Part of the issue is the setup is so droll and self-important. What’s interesting here is that we’re technically already getting the “Sigma” version in the form of “Razor’s Edge.” Koei Tecmo has already made a pass at fixing this game, and although Razor’s Edge is technically an improvement, it still pales in comparison not only to its predecessors but the entire action genre. It’s so damn cool to slice enemies up and see your partner do it out of the corner of your eye, even in bot form.Īnd now we move to the black sheep of the family: Ninja Gaiden III. The latter is an incredibly engaging romp with a bot partner through various enemy gauntlets. ![]() You’re also getting all of the bells and whistles, like extra characters, a chapter-based score attack mode, the arcade-heavy time attack gametype, and the best one of all: tag team. Unlike Ninja Gaiden 1 though, the Sigma edition of the sequel was the preferred version by some. They’re small, but noticeable alterations. Some items are also automatically used when picked up, like life-enhancing relics. It also has streamlined quality-of-life upgrades like auto-healing and instant-save statues, as well as the chance to “sense” the correct path to avoid getting lost. Ryu is formidable out of the gate, which is incredibly refreshing to see and fun to play right away. Team Ninja allows Ryu to breathe a bit with some of his arsenal from the first game, eschewing the complete “amnesia”-style forgoing of previous kits of some character-action games. It all ties nicely into the first entry, which makes even more sense when you play them back to back. If the sequel wasn’t so good, it would be an easier decision to pass on the collection. Again, Black works on Series X and it’s 10 bucks. I do wish there was an option to “swap” to Black, which Koei Tecmo has explained in no uncertain terms that it’s not happening. I was immediately ready to go for a new playthrough on another difficulty level afterward - it’s that good. Combined with the survival mode, there’s just so much to do in this one game. In addition to the wonderful story mode, there’s also a collective of ninja trials with multiple difficulties which force you out of your comfort zone and into new loadouts. That includes a little jank (mostly clipping issues and the like), and some very B-movie-level cutscenes, so be warned! ![]() Now, Sigma taking out some of the puzzles of Black and screwing with that previously perfect pacing isn’t great, but it’s a relatively minor sacrifice because the meat of Ninja Gaiden is still there. With minimal platforming that allows just enough exploration without sacrificing its action roots, Ninja Gaiden maintains an incredibly toned sense of pacing. Our hero Ryu is incredibly fast, distinct from other character-action protagonists, and so fun to play at all times. The action is also so buttery smooth that it deserves a spot in the all-time pantheon of action alongside Devil May Cry 3 and the Bayonetta series. Ninja Gaiden is what I’d call “boldly wacky.” It’s completely over-the-top and never takes itself too seriously. I was completely hooked, and that spark is still alive all these years later. ![]() I still remember the day I first played it - I ran through the entire thing in a weekend. Then there’s an airship, and you’re fighting demon ninjas. I found it very easy to slip back into the first two games: like riding a bike! Ninja Gaiden is so incredibly well-paced I can basically play it any day of the week.
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