Update: March 11, 2004 Part 1
12:08PM EST. The game's the same as the USA version we received last week but the main attraction of the Japanese version of Ninja Gaiden is the detailed Ayane figure that is bundled with every copy. Along with the Ayane figure, we also received a 32-page Team Ninja poster booklet that will be included with every order. The Ayane figure measures approximately 4" tall and a black base is included for display purposes. The 32-page booklet features copious amounts of artwork based on Team Ninja's Dead or Alive franchise from 1996 to 2004. There's artwork and ads for the original Dead or Alive game on Saturn, Dead or Alive 2 on PS2, DOA 2 Hardcore, DOA3, Volleyball and on the last two pages of the booklet, Kasumi appears in a preview of Dead or Alive Online which ships later this month. NCS has taken a number of shots of the booklet, figure and game bundle and posted them on our main site. Game Summary
Ryu Hayabusa is out for blood. His entire clan has been chopped down by the Vigor Empire and he seeks to take down the whole operation by his lonesome. Share Ryu's pain and heartache by stepping into his padded tabi boots and use ninja jumping skills, swift sword strokes and the occasional shuriken to take out the opposition. Ninja Gaiden has been hyped to a level where it can probably do not wrong. The play mechanics are technically sound with ease of execution and a simple learning curve but the camera needs a little work. When traipsing the light fantastic atop a platform or slashing + jumping in the thick of battle, it's easy to swivel the camera into a clumsy spot which hurts the fast pace of play. It doesn't entirely ruin the gaming experience but it's perturbing. The environment that Ryu lives in is a versatile one where he may climb, sidle, leap and run unencumbered. Ryu's a ninja but he might as well be a barroom brawler. No ninja stealth techniques are required and he barges into every battle with aplomb and ignites a light show when on the attack. We suppose a ninja just looks stealthier and sleeker than some guy in a tank top with hairy arms and a beer in hand. Other then the camera issues, we're enjoying the game this morning. The variety of attacks, magic, weaponry and moves keep things from becoming overly repetitive. Ryu may slash one foe to throw it off balance and then leap behind another foe to attack...and then run between the two to finish both off at the same time with energetic sword slashes. Ryu's move arsenal includes kicks which send opponents flying in the opposite direction. There are many occasions when Ryu is surrounded by goons and we're thinking that a Tates system of some sort would have been nice to have where each foe is cut down in quick succession. Maybe in the sequel. View a larger photo of this item.
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