Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus

by Koei

• Using the new and exciting hardware possibilities that PlayStation Vita offers, players can tap the rear touch pad to strengthen their Ninpo, move the PlayStation Vita system around to aim the bow, and much, much more.
• The new Hero play style allows players new to the series to overcome the toughest of trials. With auto-support functions and unlimited Ninpo in tight situations, this play style will allow any player to feel like a Hero!
• Tons of missions that will challenge even the toughest ninja. Players can hone their combat prowess in the largest selection of missions Ninja Gaiden has yet to offer!

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B006NYWLLI
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 4.1 x 0.5 inches ; 1.6 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: February 22, 2012
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,156 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #4 in Video Games > PlayStation Vita > Games > Action > Fighting

Product Description

Amazon.com

Become an iconic masked super ninja once again in Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus. Combining the beloved story of the original Ninja Gaiden Sigma and the new features of the PS Vita, Plus allows you to experience the Sigma series in an all-new light. Jump into the high-octane action and storyline, and take advantage of the PS Vita's front and rear touch screens and SIXAXIS controls to devastate your opponents and unleash powerful combos. Sharpen your skills, slip on the mask of Ryu Hayabusa and get ready for the heart-racing action of Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus.

Fight thrilling boss battles

Revisit the Sigma Series

Engaging storyline

Synopsis

With all-new features and gameplay controls for the PS Vita, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus allows you to revisit the legendary Sigma series in an exciting new way. Take advantage of the Vita's front and rear touch screens to access a precise firing mode and unleash powerful, deadly combos and attacks. Use the SIXAXIS controls to carefully aim and launch projectile weapons at your enemies. Jump into the action right away with Hero mode, where you can use auto blocking, reverse-wind evade moves and easy combos for a more story-focused experience. Put your skills to the test in new Ninja Challenges that feature mission-based battles filled with numerous enemies that force you to hone your skills in quick, intense sessions. Are you ready for an all-new Ninja Gaiden Sigma experience?

Key Features:

• Jump into the action with auto-guard defense, automated reverse-wind evade moves and easy combos through simple controls in the easier Hero mode for new and casual players
• Engage in thrilling mission-based battles in the Ninja Trials to further hone your skills, then unlock higher difficulties as you play to fully put your skills to the test
• Innovative controls and varying difficulty levels allow for accessible gameplay for players of all skill levels
• Experience the excitement and thrills of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, re-imagined for the PS Vita with new controls and gameplay modes
• Become the iconic masked ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, and revisit the Sigma series
• Explore the adrenaline-pumping action and storyline of Ninja Gaiden Sigma with the intuitive controls of the PS Vita's front and rear touch screens and SIXAXIS controls
• Aim and launch projectile weapons at enemies using the SIXAXIS controls and the precise firing mode on the front panel, and unleash unbelievable Ninpo attacks by tapping, painting or swiping on the rear touch screen

Product Description

Experience massive carnage in a portable package with Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus--the newest version of one of the greatest action games ever. Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus offers all the same high-octane Ninja Gaiden Sigma action, now enhanced with features only available on PlayStation Vita.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans Rejoice. A Great Remake. NOT A Rushed Port. February 23, 2012

By J. Figueroa TOP 500 REVIEWER

Amazon Verified Purchase

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Let me start by saying that this game is by no means a rushed port or a port at all IMO, it is a nicely done remake with a refreshing array of added features, so do yourself a favor, read user reviews and decide for yourself. Forget about the "critics" and their biased opinions. Here's the scoop from a dude playing the game as we speak...

When Ninja Gaiden first came out for the original Xbox, it was one of those games that was insanely hard and frustrating at times, in a good way of course, and it kept me coming back for more; from the awesome combos, to the fluid chopping of limbs, it was bloody, gore heaven made in a disc.
Now the PS Vita version is out and I must say, IT IS GREAT! Don't be fooled by bad reviews accusing the game of being a poor rushed port of an old game, because it isn't. Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus has kept me playing all afternoon and will do so for the rest of the night and probably all week, once I start the hardest mode.
Fans of the original will appreciate the fact that the game has kept its insane hard levels, those new to the series or those who are simply trying to have a bit of gore before lunch is over, will be happy to know that this version of the game has an easy mode, that as the word implies, makes the game a breeze to play when you don't have much time to figure out how to save your own butt from a horde of bad dudes trying to slice your head... Game modes include Hero Mode (easiest), Normal (challenging ), and Hard (shave your head in advance) and Ninja Trials (think of this as Batman's challenge maps)

The graphics have been polished and very well done, lighting effects are spot on and I even noticed shadows.... But please remember, this game is 8 years old, so don't expect a next generation type of graphics, but they did an exceptional job at it, the game looks amazing. I didn't notice any frame drops, the game, even during heavy battles, kept a nice even flow. The storyline is the same, Ryu is in search of the stolen blade and must avenge his clan's death. You'll fight foes left and right, from samurais, to ninjas to some mystic badass beasts and of course, wicked boss fights.

If you played the original, I'm sure you remember how frustrating it was to cycle through items such as Elixirs, well, you'll be glad to know that you can know browse through health and ninpo elixirs by using the D-Pad, side ways you chose, down you use, simple.
Another great addition, while using the bow and arrow, you can now simply tap the screen and you aim with either the stick or by moving the vita itself, tap on the enemy to shoot at him...again, a heaven sent feature, I hated the original method, I got my butt kicked while aiming. If you want to simply shoot your arrows without precise aiming, simply press the O button. To zoom in and out, use L/R.
Ninpo has also changed, it is activated by pressing two buttons at time (x+o being one), then the screen asks you to tap the rear touch pad of your vita to use the ninpo, which gives your ninpo a "power up" option, kinda of a charging option if you must. I personally didn't care for this feature, I like the way it was before, two buttons and away we go. Don't get me wrong though, it is still a nice added feature.

My advice to you, specially if you are a fan, GET THIS GAME. Don't be fooled by the so called "critics" reviews, this game is as always, fun, challenging and now you can have it in the palm of your hands. Trust me, you will like it. If you are new to the series, get ready for a ride, this game is addictive and you'll be coming back for more. Yes, I admit, the story is the same as the original, but how could it change?. The game has added features that give it a refreshing touch that at least, fans of the series, like myself,truly appreciate. I can't review it anymore than this without spoiling the whole experience, so I will let you enjoy it yourself. Peace. Read more ›

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a must have for Vita owners March 6, 2012

By teejay

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Much has been said about this game on other platforms so I will not repeat it here. Suffice it to say this is Ninja Gaiden Sigma for the PS3, on a portable. Think about that for a second - A PS3 game on a portable. Yes, that game was actually a port from the xbox, but still. The size and scope of this game on a portable device just blows my mind. While the port itself isn't flawless, the fact that it's the original Ninja Gaiden in all its glory on a portable device makes up for it. This game is just as good as ever, and includes the sigma add-ons to boot. Now, for the Vita specific stuff...

Anyway - so what are the changes? Actually they're quite few. Gone is the goofy "shake the controller to power ninpo" mechanic on the ps3, replaced with a slightly less goofy "press random spots on the back touchpad of the vita to power ninpo" mechanic. Turning on the Karma counter has been moved to a menu item since the button it would have been mapped to is not present, and going into first person mode is achieved by touching the screen, which works, but I find myself occasionally touching it by accident while moving the camera and this can cause me to drop into first person mode occasionally when I don't want to. More annoyingly, the action button (for opening doors, boxes, etc) has been moved to the circle button, which causes me to occasionally lose an arrow when I accidentally fire it instead of opening some box or door. This is annoying, but not a huge issue.

Generally the new touch applications of the vita are implemented somewhat haphazardly. As mentioned, you touch the screen to go into first person mode - ok fine.... Firing the bow can be attempted either like it always has with the right stick, or more weirdly by pressing the spot you want the arrow to go on the screen, which seems like a good idea, but can lead to some weird effects, especially if you have fat fingers. You can also aim the bow (or just first person mode) by moving the vita around itself via the gyros, but if you're like me and have the right button axes reversed, this mapping follows into gyro movement and makes completely no sense - you tilt the device up and the screen view goes down. What was really needed was separate options for this control mapping and the right stick FPS mapping. minus points for lazyness.

This isn't the only touch screen weirdness either. The save file select function is accomplished via touch, but ONLY this - no other menus are touch enabled - which is completely rediculous. This is the kind of thing that should be all or nothing, otherwise, it's just confusing.

Gameplay itself is just fine however. The framerate is smooth and there are no noticable changes beyond what was already done in Sigma, so those of you familiar with that game will be able to jump right in and kick ass. I have a slight suspicion, though not anything confirmed, that the difficulty was toned down a notch - I'm currently playing on 'normal' and find my self blowing through battles that would normally be a lot harder - say for instance the motorcycle guys in Tairon - seem much easier than they used to be. On the other hand, Spider Clan ninjas are just as hard as ever, so maybe not.

Speaking of gameplay - for all you wimps out there there is a wimp mode called "hero mode", which is laughable. Unlike earlier iterations of "ninja dog" mode which required you sucking a lot before it was unlocked and came along with constant insults from Ayane, "hero" mode is accessible from the start and basically makes you invincible. After your health gets below a certain level, you basically auto-block and have unlimited ninpo, which removes nearly all challenge from the game.

There is also a hard mode which I haven't tried yet, and I suspect an "ultimate" mode as there was in all previous versions of the game, but as I'm still in chapter six, I can't comment yet.

Overall, this is an average port of an excellent game. I can't think of too many people who haven't played the original ninja gaiden, but if you're one of them, this is an excellent time to give it a shot. For those of you who have played it and want something to tide you over until NGIII, or want some quality NG on a portable, this is where to get it. The only complaint at this point would be the price, but soon enough that will likely drop.

4 Stars - minus one for stupid touch UI decisions. Read more ›

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth It February 25, 2012

By Cooper Lawrence

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I purchased Ninja Gaiden on Xbox, then Ninja Gaiden Black, then Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and now, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus. It really is kind of ridiculous to have 4 versions of the same game, but I enjoyed them all. And despite the fact that this is a port, I honestly believe that this is one of the core titles that shows off the true strengths of the Vita.

Right when I got my new system, this is the first game I put in. I've played this game probably 50x, and know it like the back of my hand. What better way to actually be able to assess the system itself, and it's ability to handle the best action game ever made? This is why this is a game to show off your system. It's not going to top Uncharted in showing off the graphics, but it runs laps around it when showing off the gameplay. For the first time, I was able to play a highly precise action game on a portable system, with completely accurate controls. It really was stunning to have battles this intense and this intricate on a handheld, and it was a new experience.

New stuff I've seen so far in this version, enemy placement seems altered a bit and the difficulty seems increased from Sigma on PS3. I tried hard mode first, and it actually is pretty difficult. Series vets can jump right in with hard mode first and they really will not be disappointed. I also noticed some new items called Enhancements. I only have one so far, a helmet that increases defense and lowers attack.

Once you're done admiring the graphics of Uncharted, this is the game that will truly show off your Vita right now. Being able to jump into one of the trials and instantly play one of the best action games ever made, on the go, still blows my mind.