Ninja Gaiden 3

by Tecmo Koei

• New gameplay mechanics and presentation that places the Dragon Sword in your hands, along with the consequence that come with using it
• Through a new story and new characters players will learn more about Hayabusa's past and present life than ever before
• Intense ninja action that will challenge players while remaining accessible for players new to the franchise
• Franchise first multiplayer options, featuring a challenging set of modes including cooperative and competitive action
• The "Ninja World" system which lets players control and customize an ordinary ninja to try to advance him

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B005DVAB0A
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.5 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 20, 2012
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,099 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #46 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > Games > Action > Fighting

Product Description

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Amazon.com

Ninja Gaiden 3 is an Action-Adventure game in which players take on the role of the iconic video game ninja, Ryu Hayabusa. The Ninja Gaiden game series has a long history stretching from the original 1980's arcade classic, all the way through more recent games developed for Next Generation consoles by the legendary Tecmo-Koei game development group, Team Ninja. Ninja Gaiden 3 embraces the evolution of the series by incorporating gameplay scenarios new to the franchise, such as a closer look at the backstory of Ryu Hayabusa, the blending of realistic and modern combat situations with classic ninja warrior skills, more accessible yet still challenging gameplay and franchise first multiplayer game options.

Ryu Hayabusa Unmasked

One of the most iconic characters in video game history is set to be unmasked to the world. Ryu Hayabusa's name and legacy resonates with video game players the world over, and yet, there is so much that the world does not know about the mysterious man behind the ninja mask. Ninja Gaiden 3 aims to take players on a journey with their hero Hayabusa once more, but this time they'll see more from their protagonist than they ever imagined. For the first time in the beloved series, players will get a look at the world through Hayabusa's torn eyes, and find out what drives him to fight, defend and kill.

For the first time, see the world through Hayabusa's in Ninja Gaiden 3.
View larger

At the center of the conflict this time around is a masked man whose motivations and goals are unclear. Over the course of the game, more is explained and unraveled which will keep players mesmerized. Through mysterious powers, which is seen through his arm, Hayabusa finds himself changing - and the lines between hero and villain, good and evil, are blurred forever.

Gameplay

With new gameplay and new game modes, Ninja Gaiden 3 marks a new direction in this fan-favorite franchise. The legendary Tecmo-Koei game development department of Team Ninja will change the way fans think about ninjas and Hayabusa in this evolutionary game, and promises a heightened feeling and experience during close combat fighting - the act of cutting through an enemy will prompt an unusual visceral sensation. The game will also feature online multiplayer, both co-op and competitive, that will add a completely new experience to the Ninja Gaiden series. The shadowy world of ninja has never been presented this way, and Ninja Gaiden will never be the same. Pick up the Dragon Sword once more, sharpen its blade and hone your skills. An adventure unlike any other awaits you.

Key Game Features

• New gameplay mechanics and presentation that places the Dragon Sword in your hands, along with the consequence that come with using it
• Through a new story and new characters players will learn more about Hayabusa's past and present life than ever before
• Intense ninja action that will challenge players while remaining accessible for players new to the franchise
• Franchise first multiplayer options, featuring a challenging set of modes including cooperative and competitive action
• The "Ninja World" system which lets players control and customize an ordinary ninja to try to advance him to the top where Ryu Hayabusa himself reigns

Additional Screenshots

New gameplay mechanics. View larger

Captivating story & characters. View larger

Multiplayer features and modes. View larger

'Ninja World' customization. View larger

Product Description

Team NINJA's most iconic character is set to be unmasked to the world. One of the most well-known killing machines, Ryu Hayabusa's name and legacy resonates with people the world over. And yet, there is so much that the world does not know about the mysterious man behind the ninja mask. Ninja Gaiden 3 aims to take players on a journey with their hero Hayabusa once more, but this time they'll see more from their protagonist than they ever imagined. For the first time in the beloved series, players will get a look at the world through Hayabusa's torn eyes, and find out what drives him to fight, defend and kill. At the center of the conflict this time around is a masked man whose motivations and goals are unclear. Over the course of the game, more is explained and unraveled which will keep players mesmerized. Through mysterious powers, which is seen through his arm, Hayabusa finds himself changing - and the lines between hero and villain, good and evil, are blurred forever. Featuring a new story, new gameplay and new modes, Ninja Gaiden 3 marks a new direction in this fan-favorite franchise. Team NINJA will change the way fans think about ninjas and Hayabusa in this evolutionary game, and promises a heightened feeling and experience during close combat fighting - the act of cutting through an enemy will prompt an unusual visceral sensation. The game will also feature online multiplayer, both co-op and competitive, that will add a completely new experience to the Ninja Gaiden series. The shadowy world of ninja has never been presented this way, and Ninja Gaiden will never be the same! Pick up the Dragon Sword once more, sharpen its blade and hone your skills. An adventure unlike any other awaits you.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 50 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not horrible, but not worth $60 March 20, 2012

By Drewz

Platform for Display:PLAYSTATION 3

Fun: 2.0 out of 5 stars   

Had this pre-ordered and popped it in first thing when I got home.

After experiencing what Ninja Gaiden has built itself into since it was first released on the original XBOX, it pains me to say that this Ninja Gaiden is very disappointing. Each installment (including the Sigmas) just got more and more incredible, adding new weapons, missions, playable characters, etc. This game takes all that away. While there are trials (similar to missions), and while there is supposed to be some extra weapons added via DLC at a later date, this game just feels like it has more than abandoned the momentum of the series.

I won't spoil the story, but let me just say I found it to be just as much (if not more) of a throwaway tale as NG2. Combat is much easier on Normal Mode than ever before (you can pretty much just mash square to dispatch most enemies), but a Hard mode is available right from the start for NG fans looking to maximize their challenge on the first play through. There aren't any collectables or upgrades in this game and levels are very linear. Not to mention you can no longer heal, but have the ever-so-popular regenerating health now...

Gameplay is what suffers most from this new take on Ninja Gaiden. You will basically find yourself moving from area to area in a very linear fashion, often being forced to stop and slaughter the same 2-3 dozen enemies you just did only moments before. There are no side paths or any collectables of any kind. Each level typically has 2-3 new enemies in it, but most of the time you'll might find yourself slaughtering repeats as well. Even with new enemies being introduced, it really does feel like you are fighting way too many of the same battles over and over. Another thing that hurts is since you cannot heal manually in this game, you pretty much to get it all right in one try. This will surely frustrate on some of the higher difficulties. Luckily, the game does offer a pretty forgiving checkpoint system should you perish, often restoring you at the last major thing that happened in battle. For instance, if a boss has two forms and you die after having already defeated the first one, the game will simply put you at the beginning of the fight with the second form.

Overall though, I didn't give the game a one star rating because it works. It doesn't freeze and isn't plagued with glitches. It's just an empty game. The kind that you only play through once and then forget you even own it. The combat can get pretty gruesome at times, with some of Ryu's "Steel on Bone" attacks actually making you cringe. I found the enemy commentary while you are chopping up their comrades to be very stupid and unrealistic. However, once wounded, some enemies will beg to be spared instead of blindly attacking you until they're literally in pieces. I found this to be a nice touch as it isn't very believable when every single enemy is so eager to throw his/her life away. Despite others complaining about the camera, I didn't have any trouble with it, so don't believe it when people say it's bad. I found the camera to behave better than it did in NG2.

This is not a review for the multiplayer as I just didn't have anything left in me to try it. Although, if I do try it at a later date, I will update my review. Here's hoping NG4 (if we get one) does much better.

Plus, I miss the ninja babes =,(

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Money sucking Tecmo July 27, 2012

By T for Tiger

Platform for Display:PLAYSTATION 3

Fun: 1.0 out of 5 stars   

Love NG sigma 1 & 2 and think they are the best action games ever. This game is a big let down. Where are my weapons from NG Sigma 2????? It has all the cool weapons and we can pick the ones we prefer. This game only provides a sword!! This is a huge step back of fun and replay value. Then probably Tecmo heard people complaining and gave us 2 more weapons from free download contents, the claws and the scythe only. However, we can only use them in story mode, not multi-player or ninja trials online. The only way we can use them is to pay Tecmo for the additional download contents. What a joke? Why do we need to pay for stuffs that they should be included? And for sure that those weapons are recycled from NG 1&2 anyway. It's not like Tecmo needed to hire a whole new design team for that.

I know I am more like reviewing Tecmo here, but a great or bad game is depended on what company stands behind the game. And the thing that made me frustrated the most is Tecmo killed a great series and let me and most of its fans down. Thank you for your time and sorry to hear me vent here.

41 of 55 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Disaster March 23, 2012

By frank

Platform for Display:PLAYSTATION 3

Fun: 1.0 out of 5 stars   

Most fans of this franchise will already know why my review and subsequent reviews are rating this game poorly. In an attempt to make Ninja Gaiden his own, Hayashi-san has stripped everything out of last generations Ninja Gaiden games, leaving nothing but a hollow, empty shell. Multiple weapons are out the window (yes I know future DLC, regardless that is trash design), terrible level design, shallow gameplay, horrendous story, and otherworldy creatures rarely make an appearance. In fact I would have been fine if they took all this out and filled the void left over with something worthwhile. The fact is that they stripped all these features and have nothing else to show for this game. Even the original score sounds scaled back. I fear for the future of this franchise. Avoid this game until it drops to $20.