Ninja Gaiden Sigma Preview [Archive]

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NeoPlayStation

03-21-2007, 12:54 AM

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-previews/59.html

Ninja Gaiden Sigma

You know, it's not very likely that a game is remade just a few years after its release. But it's also not very likely for a remade game to receive an overhaul instead of just an upgrade. That is precisely what Ninja Gaiden Sigma is bringing to the table; a complete overhaul that shares few similarities with the original. As we anticipate this overhaul, Tecmo has thrown a bunch of new details our way. In fact, so many details that we had to dedicate an entirely new and updated preview for the game.

The first bit of information is that Sigma will run 19 long, which is three more than the other two on the Xbox. On top of that, replay value will receive an additional boost with a new difficulty level - as if Ninja Gaiden wasn't painfully hard already. More importantly, Team Ninja claims that absolutely every little nook and cranny of Sigma was specifically remade and that it shares nothing with the previous Ninja Gaidens. This means that environments, animations, texture work, enemies, character models, gameplay elements, and etc. have been redone from the ground up. In addition, the SixAxis' motion sensitivity is expected to be used as a way to cast and power up Ninpo magic.

Team Ninja's going to include three ways to boot/play Sigma and they are: from the Blu-Ray disc itself, from a cached/partial install, or from a full install. Now, partial/cached installs are already something that a number of PS3 games utilize (Virtua Fighter 5 is one of them), but no game has yet to allow a full HDD install to play it. Clearly, this method will be to eliminate load times and you will be required to have the Blu-Ray disc inside the PS3 in order to play. But it still presents a risk, as it's something experienced software hackers can likely exploit - so hopefully the security on the game is pretty tough.

As far as features go, there's a few important things to know. First off, Sigma's going to run at a flawless 60 frames per second in 720p. Though Team Ninja is saying 720p, this announcement doesn't rule out 30 frames per second in 1080i/1080p - which would be a very acceptable tradeoff if we get to play the game in 1080i/1080p. On top of that, self-shadowing will be totally dynamic and will be extensively used in the game; so you can expect the lighting of Sigma to look quite realistic. Team Ninja also says that they're in talks with Sony in regards to providing downloadable content for the game. And speaking of online, Sigma will retain the Karma ranking boards with enhancements made to allow gamers to view a player's stats in greater detail.

The biggest addition to Sigma will be Rachel as a full-fledged playable character. Team Ninja emphasizes that a lot of the new content found in Sigma will be when you're playing Rachel's segments. Rachel will be featuring her own story missions and her own Mission mode levels. She will be able to absorb essences like Hayabusa, but their similarities will end there. Rachel isn't going to control or feel anything like Hayabusa, she has her own set of moves, attacks and animation strands.

The craziest part of all of this is that Team Ninja says that there's still even more unannounced content that we'll have to wait to find out about. In the meantime, make sure you have your calendars marked for this Summer, as Ninja Gaiden Sigma is expected to hit at the end of June.

3/20/2007 Arnold Katayev

I can't wait.

LaLiLuLeLo

03-21-2007, 12:58 AM

sweet.well worth the purchase.

Nameless

03-21-2007, 12:59 AM

NGS = pure gold!
If PS3 fans are not excited for this game they are really missing out on something special...

LaLiLuLeLo

03-21-2007, 01:12 AM

Man, PS3 fans are scramblin, son. If they announce 'PAPER BAG GAME! NOW OUT EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3' we'll be all over that jank. HURTIN FOR SOME GAMES.

Diresu

03-21-2007, 01:32 AM

I already played NG but this sounds different enough ti give it a go again.

OmniStalgic

03-21-2007, 02:08 AM

Never played it thoroughly, seems I'm in for a treat....

DMC4 vs. HS vs. Ninja Gaiden

hmm...

Newboi

03-21-2007, 02:14 AM

NGS = pure gold!
If PS3 fans are not excited for this game they are really missing out on something special...

I whole heartedly agree!!! :)

Too bad I don't have a PS3...:(

Well, at least of have God of War 2 to occupy my time. ;)

Pluto

03-21-2007, 02:16 AM

Can't wait to see more of this game..

Based on what I've read, they're really going to be sending PS3 fans a well deserved [ and needed ] treat.

Diresu

03-21-2007, 02:21 AM

^At least they dedicate themselves fully when making a game. Gotta give it to Team Ninja for that at least.

OG_Monkey

03-21-2007, 02:42 AM

When they say full installation, they mean putting the whole game on your HDD to boot? Wont people just rent the games then return it if we can do that or pass the dis along lol?

OmniStalgic

03-21-2007, 02:43 AM

When they say full installation, they mean putting the whole game on your HDD to boot? Wont people just rent the games then return it if we can do that or pass the dis along lol?NO!!! It just means there will be like no loading times...You probably have to still have the disc in there though...

Vegtro

03-21-2007, 02:44 AM

You will still need the disc in the drive.

EDIT: Omni beat me to it.

LaLiLuLeLo

03-21-2007, 02:45 AM

Yes, if you READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE that he quoted, you still need the disc to run it.
Ahem:
http://www.gcpl.lib.oh.us/images/AnaJayeDiggsREADthumb.jpg

rpgamer_2k5

03-21-2007, 02:47 AM

Getting this game for sure. Its one of the best if not the best action-adventure series. :)

OmniStalgic

03-21-2007, 02:54 AM

Getting this game for sure. Its one of the best if not the best action-adventure series. :)You dare challenge the "God of War?!"

OG_Monkey

03-21-2007, 02:58 AM

I dont know how i missed that part of the article lol.

Nameless

03-21-2007, 04:00 AM

^^ Honestly it's a better action title than GOW IMO, you can argue that GOW has a better story and presentation... I don't want to hype NG too hard, but you really get this feeling of being a bad ass ninja once you master the controls. Also, it's rewarding that the game is very difficult, but never makes you feel like it's cheap. There were a few moments where the camera got in the way, but this happened very rarely and was addressed in NGB.
I hate to compare games, but NG was the best action title of last gen if you ask me. I just hope they get NG2 right, because you can't really go wrong doing a remake of the original for the PS3...

Syncere Styles

03-21-2007, 04:16 AM

Never played it thoroughly, seems I'm in for a treat....

DMC4 vs. HS vs. Ninja Gaiden

hmm...

Same here, I never finished it cuz I never owned the Xbox, but I got pretty far in it.

You forgot to mention God of War in that vs.

Diresu

03-21-2007, 04:50 AM

Personally I love god of war more the NG because its the whole package. NG story and presentation is meh. Gameplay shines bigtime though which is the important part but overall God of war is just ...well, complete.

I do also like the combat gameplay in God of war more. You get a really cinematic gameplay experience because of the integration of context sensitive controls. One of my favorite game moments is headbutting a friggin minotaur in god of war 1.

Though out of HS, NG and DMC...I am most looking forward to HS. The animations are the reason why. They are downright incredible from what I seen so far. Though I know god of war 3 will top them all =o

In other words...comic below sums it all up well for me.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2007/20070319.jpg

yoshaw

03-21-2007, 07:22 AM

Can't wait to play Rachel's new segments as I've already played NGBlack with Hayabusa. Regardless of anything, stoked for this game. Can't frikkin wait for tomorrows dubai launch of PS3 :)

Newboi

03-21-2007, 08:15 AM

The one thing I truly loved about Ninja Gaiden was that as you increased the difficulty the enemies truly got more difficult to fight, not because of hugely increased vitality and greatly increased strength, but because the enemies actually fought smarter and used more devastating tactics.

I guess one reason it didn't have to worry about the whole damage issue was because enemies already dished out enough damage to destroy your life.

Nameless

03-21-2007, 01:10 PM

^ Brilliant! The enemies AI & difficulty was very well done.

Syncere Styles

03-21-2007, 03:56 PM

Personally I love god of war more the NG because its the whole package. NG story and presentation is meh. Gameplay shines bigtime though which is the important part but overall God of war is just ...well, complete.

I do also like the combat gameplay in God of war more. You get a really cinematic gameplay experience because of the integration of context sensitive controls. One of my favorite game moments is headbutting a friggin minotaur in god of war 1.

Though out of HS, NG and DMC...I am most looking forward to HS. The animations are the reason why. They are downright incredible from what I seen so far. Though I know god of war 3 will top them all =o

In other words...comic below sums it all up well for me.

QFTFTW!!! And that comic strip is too funny cuz it's true.

BahnNZ

03-21-2007, 04:08 PM

For me...

God of War 2 > Heavenly Sword > Ninja Gaiden Sigma > DMC4.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is an essential purchase, but if you have an Xbox you've mostly played it before.

Heavenly Sword is new, fresh, and reeks of next gen. It's what you bought your PS3 for.

I honestly think DMC4 will be DMC3 with graphics. I think the series is troubled, tired, and needs reinvention. I think I'll buy it, but only just.

God of War 2 is just a perfect slice of video game heaven. It's flawless.

LaLiLuLeLo

03-21-2007, 04:14 PM

When heavenly sword comes out, I think, judging by the fact that all the crazy cinematic shit we've seen is gameplay, it'll surpass GoW.

rpgamer_2k5

03-21-2007, 06:17 PM

^ Agree and watch out for the AI too. Hearing that its really special. :)

Newboi

03-21-2007, 08:36 PM

When heavenly sword comes out, I think, judging by the fact that all the crazy cinematic shit we've seen is gameplay, it'll surpass GoW.

I'm hoping so too. It would be great to have another cool videogame heroin besides Samus from Metriod. ;)

I just hope the devs don't get too happy with throwing oodles of enemies at you, turning this game into another dynasty warriors.

Nameless

03-21-2007, 09:52 PM

I'm extremely excited about HS, but it's a new IP and a fairly unproven development team... I know God of War & Ninja Gaiden will be AAA, I would assume DMC4 will be solid based on their track record and HS has tons of potential... I just can't declare the game action genre king based on interviews & trailer/gameplay footage. Sony really needs HS to live up to the hype and I really hope it does. Only time will tell.

OmniStalgic

03-22-2007, 12:36 AM

Yeah God of War is definitely the king of action titles. HS combat mechanics may have it beat, the the scale, cinematic production values, and context button presses are what make it stand above the rest.

I mean seriously, there's a point in God of War 2 where your literally running across 3 gigantic horses all the size of Kronos from part 1!!!! Put the game on hard, and some of the bosses are already kicking me in the balls. It's a real achievement for Santa Monica, Sony, and PS2....

GOW praising aside, NGS is already reserved baby! And HS is my most anticipated action game this year. DMC4 look awesome, but multi-platform or not, right now NGS and HS are blowing it away. Then again, we haven't seen it in a while eh?

Cless

03-22-2007, 02:40 AM

New vid?
http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/10150

LaLiLuLeLo

03-22-2007, 02:45 AM

Pluto

03-22-2007, 02:55 AM

Luis

03-22-2007, 02:59 AM

New vid?
http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/10150Nice find! Finally, a gameplay video. It looks decent, although I can't say I like it more than Devil May Cry.

+rep nonetheless.

mario25

03-22-2007, 03:03 AM

I remember playing Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox..

The only thing that really stopped me from liking it was the Xbox controller..

Having only played a PS2 before that, you can see why I was turned off of it. Hopefully now I can actually enjoy it..

I played it and hated it because of the camera (the game seemed nice though), anybody knows if they fixed the camera for black or this one?

Nameless

03-22-2007, 03:10 AM

The game looks great from a frame rate & animation perspective, but still I expected more of a visual upgrade... :( The gameplay shown was not really highlight moments or an expert with the character. I'm looking forward to seeing more footage of this title closer to completion. When the camera zoomed in the DOF & Rachel character looked damn impressive.
(I downloaded the 720P version!)

Honestly, if the game is the same with better visuals it's still an amazing experience to people new to the series.

Newboi

03-22-2007, 03:13 AM

The character models and animations received a huge upgrade imo.

The environments look great, but don't have enough added detail.

+rep for the gameplay vid though Cless! :)

Nameless

03-22-2007, 03:19 AM

^ I do have to agree the character models are damn impressive...
http://media.1up.com/media?id=3232331&type=lg

http://media.1up.com/media?id=3232329&type=lg

Newboi

03-22-2007, 03:31 AM

I guess it was a design choice by Team Ninja to have such sparse environments. If they just added more objects to environment, the game would look like it doubled in beauty (or to a greater extent at least). :)

Oh by the way, since Ryu can use dual blades now, would that negate the need for Doku's Kitetsu?

Nameless

03-22-2007, 03:35 AM

^Didn't that weapon drain his health anyway...
I'm still looking forward to a more cinematic trailer of gameplay like the start of Ninja Gaiden Black, I guarantee that will look absolutely amazing.

Newboi

03-22-2007, 03:58 AM

^Didn't that weapon drain his health anyway...
I'm still looking forward to a more cinematic trailer of gameplay like the start of Ninja Gaiden Black, I guarantee that will look absolutely amazing.

well if you had the right amulet, you could negate the health draining properties of the Kitetsu entirely.

Anyways, I truly want an HD version of the extended trailer shown at TGS. It was phenomenal.

curryking1

03-22-2007, 04:06 AM

The character models remind me of DOA4 a lot. I really like how in this and DOA there is a great amount of clarity. I was pretty impressed that what seems like engines from the Xbox could make such good looking games on the 360 and PS3.

Nameless

03-22-2007, 04:11 AM

03-22-2007, 06:45 AM

the only things they took from their previous NG projects are the art style, story (what little there is of it anyway) voice acting and the likes. everything else is built from scratch on Blu Cell Beast we call PS3.

every time I look at the game, I want it more. damn if it isn't going to have the best fighting in 2007!

Vegtro

03-22-2007, 07:05 AM

I hear they reserved a SPU for Rachel's boobie physics.

03-22-2007, 07:19 AM

with TN's mentality, I wouldn't be surprised if they reserved everything the machine can do for boobs. after all, they are the 'proud' creators of Booby Bouncy Land (aka DoA)

Diresu

03-22-2007, 07:21 AM

^DOAX...i love DOA...

Newboi

03-22-2007, 07:53 AM

^DOAX...i love DOA...

But can it love you back? http://www.bbvforums.org/forums/clipart/uhoh.gif

Diresu

03-22-2007, 07:55 AM

But can it love you back? http://www.bbvforums.org/forums/clipart/uhoh.gif

For once..I don't know how to respond....

Newboi

03-22-2007, 07:59 AM

Sorry, I was bored...http://www.bbvforums.org/forums/clipart/thwack.gif

Anyways, is NG:Sigma still slated for a spring release?

curryking1

03-22-2007, 03:02 PM

^ You are selling NGS short man!
It's a new engine not the one used for the Xbox version come on now...
There's no way in hell you are getting 60fps with self shadowing at native 720P without a great custom made engine.
Just look at the screen shots the game will be impressive, not sure if it's on the level of HS visually, but the gameplay will be incredible guaranteed!

No, I mean... I meant to say like... the art looks the same lol. Like the style looks the same, but it's pretty impressive, I dunno. lol! :angelgrin

The models and stuff look like the Xbox ver to me, but super duper sharper and clearer and more detailed, basically the Xbox ver. on crack, that's what I'm seeing, but I think it doesn't look bad at all, in fact, pretty impressive for the character models. Like the lighting and the overall art, and the colours and the shading, it's very similar, just a lot more detailed. I don't mean bad though! lol, looks pretty sweet.

EDIT - Cless, great find on the vid, awesome video, I was about to post it! Too bad I was a day late :D lol!