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Ninja Gaiden crosses over into ZEN Pinball

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 5th 2009 at 8:15PM }

We're not sure how the ZEN Pinball team does it, but they've managed to create another crossover DLC table for the popular PSN pinball game. The follow-up to the Street Fighter table pays tribute to Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden series. The official details will be revealed on the PlayStation.Blog soon, but we're pretty sure it'll be similar to the last DLC offering.

[Thanks, HeavyToka!]

Ninja Gaiden characters to appear in Dynasty Warriors, vice versa

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 23rd 2009 at 4:57PM }

Merged game companies rarely fuse their franchises together, but when the two partnered entities' action-genre focus overlaps as much as Koei and Tecmo's do, inter-brand cameos come naturally. That's why we weren't shocked to hear that Ninja Gaiden's Ryu Hayabusa and Warriors Orochi's Nu Wa would make appearances in the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, respectively, of Dynasty Warriors Multi Raid. In addition, Multi Raiid's Sun Shang Xiang and Zhao Yun will appear as costumes in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.

At this rate, we expect the many, many ninjas from Koei and Tecmo's respective properties will soon be thrown into a "ninja pool," which players of any their titles will be able to choose from. For the record, we're strong advocates for this ninja unionization. Fairer wages for our shiruken-slinging brethren!

Video: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 interview (plus: screenshot comparisons)

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 18th 2009 at 1:00PM }

Given an extra year of development, it's no wonder why the Sigma version of Ninja Gaiden 2 is so far improved over the original. The upcoming PS3 exclusive adds a ton of new features, ranging from awesome to downright ridiculous. GamesWire took screenshots of the original Xbox 360 Ninja Gaiden 2 and compared them with the new Sigma edition, noting, "The lighting and textures are just so much better this time around and there's much more detail to be seen now too."

Additionally, the PlayStation.blog took some time (10 minutes, actually) to show off the various features of Sigma. You'll get to see the Ultimate Ninpo in action, as well as an extended look at the new co-op mode -- and yes, you'll even see the franchise's notorious Game Over screen. Check that out after the break.

[Thanks, Jeremy B.!]

Source - Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 - PlayStation 3 vs Xbox 360 Comparison
Source - Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Interview and Walkthrough with Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi

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Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 demo hitting US PSN on Sept. 24

by David Hinkle { Sep 16th 2009 at 11:35AM }

We've just received word from Tecmo that Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2's demo will be gracing the US PSN one week after Japan gets it on September 24. Unfortunately, Tecmo wouldn't offer anything on what the demo would entail; the company did not confirm any co-op for the demo, let alone which part of the game it would take place in. But hey, it's a free demo and we certainly aren't complaining -- mostly because we don't want to be on that Ryu cat's bad side.

You'll shake your head at this Ninja Gaiden ad

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 16th 2009 at 5:45AM }

Tecmo's creative team has certainly been churning out memorable ads for the upcoming PS3 release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. The videos have shifted focus from sex to violence to ... more sex. The latest ad promotes the unique SIXAXIS motion controls exclusive to the PS3 version. Like the stars of this commercial, we're certain you'll be shaking your head -- we'll leave it up to you whether it's in approval or disapproval.

[Thanks, Sean!]

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Tecmo: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 demo in Japan September 17, news on other regions coming 'very soon'

by David Hinkle { Sep 11th 2009 at 5:40PM }

Japanese news site Andriasang reported today that those anxious to wet their sword (or gigantic scythe) with demon blood in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 would get a chance through a demo on September 17. We wanted to find out when other regions would get the demo, as well as what would actually be in the demo (we're crossing our fingers for some ~~booby bouncing~~ co-op gameplay), so we hit up Tecmo.

A Tecmo representative said that, while the company plans to release a demo "very soon in the US, Europe and Japan," there's no guarantee the demo will hit regions outside Japan on September 17. Tecmo did say that we "should have news very, very soon." So, mark very, very soon on your calendars, kids. As for content, Tecmo remained tight-lipped.

While you wait on that demo, you can pass the time ogling the new screens in our gallery below:

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 (9/11/09)

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 ad takes a stab at liberty

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 9th 2009 at 4:15PM }

And by liberty, we mean the Statue of Liberty. This Japanese ad for Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 finally focuses less on breasts and more on what the series is iconic for: ninja action. A mysterious ninja (with absolutely filthy feet!) scampers around town, until he gets to his surprising goal. It's funny, yes, but the ending will undoubtedly make the mainstream media uncomfortable. "Video games teach kids to be terrorists" on CNN? "New PS3 game hates America" on FOX News? We can totally see it happening.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 has the breast use of SIXAXIS ever

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 9th 2009 at 12:00PM }

Ever since the fall of Lair, Sony has been reluctant to tout the SIXAXIS functionality of the PS3 wireless controller. It's no longer a marketing bullet point, and even if developers offer support for motion control, it's usually turn off as a default. (Most recently, Batman: Arkham Asylum let players use SIXAXIS to control Batman's glide.)

While other developers ignore the SIXAXIS, Team Ninja isn't afraid to highlight its unique implementation of motion controls. In the first Ninja Gaiden Sigma game, players were able to cast magic by shaking the controller violently. This time around, the shaking has an entirely different (but equally important!) effect. You probably should have figured it out from the headline and IGN's cleverly constructed image. If not, there's a video after the break.

[Thanks, Sean!]

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ESRB reveals Ninja Gaiden, Rygar, Solomon's Key on Virtual Console Arcade

by JC Fletcher { Aug 14th 2009 at 4:00PM }

If you, like us, were jealous of the Japanese release of the arcade Ninja Gaiden game on Virtual Console, you can dry your ninja eyes (just pull up the front of the ninja mask and dab with that). The ESRB reveals that Tecmo is planning a North American release of the arcade brawler.

Tecmo isn't stopping with Gaiden, either: further ESRB listings have appeared for arcade versions of both Rygar and Solomon's Key (which will be released in Japan next week). Oddly, the company's other upcoming Japanese VC release, Bomb Jack, is absent from the ESRB list.

At the very least, we can all be happy that these are video games that someone wants to release on the Virtual Console.

[Via Siliconera]

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 limited edition is HMV exclusive in Europe

by JC Fletcher { Aug 10th 2009 at 10:35AM }

The announcement of the European version of the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 limited edition, releasing on October 2, reveals bonuses mostly identical to the North American version -- by which we mean "that one book." The Ninja Gaiden Treasury , as it's called, includes the same strategy guide, comic, and art sections advertised with the American release, though Tecmo Koei Europe offers a bit more detail about it. The comic, for example, is a "prologue comic" designed by Team Ninja. The downloadable costume is also part of the LE.

Europe's version includes one thing the American release doesn't: a complete soundtrack. Other than that, it's identical -- right down to the exclusivity to a single retailer. The Sigma 2 limited edition will only be sold at HMV, for £39.99, though Tecmo's announcement says the RRP is £49.99.

KoTec 'very interested' in motion control for Ninja Gaiden

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 7th 2009 at 11:30AM }

One of the highlights of the motion controller demo during Sony's E3 2009 press conference was a swordplay sequence that seemed to handle magnificently. Koei Tecmo must have been paying attention -- in a recent interview with Play Magazine, KoTec's Kenji Matsubara explained the developer is "very interested" in adapting the Ninja Gaiden franchise to work with the new motion sensitive peripheral.

However, Matsubara explained that there are some barriers to clear before said adaptation takes place -- namely, he wants to "know how responsive it is," adding that "if you're swinging your arms around like you're using a sword you will soon be tired." Yeah, no kidding. Had the controller already been usable in one of the next-gen Gaiden titles, the games' infamously difficult Hard mode would cause the world's shoulder dislocation rate to skyrocket.

[Via NowGamer]

Bizarre Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 marketing features wall molestation

by Griffin McElroy { Jul 30th 2009 at 1:30PM }

A recent piece of marketing for Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is catching a lot of attention, because -- well, because it features people groping breasts that are mysteriously jutting out of a wall. No need to beat around the bush, folks. We got a video with people grabbing walljugs after the break. Enjoy.

The plaster mammaries assumedly belong to Sigma 2's Ayane or Momiji -- both are playable in this iteration of the game (the text which appears at the end of the video actually says "a female ninja appears"). Oh, sorry -- did we explain that like we thought it made a lick of sense? We apologize.

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VC/WiiWare Tuesday: Yet another game called 'Ninja Gaiden'

by JC Fletcher { Jul 28th 2009 at 12:30PM }

For its second Virtual Console Arcade release, Tecmo is offering the first, and perhaps least familiar, game to be called Ninja Gaiden. Originally known as Ninja Ryukenden in Japan (as the series in general is), the arcade game looks similar to the NES version millions of gamers love, but is totally different. Unlike the NES game's fast-paced combat and technical platforming, the original arcade game is more of a brawler. Like Bionic Commando or Strider, Ninja Gaiden became something else entirely in the transition to Nintendo. And now the arcade version is on the same Nintendo platform as the NES game! Magical. The other arcade game is a Namco shooter whose promotional video is more intro than gameplay.

On WiiWare this week, the Okiraku sports/casual game series continues, the JoySound karaoke software arrives in downloadable form, and a game based on Tomy's toy car series is pretty cute.
Virtual Console:

Ninja Ryukenden (Arcade, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
Phelios (Arcade, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)

WiiWare:

Okiraku Tennis (1-4 players, 500 Wii Points)
Karaoke Joysound Wii (1-8 players, 1,000 Wii Points)
Tomika Drive (1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points)

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 slices and dices North America this September

by David Hinkle { Jul 28th 2009 at 11:00AM }

You read that right, folks. The co-op compatible, new and improved Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 will (Izuna) drop into stores on September 29th. Arriving just in time for the busy holiday rush, this updated version of the 2008 Xbox 360 exclusive features ~~two~~ three extra playable characters, along with a puzzling reduction in violent displays.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

Video: See Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 co-op in action

by Richard Mitchell { Jul 27th 2009 at 6:30PM }

Tecmo has dropped some new screens and video highlighting the new co-op feature in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. With Ryu Hayabusa's recent outings having been exclusively solo affairs, the opportunity to play co-op is definitely a welcome one, even if it is reserved only for special challenge stages. The two videos show off both the online and offline co-op. Co-op offers some neat new gameplay twists, like the ability to resurrect a dead partner -- which we're guessing will happen a lot -- and co-op Ninpo magic maneuvers.

It certainly looks like a good deal of fun, though we can't help but notice that player two seems to spend an awful lot of time off screen during the offline co-op video (find it after the break). Looks like online is the best way to go.