Ninja Gaiden Series

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

So, CyberEvil (a veteran NG player from a site called Ninja Fortress) got his hands on the demo himself and wrote a detailed description of it. And, when I say detailed, I mean really in-depth stuff from specific changes in combo strings to how i-frames play out, so it was really insightful for other veteran players such as myself. That said, as was predicted, he said he wasn't impressed with the demo, though said that he hadn't lost faith in the game either and noted that there were some good things about the demo which he liked. He also said "not to worry" about QTEs since they are so far non-existent in the game and everything in the demo was just there for tutorial after all.

One thing he noted which was of big concern to all of us NG fans was the almost not-existent difficulty, though. He noted that the demo had a Normal mode and a Hard mode, and that he tried the Hard mode and didn't find himself struggling at all. Of course, nobody went into immediate panic about this because if its anything like previous NG games there will be more than one difficulty that's higher than hard mode, or there will at the very least be a Master Ninja mode, but for Hard mode to not be the least bit hard seems to be a cause for some worry at the moment. He also noted that the health bar completely regenerates after battles but said that this may just be specifically for the demo as its meant for more less experienced players to have an easier time with, I suppose.

I'd post his full post here but its pretty long, though I could always just link to it if anyone else wanted to check it out. Anyways, while it was an insightful post, nothing that he said seemed to surprise me in the least, as I pretty much already felt the same way from watching various playthroughs of the demo. I'm not really digging it, myself, but it doesn't necessarily look bad to me, either, so I have just a tiny slimmer of hope ATM that Hayashi is at least sensible enough to listen to user-feedback from long-time fans and veteran players and at least implement or change some of the core elements that most fans are suggesting in reaction to the demo.

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

So, I thought I'd update things that are confirmed about this game so far:

-The QTEs were confirmed to only be there for tutorial purposes for the public players in the demo. Hayashi points out that they are all abilities that Ryu can normally do and that they were only presented in QTE form for tutorial for new players, and said that they won't appear after the first level of the game. So, that's a HUGE relief, but it still doesn't change the fact that the SoB segments massively slow down the combat for a very gimmicky sort of kill, IMO.

-Dismemberment is completely GONE. Yeah, that awesome feature in NG2 that actually really affected the gameplay no longer exists in this game. To be fair, NGB didn't have any dismemberment aside from heads being lopped off on occasion, and that's still the best NG game out, IMO, so that doesn't automatically kill the game but at the same time I think its a huge step back from NG2's combat system which WAS one of the few things that the 2nd game did better than the 1st game.

- The competitive side of the multiplayer will include a 4 vs. 4 deathmatch sort of mode....yes, as in something you'd expect from an FPS game....Ninja of Duty, in other words which sounds completely ludicrous for a hack n' slash game, no less a Ninja Gaiden game at that. Maybe it could somehow be good, but really when I think about it it just sounds hilariously bad, plus any great multiplayer needs a ton of time in development to be tweaked to perfection, and with Hayashi rushing out a game that's only 30% done as it is by early next year, I doubt he'll even give any mode the time and attention that it needs to be great. I won't be surprised if NG3 only takes me 4 hours to beat....on my first time through without doing a speed-run....

-The demo featured both a Normal and Hard mode, and people who played the demo confirmed that hard mode wasn't really hard at all....

-Ninpo is confirmed to make a return in this game.

-There will no longer be a shop or potions to use, and your weapons will upgrade automatically as the story progresses.

-Killing enemies automatically replenishes bits of Ryu's health.

-SoBs occur at random and thus interrupt the flow of combo strings, and you are also punished for not completing them, so they do basically still play like QTEs in a sense, though it was confirmed that any button press will finish an SoB segment, rather than having to press the button that you are prompted to in the beginning of the stage.

-The Flying Swallow has been completely removed from this game, and has instead been replaced by a throw move in which Ryu grabs the enemy upon contact and impales him from behind.

-There is now a buffer window for OL charges (I don't expect any other person on this board besides me to know what the fuck that means, but trust me when I say that its really fucking around with the combat system for veteran players such as myself), so you can't rely on using them to pull off quick UTs, and instead must pull them off the normal way.

-UTs Will always contact enemies no matter where you are located relative to them, and the UTs will always do the same amount of damage each time (kills 3 normal enemies, but takes 2 of the 3 hits in the animation to take out enemies with a shield). This means that the more strategic risk/reward system of UTs from the previous games is completely gone from this installment of the game. In addition, UTs can no longer be spammed and you must kill a certain number of enemies and wait until Ryu's arm starts glowing to activate another UT (admittedly, this buffer is actually a "good" thing, believe it or not....but its among an ocean of shitty changes, so its a moot point).

-Stealth segments are completely optional and if you choose to just fight enemies normally then the fight will just proceed normally instead of you getting a free 1-hit kill (once again, another good thing, and its worth pointing out that I didn't even mind the stealth segments to begin with).


Most veteran players who have played the demo seem to pretty much agree that they were underwhelmed by the gameplay so far yet the demo also somehow showed enough good stuff that they said that they haven't lost hope in the game yet. In general, a lot of people who were originally backlashing the game, including other veteran players, are slowly warming up to it now, though still hold a healthy amount of skepticism.

I myself am back to square one, being completely skeptic but not getting the feeling that the game has totally gone down the crap-shoot just yet. As it stands, I think it'll probably end up being a decent action game in its own right but a shitty Ninja Gaiden game, but I'm going into it with those low expectations so I doubt it'll disappoint me any further than that. Some changes do strike me as surprisingly good, while others have me intrigued, but there are still too many that leave me quite disgusted.

Overall, I'm saying that this game is definitely not going to be anywhere close to as good as NGB and probably won't even be better than NG2 (which I liked a whole lost despite its numerous flaws), but I also think that it'll be different enough in its gameplay mechanics to stand apart from the rest of the series, anyways.

In fact, one thing I took notice to is how essentially very different each 3D NG game feels compared to one another. They have the same core mechanics, but unlike in other series a lot of gameplay elements change between them and they most certainly don't feel like more of the same in how they play and how they are designed at all. In this regard, I kind of have a lot of respect for the 3D NG games for at least trying something new each time without just playing it safe and sticking to the same formula, though admittedly I wouldn't mind a true sequel to NGB that DOES actually follow its formula, since its still a nearly perfect setup for any great action game, IMO.

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

So, apparently, the most recent PSM issue that's out has a 10-pages worth of exclusive material covering NG3 (supposedly more stuff than what was revealed at E3 this year). Its not like I have any faith in this game or anything, but its NG so I'm still following and tracking its progress for the time being since I'm still just interested enough in it to see how it turns out. I wouldn't mind knowing if there is any new relevant info presented in that article. I don't suppose anyone here actually subscribes to PSM, do they?

Oh, BTW, here is the cover art for the new issue. I can't help but wonder why Ryu's signature Dragon Sword is deliberately missing from the picture (unless the artists were actually stupid enough to have left it out by accident ).

Also, once again, don't get the wrong idea as my stance on this game is still basically at square one (I neither hate it nor like it as of yet), but THIS picture is fucking epic. Its my current wallpaper on my desktop, in fact.

Still....I'd like to know what the fuck the jets are doing in the background....

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

I've never heard of this guy or his show before, but wow.................that was legitimately hilarious, especially considering its Japan.

I'm surprised that there is actually a Japanese gamer out there who even acknowledges the existence of Ninja Gaiden.

The last level playthrough is interesting since it alone takes up the entire second half of the video, and 4 guys have to team up to take turns taking it on so that no single one person gets driven insane by being sent back to the beginning of the stage. Smart team-work, lol.

[Foggle]

I'm surprised that there is actually a Japanese gamer out there who even acknowledges the existence of Ninja Gaiden.

Really? I figured it'd be more popular in Japan than overseas since it's a Japanese game.

Video is great so far.

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

Ninja "Ryukenden" used to be fairly popular back in its day in Japan, but hardly anyone seems to care about it in that country anymore, especially Tecmo....

Also, all of the 3D Ninja Gaiden games sold like absolute SHIT in Japan, even the Sigma games.

Ninja Gaiden has always been more popular in America than in Japan, even the NES games were more praised by American gamers. Its just like how Suda51's games are more popular and well-recognized in America compared to Japan....relatively speaking, anyways; that is to say that they aren't actually "popular" in America or anywhere, period, but at least they get great critical reception in America AND get a small but very dedicated fan-base, which is more than what I can say for how those games seem to be treated in Japan, in that they are completely ignored.

[Foggle]

Also, all of the 3D Ninja Gaiden games sold like absolute SHIT in Japan, even the Sigma games.

That's both disappointing and distressing. Oh well, if they'd rather play LovePlus and Criminal Girls, then so be it.

Ninja Gaiden has always been more popular in America than in Japan, even the NES games were more praised by American gamers. Its just like how Suda51's games are more popular and well-recognized in America compared to Japan....relatively speaking, anyways; that is to say that they aren't actually "popular" in America or anywhere, period, but at least they get great critical reception in America AND get a small but very dedicated fan-base, which is more than what I can say for how those games seem to be treated in Japan, in that they are completely ignored.

I remember hearing about how when No More Heroes launched in Japan, Suda51 was hanging out at a game store willing to sign purchased copies, talk with fans, and give away free NMH-themed toilet paper. Absolutely no one showed up except for some guy from the press who was covering the event. Such a sad story.

This Retro Game Master show is freakin' hilarious, btw.

[Spark Of Spirit]

If even Dragon Sword sold like shit, then the series must really be in trouble. Portable games are supposed to sell well there.

Japanese gamers are pussies now anyways. They didn't buy Vanquish, Bayonetta, No More Heroes, or really any of their own games this gen, and they probably won't buy Shadows Of The Damned either. No, they'd rather play the shitty moe games with little to no gameplay, as that's what racks up the sales there.

I'm still pissed about not one Japanese gamer attending that launch party for No More Heroes in Japan. That must have made the team feel like shit.

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

I read an article about that No More Heroes public launch with Suda being there and nobody showing up. That's just seriously depressing. I mean, its not like I'm surprised that its not popular over there, but I have to say the fact that not even ONE SINGLE PERSON showed up to it is rather shocking. I mean, wow....I haven't even played the game yet, myself, and that still just depresses me to hear that.

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword got really good reviews and I thought it was an extremely well-made game, hand-held or otherwise (and as it stands its the only thing to Hayashi's name that is pretty much solid quality that isn't based off of something Itagaki made first; its too bad he can't emulate that quality for NG3). Despite that, it sold like shit in both Japan and North America. Its a seriously underrated gem on the DS, IMO. If you can find it for a cheap price, I'd recommend at least giving it a try if you have the time. I thought it was a ton of fun, though a bit too easy for my taste (even on the harder difficulties), which is my only real gripe with it.

This Retro Game Master show is freakin' hilarious, btw.

My favorite part is how he and his teammates react to finding out that the final boss isn't really the "final" boss....twice.

[Foggle]

I've been meaning to pick up Dragon Sword for awhile now, but I keep forgetting to and I don't know why.

My favorite part is how he and his teammates react to find out that the final boss isn't really the "final" boss....twice.

Just finished the video, actually. Funny stuff - this definitely seems like a show to keep up with. The original NG sure is sadistic.

Japanese gamers are pussies now anyways. ... No, they'd rather play the shitty moe games with little to no gameplay, as that's what racks up the sales there.

I'm not sure if I can completely agree with this. Monster Hunter is the top-selling series in Japan, isn't it? That shit is fucking tedious. Some of the hardest games I've ever played; absolutely sadistic difficulty level and nothing cool, funny, or exciting in the game that really hooked me and made me want to get better. It's just not fun, for me. Disregarding my rant, I'd have to say that a pussy gamer wouldn't even touch those games, since they require tons of skill and dedication. But aside from that, you're right.

At least Yakuza sells well there. Can't fault them for that.

[Spark Of Spirit]

All they buy nowadays seems to be Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest. It's almost like they buy systems for one game and then never buy anything else... Except those moe games.

Games as a whole just aren't that big a deal in Japan this gen.

[Avaitor]

One of my friends has been trying to get me to play Monster Hunter for a while. From the little I've tried at his house, I think I'm good.

I can't help but notice that all Japanese trends are ass, but dumbass weaboos still eat them up. It's hard to keep up with the industry in general these days because of all that comes out and sells.

[Foggle]

I just started playing Ninja Gaiden 2 again. I was getting devastated by the enemies at first, but after 15 minutes or so I was pulling off combos as well as I used to. I think the first level here is one of the best in any video game; it teaches you the controls but doesn't hold your hand, it lets you visit a variety of locations, and the boss fight at the end is awesome. The overall game design may not be as good as Black, but the combat itself is some of the best ever.

I know this doesn't really matter at all, but whenever I view the leaderboards, it says that I'm playing Acolyte when I am definitely on Warrior mode. Do you know the reason for this?

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

I just started playing Ninja Gaiden 2 again. I was getting devastated by the enemies at first, but after 15 minutes or so I was pulling off combos as well as I used to. I think the first level here is one of the best in any video game; it teaches you the controls but doesn't hold your hand, it lets you visit a variety of locations, and the boss fight at the end is awesome. The overall game design may not be as good as Black, but the combat itself is some of the best ever.

Its honestly my favorite combat system in any game ever. Bayonetta and DMC have more robust combo systems and God Hand easily has the most skill-based combat system that I have seen in any game ever, but NG has always been my favorite for how goddamn fast and fluid it is. In that department I still feel its quite unlike anything else in the genre, and I personally feel that its pretty unmatched. I always felt that NG2 definitely got the combat mechanics perfected over the first game. I kind of wish that NG3 would have just been NG2's combat system with NGB's level and overall gameplay design. That's all I really wanted and I'd be eternally content with the NG series.

Speaking of the combat, you should really experiment with the Blade of the Archfiend in New Game + mode (unfortunately since you only get it at the very end of the game for the last boss fight, you can only actually play around with it in New Game + ). I swear it has some of the most amazing moves I have ever seen in a video game. Underworld Drop is fucking godly, and if you can at least learn that one move and then use it when at the top of the clock-tower in chapter 8, you'll probably orgasm at just having witnessed one of the most awesome moments in gaming ever. I'm serious, try it, its a fucking amazing feeling performing an Undworld Drop on any enemy from over 200 feet in the air.

Anyways, I'm glad to see that you are enjoying the game again. I recently just finished playing the game on Acolyte mode, myself, for the first time, since I always skipped that difficulty ever since I got the game. I totally got thrown off at moments when I expected tougher versions of Fiends to appear and instead I got the wimpy versions of the dogs or other weaker enemies, and in some cases tough enemies were completely replaced with those tiny little bats. I really had a laugh there.

I also love chapter 1. It does a good job of teaching you all of the necessary skills (though not quite as good as NGB since that downright forces you to learn the basics in order to move on), and I just love a game that can throw you into the action right away. Your first real fight IS your tutorial, lol. My personal favorite chapters in the game are Chapter 2 (very reminiscent of the first game), 7 (easily the most well-designed chapter in the game; and I'll be honest, I fucking laughed my ass off at the exploding Armadillo at the end), and 11 (the most epic revenge chapter in any game ever). The only 2 chapters in the game that I downright hate are chapters 9 and 12. If you ever replay up to chapter 9, let me give you a little cheating glitch to get past the beginning of the level (and trust me, its not worth putting up with the frustration of the limitless water mines, so there is absolutely no shame in cheating your way through that part of the game).

Overall, I can fully admit that its a flawed game and it has its balance issues, but its hardly a "cheap" or "unfair" game up to Mentor mode (Master Ninja is fairly cheap, though, so I wouldn't recommend that difficulty if you can't put up with some serious frustration) and I feel that people to readily blame the game for some of their own faults. The camera is a nuisance at times but it doesn't ever obstruct my view that often, and the enemies all have attacks that can be avoided through fair play (except for Dagra Dai, that cheating SOB ). So really, I still say that half the complaints about this game's difficulty are completely unfounded.

I know this doesn't really matter at all, but whenever I view the leaderboards, it says that I'm playing Acolyte when I am definitely on Warrior mode. Do you know the reason for this?

Well, did you ever physically upload any of your scores? It should automatically update your information when you upload your scores. Either way, though, the leaderboards are useless for this game, because the scoring system is, horribly, horribly broken. Even after the patches, there are so many easy ways to cheat your way to a max score of 999,999,999. It really pissed off most fans of NGB who seriously played that game competitively to try and achieve the best possible scores that they could.

[Dr. Ensatsu-ken]

Yeah, I'm on chapter 2 right now. I love how you start off in an area from the end of the first game's chapter 2.

Both chapter 2 and 11 really hit me with a blast of nostalgia for showing us very memorable stuff from the first 2 levels of NGB. I'll even admit that I shed a bit of a tear when I saw the pure fan-service Team Ninja did by including the entire starting area of the 1st game into Chapter 11 (its optional to go there, but it was so nice of them to include that "big" little easter-egg.

I'll definitely want your help in chapter 9... fuck those water mines.

Yeah, that's one of the only few things that Sigma 2 did better than the original game: That is to say it was better in that regard by completely removing that feature from the game. Itagaki, you're still awesome, but what the FUCK were you thinking when you put those ass-retarded obstacles in the game?

Also, the water-mines are in chapter 5 as well right before a watermill, but they are easy to avoid if you just hug the left wall leading up to there, in which case you should be able to skip all of the mines (and if there is one there, then you can just jump right over it).

BTW, If there's one thing I'd recommend learning in the game that's a legitimate skill-based technique that makes the whole game SO much easier when you know it is the art of performing on-landing charge attacks. It takes all of 5 minutes to master and it is useful for the entire game. It lets you charge up ETs and UTs in an instant (if there is essence around) as long as you get your timing right. Also, try using some 360 degree spin moves (where you rotate the analogue stick about 180 degrees and then press or hold Y). Trust me, those are very useful moves that most people never learn about and they are entirely awesome to boot. They work with certain weapons, but I'll leave it up to you to experiment with the game's combat system (as to me that's a huge part of what makes it so much fun).