Game Rant’s Zac Landry reviews Ninja Gaiden 3
Ninja Gaiden 3 is Tecmo Team Ninja’s first attempt at a brand new Ninja Gaiden title since their head honcho, Tomonobu Itagaki, left their development clan. Expectations for the title have been high – given the success of the previous two installments – which are favorites among hardcore action fans looking for a challenge.
Sadly, it appears that Itagaki’s exit from the studio had major (negative) implications - as Ninja Gaiden 3 may be one of the biggest disappointments of 2012.
Ryu Hayabusa is an especially iconic, as well as fan-favorite, video game character – and, while it might be hard to say, this newest Ninja Gaiden action title is just plain bad. Team Ninja decided remove many of the elements that made the previous two installments enjoyable – and have actually taken steps backward (which will no doubt leave diehards fans dumbfounded). While it might sound harsh, keeping in mind the terrific foundation established in Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden 2 (not to mention the long-lasting franchise roots), Ninja Gaiden 3 isn’t even a competent modern action title.
Soon after booting up the game, it was clear that, purely from a visual standpoint, Ninja Gaiden 3 lacks the style and polish of previous titles. Instead of chopping off limbs or decapitating opponents enemies are merely sliced into a bloody mess. Covering our ninja in the blood of his foes is a nice touch – but it’s not enough to overcome the feeling that Team Ninja delivered a game that’s missing the little details that made the original titles such a visual treat.
Anyone hoping that the series would take further steps to deepen the gameplay – not to mention add even more RPG elements found in the previous two installments – will be very disappointed. Gone are all the chests Ryu would kick open in cool ninja fashion – to reveal items. In fact items and shops have been completely removed altogether – resulting in significantly less customization. Unlike the prior installments, which allowed Ryu to wield a myriad of different weaponry, the character is now stuck with a sword for the entire game. The swordplay can only be improved by trading out different models over the course of the adventure but none of them are specialized in any way and result in the exact same combos – only a bit more powerful. To make matters worse, none of Ryu’s existing swords can be upgraded and the player is limited to a single Ninpo the entire game. The lack of weaponry and customization options represent a major failure – as mastering different combos with a new weapon was one of the main joys in the prior titles. As a result, combat in Ninja Gaiden 3 gets to be pretty “samey” – with no foreseeable added benefit to limiting the player in this way.
All of these gameplay exclusions are explained-away with an underdeveloped storyline that only adds-in one new gameplay feature. Early in the campaign Ryu gets cursed – which turns his arm in to one big veined mess and introduces the only “new” mechanic in Ninja Gaiden 3. Throughout combat encounters, Ryu’s arm will begin to glow red – and players can hold down the heavy attack button to send Ryu on a rampage. It could have been a cool addition if the camera wasn’t zig-zagging all over the screen. Instead, the camera zooms in so close and events play-out so fast that gamers will, no doubt, have a very difficult time following the on-screen action (not to mention get a bit noxious). The attack is powerful, but it won’t always clear the screen, and Ryu’s arm will start to act up – ending the rage sequence and leaving him vulnerable (that is if the AI ever took advantage).
Another noticeable difference is the game’s difficulty – in a franchise known for challenging experiences, that left even die-hard players feeling as though they’d accomplished a feat upon completion, on the hardest settings Ninja Gaiden 3 is still exceptionally easy. Everything about the title comes across as lazy – and the difficulty suffers greatly do to the streamlined weapon options and lackluster idiotic AI.
Whether they meant to or not, Tecmo’s Team Ninja removed almost every feature from the previous blockbusters that resonated with fans – in order to deliver an underwhelming (and perplexing) product that doesn’t reflect the strengths of the series whatsoever. Even enjoyable side-options, such as swapping out the English dialogue for the native Japanese track (available in the first two games), is missing in the latest title.
If you had any interest in Ninja Gaiden 3, I urge you to pass on this game and spend your time and money on something more rewarding (such as replaying Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden 2). At the very least, wait a year – so that the game has dropped significantly in price. At $60, there’s no reason to pick-up such a thin and repetitive experience – even if you are a fan of the franchise.
Ninja Gaiden 3 is out now on PS3 and Xbox 360. Game Rant played the Xbox 360 version for this review.
Our Rating:
1 out of 5
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RIKIMARUUU! WHERE ARE YOOUU?!
Hope people are happy that wanted an easier game =P
Alma, the noob killer.
That bitch went down no sweat (only after 10 trys)
wow, everyone’s been trashing the hell out of this game and i thought you couldn’t get worse then #2 i suppose there will always be those people seeking pleasure from ultra hard games, not my cup of tea though, difficulty plays a major role as to whether i keep a game or not (or even play it), i dont like to break controls, swear out loud etc just b/c of a game, hence why i skip titles i know will have me doing said things.
you’re supposed to get enjoyment out of games not rage and frustration, why people spend time on hard games i will never really understand (besides said theory).
Not everyone rages and Ninja Gaiden isn’t just hard. It takes a lot of skill and precise timing. It’s a game where you get punished for making the wrong move. Most people are drawn to it because of what he said in the review.
Ninja Gaiden isn’t a hard game to me, it’s a really challenging game, and if you talk to people, you will see that it challenges a lot of people in a lot of different ways.
but what’s the point of ‘testing’ yourself to a stage where you get pissed off b/c you keep dying, i ask people the same thing about dark souls – if the game is hard and punishes you for stupid mistakes then why play it when you rage quit etc ?
like i said, i dont game for the ‘challenge’, life already provides challenge for me to overcome and beat
so i dont see the point in getting pumped up for a game – something that is made for entertainment and in some cases a form of relaxation and escape from the challenges of life – to wind down from a hard days work and just chill with friends etc.
I myself rage but i find it pretty funny…i don’t rage quit just rage hardcore on people because they keep killing me and it pisses meh off >;o but raging is funny anyway but honestly i wouldn’t wanna play a game that has no challenge to it what so ever unless it’s like mario or something similar but besides that my games have to piss me off or else i feel as if i’ve wasted money on something that i could beat in about 45 miniutes “/
Perhaps the reason you don’t like challenging games is because you have anger issues. Being someone who has completed NG 1 & 2 AND Dark Souls twice, I can tell you that any rage that comes from those games is solely my fault. I have never died any either of those games when the death was NOT my fault. It gives a sense of satisfaction. But if you just “will never understand,” good. You’ve stated your opinion, you don’t have to keep reiterating the same statement over and over.
This is depressing. This past week has been bad news for ninjas.
hahaha so true
Ahh fantastic review! I heard just the same from friends who happened to buy it before getting to read the reviews.
Like you said, I bought these games for the difficulty and challenge. I first started playing NG1, and got to the first boss which stomped me into the ground for not using my guard IE “blocking”, once I learned that there were no shortcuts, I really started to enjoy my self, the game rewarded me for trying harder and getting better. I got to the point where I was able to do the challenge modes on the “Black edition” on the hardest difficulty.
When I heard that Itagaki wasn’t at the head, I decided it was going to be down to the reviews that I read after the game launched.
Real shame about the game though, makes me sad really, just goes to show it all depends on who is running the show.
All I have to say is look out DOA 5!
DoA5 will be epic, they’re keeping toe formula the same but updating some mechanics (intractable levels) and updating the visuals, they really cant go wrong… only problem is the time they’re planning on releasing, september is home to far cry3 and borderlands 2 which will no doubt effect the sales on DoA.
i’ll be getting it regardless of what comes out before or after it, even if i don’t get to play it until christmas, i like showing support to dev’s that put time and effort into their games unlike a certain activision franchise that is made by clowns form a run down circus.
I’ve noyl ever really played the original three games, which were some of the best games I’d ever had the chance to experience… I’m certainly not interested in the reboot of the third, at the least.