 Print this page |
Ninja Gaiden Sigma (PS3) - Review
|
RRP: £49.99
Out 6 July
Ninja Gaiden Sigma isn’t exactly a new game. Like Resident Evil 4, it’s a more polished, updated version of a game released in slightly different forms on various systems.
The original Ninja Gaiden was one of the greatest games available on the Xbox. Three years ago you couldn’t find a more lauded title. You follow the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a young ninja assassin whose village is burned to the ground. Making your way across the Vigoorian Empire, you’ll wreak revenge on those responsible (and anyone else who gets in the way) in an action adventure game that’s heavy on the combat. Ninja Gaiden Black offered the same game but with an added mission mode and extra difficulty. Sigma brings together the mission mode of Black but instead of being impossible, now it’s just bloody hard. It also adds a new playable character, Rachel, and new levels and weapons.
Basically, it’s still the same game but that’s no bad thing. The new character brings some much needed variety to the fighting, and the Dragon’s Claw weapon is excellently balanced between damage and flexibility. The extra levels enhance the story, bringing freshness to the game. Not least, the graphics are exquisite, which is fitting as the original game was very eye pleasing for its day.
The problem with Sigma is that it’s still incredibly hard. Ninja Gaiden’s difficulty is legendary but whether that ‘legendary’ status is one worth keeping is up for debate. Sections with almost endless baddies to defeat have been made optional rather than part of the core gameplay and there are more gameplay tips, but it’s still a game that will require patience and your best ninja gaming skills.
8/10
Review by Kirsten Kearney
