Game: "Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2"
System: PlayStation 3
Genre: Action
Published by: Other

Reviewer: -RoG-
Posted: 1/11/2010

Review: I am absolutely loving this game. Yes, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is an upgraded version of the Xbox "Ninja Gaiden 2," and many people have problems with what was done to it, but I'm simply not one of them. I just think the game is a perfect example of what the Playstation 3 can really do when put to good use, and the art direction is nothing short of stunning.

If you're a fan of the Ninja Gaiden series, I'm sure you've heard about how the insane amounts of blood were removed for the PS3 version. While I admit, I wouldn't mind seeing the crazy blood splatters as well, it doesn't make the game any less visually impressive. With the resolution receiving such a huge increase, the game looks better than ever.

And while the extreme gore may be gone in place of flashy light displays, the bosses themselves have received a big upgrade as well... quite literally. There are some gargantuan new bosses in this game who take up the entire screen that are both a spectacle and a blast to fight.

You also have your choice of four different playable characters. First off, there's Ryu Hayabusa, the classic ninja who will forever be my character of choice. Aside from him, there are three ninja ladies you can control: Rachel, Ayane and Momiji. Naturally, this being both a video game and a product of Japan, the women have ridiculous outfits (that is, if you can even call only a few threads an "outfit") made to show off their even more ridiculous curves. There was even a sixaxis controller 'boob jiggling' promo spot created a while ago to build up hype for the game. Yyyyep... that's Japan for ya.

The game itself is just as difficult as you would expect from anything in the Ninja Gaiden series, and there are several additional modes to unlock after you beat it. I can't even imagine playing through the game in "Path of the Mentor" mode and beyond. Then again, when you consider that too many games these days are easy as hell to beat, it's always refreshing to have a real challenge. If I'm paying 40-50 bux for a title, I like to know that I'm going to get more than just a few hours of enjoyment out of it.

There's also a nice variety of skill and weapons upgrades in the game for you to play with. Personally, I look forward to getting my hands on the Howling Cannon. Why? Because, who wouldn't want to see a ninja firing cannonballs at his enemies? That's a selling point right there, folks.

I should mention that there is a new online "Team Play" mode with arena battles for you and a pal to play in. I haven't tried that part out yet, but it's supposedly a lot o' fun and you can show off your unlocked costumes in there as well.

All in all, the game is absolutely fantastic and would've received five pickles had they not toned down the blood so dramatically. I'll gladly trade in the lame boob jiggling joke for more gore (perhaps Tecmo will wise up and release a patch so people can enable the gore). Still, with such beautifully enhanced gameplay visuals and no slowdown issues that the other version suffered from, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is an extremely well-crafted and addictive game. On top of all that, you'll have a chance to fight the Statue of Liberty! Yep, you read that right... Miss Liberty versus Ryu Hayabusa. A ninja duking it out with the Statue of friggin' Liberty! Honestly, what more could a fan ask for?

Overall rating:
(Scored on a 0.5 - 5 pickles rating: 0.5 being the worst and 5 being the best)