To help make things a little easier, Hero Mode makes its return in the Master Collection. Still, the soul-crushing challenge may be a little off-putting for those who have never played a Ninja Gaiden game before.
Of course, this isn’t necessarily bad since the series’ difficult to master, blazing-fast combat style is the core mechanic that has always set the series apart from its more straightforward cohorts. Enemies will endlessly pursue you, staying stationary is not an option, attacking with reckless abandon will get you killed, and those bosses will still end your life if you don’t stay on your toes. Likewise, the fast-paced combat that put the Ninja Gaiden series on the map and set it apart from other ninja-based titles feels just as fast, furious, and unforgiving as before in the Master Collection, so don’t expect victories to be any easier. All in a day’s work for everyone’s favorite super ninja. Razor’s Edge still has him taking down terrorists and helping out the Japanese Defense Force, all the while slowly being killed by the now cursed Dragon Blade that’s a part of his arm. Since he destroyed your village and stole the Dark dragon blade, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 still has you going up against the four greater fiends and their queen, which is always fun times. Ninja Gaiden Sigma still has Ryu chasing after Doku and hacking down every fiend and ninja in his quest for revenge. Sometimes remaining the same isn’t a bad thing, and from what I can remember, the stories, missions, and gameplay remain largely unchanged.
After taking the time to slaughter my way through the hordes of ninjas, soldiers, and demons, all while being the very best ninja I could be, I can safely report that while the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection may not reinvent the series, it does a wonderful job of preserving these iconic action games for a new generation. It contains Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, giving fans new and old their chance to slice and dice with legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa all over again.įortunately, I was given the opportunity to review one of my most beloved franchises. Thankfully the folks over at Koei Tecmo/Team Ninja heard our cries and announced the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection back in February of this year, and the fan’s prayers were answered.
Sadly, after Razor’s Edge, our beloved shinobi would take a hiatus, and fans were left to wonder if we would get another chance to save the world with everyone’s favorite ninja. From 2004’s Ninja Gaiden to 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, there was no version of this game I wasn’t willing to experience over and over again. Even though they often brought with them plenty of frustration, there’s no denying that these were some of my favorite games of all time. While I’ve always been fond of the hack and slash genre (especially with ninjas), it’s this franchise in particular that sparked my interest in playing more challenging games. The Ninja Gaiden series will always hold a special place in my heart.