Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Ninja Gaiden Sigma
North American cover art
Developer(s)	Team Ninja
Publisher(s)	Tecmo EU Eidos Interactive
Designer(s)	Yosuke Hayashi
Series	Ninja Gaiden
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Release date(s)	JP June 14, 2007 NA July 3, 2007 EU July 6, 2007 AUS July 13, 2007
Genre(s)	Action-adventure
Mode(s)	Single-player
Rating(s)	ACB: MA15+ BBFC: 15 CERO: D ESRB: M PEGI: 18+
Media/distribution	Optical disc

Ninja Gaiden Sigma, also known as Ninja Gaiden Σ, is an action-adventure game developed by Team Ninja for the PlayStation 3 video game console. Originally released on Xbox in 2004, it is an enhanced port of Ninja Gaiden and a continuation of a 1988 video game originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System. An enhanced port of Ninja Gaiden II, under the title Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, was released in 2009.

Gameplay

Further information: Gameplay of Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)

The gameplay for Sigma is very similar to the original version, albeit with some modifications made to the game. Like the original version, the player's movements and combat system are directed using the console gamepad, which comprises the left thumbstick, two attack buttons, and a block button. The game features a large selection of weapons for Ryu to wield, each with advantages and disadvantages that affect the way the player approaches combat. It also provides Ryu with magical spells in the form of ninpos,which allows him to inflict heavy damage on enemies while potentially avoiding damage himself. By shaking the Sixaxis controller, players are able to increase the power of their ninpos.^[1][2]

In addition to the narrative Story Mode, Sigma included a gameplay variation called Mission Mode. Focused on action rather than character development, this provides combat-based missions set mainly in small areas. In both Story and Mission modes, game scoring is based on the player's speed in clearing encounters, the number of kills achieved, the number of unused ninpos remaining at the end, and the amount of cash collected. Players can compare their scores on online ranking boards.^[3] In addition, players have the option to customize the appearance of player characters, with selectable costumes for Ryu and hairstyles for Rachel.^[4]

Plot

Main article: Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game) plot

Development

In 2006, Tecmo and Sony announced the development of Ninja Gaiden Sigma for the PlayStation 3.^[5][6] Eidos obtained the European publishing rights for this game.^[7] Tomonobu Itagaki had no direct role in Sigma, and judged it a flawed game,^[8] although he acknowledged that Sigma gave PlayStation owners a taste of Ninja Gaiden.^[9]

The Cell processor of the PlayStation 3 gave Team Ninja the opportunity to overhaul the game graphics to use larger and more detailed textures. Changes were made to the game world, with a few new areas and several additional save points and shops,^[10] and alterations to the game engine let players shoot arrows in mid-air, fight on water surfaces, and play as Rachel in some chapters and missions.^[4][11] Team Ninja added more enemies such as bikers, fish-men, and a new boss, Gamov, and Ryu's weapon choices are extended with a pair of katanas called the Dragon's Claw and Tiger's Fang.^[10][4]

In 2007, Tecmo released a demo and a new game mode, Survival Mode, for Sigma over the PlayStation Network.^[12] The demo limits players to the first chapter of the game, but lets them play as Rachel in a separate mission.^[13] Survival Mode comprises missions in which players keep fighting until they have either killed all their opponents, or their character has been defeated.^[14]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate scores
Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	86.84%[15]
Metacritic	88/100[16]
Review scores
Publication	Score
1UP.com	A[17]
Edge	8/10[18]
Eurogamer	7/10[19]
Famitsu	33/40[20]
Game Informer	9.0[21]
GamePro	4.75[22]
GameSpot	9.0/10[10]
GameSpy	5/5[23]
GameTrailers	9.1/10[24]
IGN	9.3/10 (US)[25] 8.8/10 (AU)[26]
Play Magazine	88%[27]
PSM3	80%[28]
Pro-G	8/10[3]
Awards Entity Award IGN IGN's Game of the Month[29]

Like Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden Black, Ninja Gaiden Sigma has received positive reviews, currently holding an average score of 87% at GameRankings and 88 at Metacritic, based on 57 and 46 reviews respectively.^[15][16]

Critics varied in their views on the technical aspects of Ninja Gaiden Sigma. Although the gaming site 1UP.com called the updated graphics "a gorgeous reworking of the modern ninja classic,"^[17] Pro-G said that they were average by next-generation standards and showed occasional "tearing, jagged edges, and mismatched collision between bloodstains and walls".^[3] Various flaws also troubled 1UP—despite installing the game on the local hard drive, they encountered frequent loading delays, even in combat. They also noted visual glitches, such as screen tearing when the camera moved. These problems made the game "feel like a bit of a slapdash port".^[17] Although reviewers appreciated the retention of the gameplay of previous versions,^[26][17] Sigma's lack of new attractive features caused them to question its worth as "a remake of a remake". Pro-G said that Sigma was not worth its full-game price tag because it "has, in effect, been available for years in one form or another".^[3] Eurogamer stated that Sigma lacked the "wow factor" when compared to God of War and its sequel.^[19] The 1UP critic felt that shaking the Sixaxis controller to power up a ninpo was "silly" and a "foolishly tacked-on" way to use the controller.^[17] IGN was not excited about playing as Rachel and wished to "get back to Ryu's sections simply because he's more fun to play".^[25] DailyGame, however, appreciated the change of pace, saying that Rachel will bring a "much-needed respite for newcomers and provide something new for experienced players".^[30]

46,307 units were sold in the first week of its release in Japan, making it the third highest selling game during that period.^[31] According to the NPD Group, in its first month Sigma sold 63,637 copies in the United States. ^[32] Next Generation reported that as of April 2008, 470,000 copies of Sigma have been sold in Europe and North America.^[33] Tecmo announced that they have sold 500,000 units worldwide.^[34]

References

1. ^ Rob Fahey (2007-06-16). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=77792. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
2. ^ Ninja Gaiden Sigma - PAL version (Instruction manual). Team Ninja/Eidos Interactive. July 6, 2007. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Will Freeman (2007-07-10). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review". Pro-G. http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/ninja_gaiden_sigma/review.html. Retrieved 2008-02-03. 
4. ^ ^{a b c} James Mielke (2007-01-12). "Previews: Ninja Gaiden Sigma". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3156377. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
5. ^ Andy Robinson (2006-09-20). "Ninja Gaiden pulls a flying kick on PS3". Computer and Video Games. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=146205. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
6. ^ Tim Surette; Brendan Sinclair (2006-09-21). "TGS 06: Gaiden, Shirokishi lead new PS3 game charge". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/events/tgs2006/story.html?sid=6158162&pid=935677. Retrieved 2008-05-04. 
7. ^ Andy Robinson (2007-04-18). "Eidos picks up Ninja Gaiden Sigma". Computer and Video Games. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=162227. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
8. ^ Jon Wilcox (2008-05-13). "Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden 2 Is My Final Instalment News". Total Video Games. http://www.totalvideogames.com/news/Itagaki_Ninja_Gaiden_2_Is_My_Final_Instalment_13219_7010_0.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-14. 
9. ^ Anoop Gantayat (2007-06-01). "No Sigma For 360". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/793/793679p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
10. ^ ^{a b c} Kevin VanOrd (2007-07-02). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma for PlayStation 3 Review". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/ninjagaidensigma/review.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
11. ^ Gabe Graziani (2007-05-25). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Preview". IGN. http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/ninja-gaiden-sigma/792132p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-06. 
12. ^ Anoop Gantayat (2007-08-03). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Downloadable Content Announced". IGN. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/810/810350p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
13. ^ Richard Leadbetter (2007-05-02). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=75934. Retrieved 2008-04-21. 
14. ^ Chris Roper (2007-09-06). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Expansion Pack Hands-on". IGN. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/818/818522p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-06. 
15. ^ ^{a b} "Ninja Gaiden Sigma—PS3". Game Rankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/935677-ninja-gaiden-sigma/index.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
16. ^ ^{a b} "Ninja Gaiden Sigma". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/ninjagaidensigma. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
17. ^ ^{a b c d e} Shane Bettenhausen (2007-07-03). "Reviews: Ninja Gaiden Sigma". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3160778. Retrieved 2008-03-21. 
18. ^ Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review. Edge. August 2007. pp. 90. 
19. ^ ^{a b} Kristan Reed (2007-07-06). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma". Eurogamer. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ninja-gaiden-sigma-review. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
20. ^ Brian J. Balsan (2007-06-06). "News - Latest Famitsu review scores: Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Eternal Sonata". Gamesarefun. http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7857. Retrieved 2011-07-31. 
21. ^ Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review. Game Informer. July 2007. p. 97. 
22. ^ The Watcher (2007-07-03). "Review: Ninja Gaiden Sigma". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/119949/ninja-gaiden-sigma/. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
23. ^ Villoria, Gerald (Jul 3, 2007). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review". GameSpy. http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/ninja-gaiden-sigma/801430p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
24. ^ "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review". GameTrailers. Jul 6, 2007. http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-ninja-gaiden/21329. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
25. ^ ^{a b} Chris Roper (2007-06-29). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review". IGN. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/800/800565p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
26. ^ ^{a b} Patrick Kolan (2007-07-04). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma AU Review". IGN. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/801/801548p1.html. Retrieved 2007-08-21. 
27. ^ Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review. Play. Imagine Publishing. July 2007. pp. 70. 
28. ^ Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review. PSM3. Future Publishing. August 2007. pp. 66. 
29. ^ IGN PlayStation Team (2007-07-31). "Game of the Month: July 2007". IGN. http://ps3.ign.com/articles/809/809607p1.html. Retrieved 2007-09-05. 
30. ^ Martin Ray (2007-08-15). "Ninja Gaiden Sigma Review". DailyGame. http://www.dailygame.net/news/archives/006499.php. Retrieved 2007-08-27. ^{[dead link]}
31. ^ "Simple 2000: The Japanese Software Chart". Kotaku. http://kotaku.com/gaming/media-create/simple-2000-the-japanese-software-chart-270787.php. Retrieved 2011-07-31. 
32. ^ NPD Group (June 2007). NPD US Sales Data. New York, United States: NPD Group. http://www.cubed3.com/news/8201. Retrieved 2008-02-03. 
33. ^ Next Generation staff (2008-04-09). "The Top 100 Selling Games of the Last 12 Months". Next Generation Magazine. http://www.edge-online.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9639&Itemid=2. Retrieved 2008-04-10. 
34. ^ Vincent (2007-07-07). "450,000 Ninja Gaiden dans le monde" (in French). PlayFrance. http://www.playfrance.com/news-infos-450-000-ninja-gaiden-dans-le-monde-631141.html. Retrieved 2011-07-31. 

External links

• Ninja Gaiden Sigma at Game FAQs