Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTomonobu Itagaki, the game designer closely associated with Dead or Alive and the modern Ninja Gaiden series, was reported to have died aged 58. News reports published October 16, 2025, reproduced a message attributed to him on Facebook; an exact date and cause of death have not been established in the cited reporting.
What is known about Itagaki’s death
Gematsu reported on October 16, 2025 that Itagaki had died aged 58, reproducing a message attributed to his Facebook account. The Guardian’s October 22 tribute said he died the previous week. These reports establish the announcement and reported age, but not a precise date of death.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![NINJA GAIDEN 4 | Deluxe Edition | PlayStation 5 [Disc + Code in Box]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Nbngz0TGL._SL160_.jpg)
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NINJA GAIDEN 4 | Deluxe Edition | PlayStation 5 [Disc + Code in Box] | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Ninja Gaiden (Renewed) | $19.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Ninja Gaiden 3 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $24.53 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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NINJA GAIDEN 4 | Standard Edition | Xbox Series X|S & Windows Digital Code | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Ninja Gaiden Black | $58.98 | Buy on Amazon |
The reviewed accounts do not establish a cause of death. No illness or other explanation should be inferred from online speculation.
Nintendo Everything reported that Team NINJA issued a statement mourning Itagaki and identifying him as the team’s first leader. The wording is attributable to the statement as reported there.
#1 Best Overall
- DELUXE EDITION: Comes with the Base Game (disc) and exclusives like character and weapon skins for Yakumo and Ryu, Future Gameplay Content*, 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin, and additional in-game items.
- Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
- NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA'S tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy.
- An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo.
The games and teams that defined his career
The Guardian says Itagaki joined Tecmo in 1992 and led the creation of Dead or Alive, whose first installment appeared in 1996. He became a driving force behind Team Ninja. Gematsu describes him as the creator of Dead or Alive and the modern Ninja Gaiden series, revived in 2004.
| Series | What it is known for | Itagaki-era context |
|---|---|---|
| Dead or Alive | Fighting games | Itagaki led the franchise’s creation; the first game appeared in 1996, according to The Guardian. |
| Ninja Gaiden | Action games | Itagaki was closely associated with the modern revival in 2004. The Guardian lists Ninja Gaiden, Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden II among Team Ninja’s work during his tenure. |
This is a guide to the best-known franchises tied to his legacy, not a complete catalogue or ranking of his work.
Rank #2
- Become a one-man assault team, fighting the army of the so-called Holy Emperor to reclaim the magic sword stolen from your lineage
- Learn to fight like a ninja master - Fast, intuitive controls make learning deadly fighting combos quick -- you can even develop your own combos
- Non-linear gameplay -- travel through 16 wide-ranging chapters as you fight ninjas, mercenaries, even demons - while collecting clues & weapon upgrades
- Draw from a well of Ninpo(ninja magic) to enhance your powers -- vaporize opponents or use it strategically, upgrading to make unstoppable combat spells
- Amazing visual effects suck you into the battles - realistic combat combined with beautiful, detailed graphics
What his reported final message said
Gematsu reproduced an English rendering of a message attributed to Itagaki: “My life was a series of battles. I kept on winning.” The same report quoted his regret that he had been unable to deliver a new work to fans: “I am filled with sorrow that I was unable to deliver a new work to my fans.”
These are English renderings reproduced by a news report; the original post and translation were not independently inspected. They should be understood as reported quotations, not independently authenticated verbatim Japanese text.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Xbox Live - Karma scores can be uploaded to the online leader boards via Xbox Live
- Increased Levels of Difficulty - Five levels of difficulty for all kinds of gamers including Ninja Dog to Very Difficult Master Ninja
- Increased Action-Packed Missions - Play in Story mode or Mission Mode with a massive number of missions to complete, including traditional enemy battles, time challenges, boss battles and more!
- Challenging Hurricane Packs Content - Content such as new enemies and big, bad bosses from Hurricane Packs 1&2 included as special bonus for an extra ninja challenge
- Never-Before-Seen Content - New cinematic cut scenes that reveal secrets from the world of Ninja Gaiden
Rank #4
- Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
- NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA'S tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy.
- An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo.
Rank #3
- This game is region LOCKED. A Hero Unmasked: With a new story and new characters, players will learn more about Hayabusa's past and present life than ever before.
- Cutting Down your Enemy: Through new gameplay mechanics and presentation, players will feel what it's like to cut through an enemy's flesh and bone, along with the consequence that comes with it.
- High-Octane Ninja Action: Built upon the same intense action that the series is renowned for, Ninja Gaiden 3 will challenge players while still remaining accessible for players new to the franchise.
- Online Action: A rich and challenging set of online modes are being implemented, giving players the option to play cooperatively or competitively. New challenges, characters and missions await those who choose to join the Shadows of the World online!
- New gameplay mechanics and presentation that places the Dragon Sword in your hands, along with the consequence that come with using it
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