for its fourth entry with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, an Unreal Engine 5 remaster of the second entry in the series. With completely redesigned stages, characters and visual effects, fans can relive its violent, fast-paced action in a whole new light.

In addition, the remaster will also include additional content from the various spin-off titles released after the original 2008 game, such as its three added characters Ayane, Momiji and Rachel, alongside the beginner-friendly “hero play style”, a mode that provides assistance in challenging situations to make the title more accessible for newcomers.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is now available on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and the PC.


Doom: The Dark Ages

It’s time to rip and tear, medieval style. Doom: The Dark Ages, the upcoming prequel to 2016’s Doom reboot, is set to not only provide a change in setting, but an overhauled gameplay experience. While Doom focused on running-and-gunning and its 2020 sequel Doom Eternal took the series to literal new heights with verticality-centred gameplay, id Software’s third entry switches things up with its new reactive combat style, encouraging players to stand their ground and fight.

Equipped with his new Shield Saw, the Doom Slayer can now utilise a dynamic block and parry mechanic, withstanding hits while deflecting damage back at his foes, creating openings to pulverise foes by throwing his shield out like a boomerang or using the brand new suit of absurd guns and a massive flail for melee combos. The trailer also teases a pilotable giant mech and cybernetic dragon, promising some of the most awe-inspiring action set pieces the series has seen to date.

Doom: The Dark Ages will be released on 15 May 2025 for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.


South of Midnight

Compulsion Games’ action-adventure title South of Midnight dazzled once again with its unique stop-motion visuals and heavy Deep South folklore inspiration, showing off more of its souls-like combat and massive ancient gothic creatures like the storyteller Catfish, who serves as a guide throughout the game.

Following the story of Hazel, a 19-year-old who becomes a Weaver and acquires ancient magical powers after a hurricane rips through her hometown Prospero, players will navigate the increasingly fantastical world filled with sights to explore and enemies to encounter. To do this, the game will also feature traversal and exploration mechanics akin to that of Prince of Persia and Alice: Madness Returns, wall-running, platforming and puzzle-solving across its charming world that oozes personality.

South of Midnight will be released on 8 April 2025 for the Xbox Series X|S and PC.


Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Sandfall Interactive’s stylish RPG epic Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 invites players into its Belle Époque-inspired fantasy world, following the adventures of a group of individuals voiced by an all-star cast as they embark on a journey to confront the Paintress, an entity that repaints the world each year and paints a cursed number on a monolith that causes every one of that age and older to vanish instantly, with the number slowly ticking down year by year.

Supplementing its tale of unlikely companionship is the game’s flashy turn-based combat system, incorporating real-time elements like quick time events to make it more engaging, channelling some serious Persona vibes. Outside of combat, the game also features a host of customisation options and unique character mechanics, such as a massive passive skill tree.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on 24 April 2025 for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.