Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a reworked version of one of the most stunning third-person action games of all time, featuring fast-paced sword fighting, samurai magic, and some incredible bosses. Playing as master ninja Ryu Hayabusa, players must slay hundreds of enemies in a quest to rescue a kidnapped friend. As an updated version of an absolute classic, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 makes some serious changes to the game, including new chapters, bosses, and playable characters. Plus, crisp new graphics and updated textures make the whole game better to look at. Make no mistake about it, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a fluid and fantastic experience.

Main Game Features

• Challenging hack 'n slash combat
• New bosses and playable characters
• Solo and two-player cooperative modes

Story

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a modified version of the third-person action game, Ninja Gaiden 2, and tells a similar story but with some key differences. Like in the original game, Sigma 2 follows Ryu Hayabusa, one of the most iconic ninjas in all of gaming history. Taking place one year after Ninja Gaiden Black, this adventure sees Ryu attempting to rescue CIA operative Sonia after she is kidnapped by the Black Spider Ninja Clan. At the same time, Ryu's hometown is attacked and a precious artifact is stolen. With enemies at every side, Ryu must overcome all odds and return the world to its normal state.

Like the other games in the series, Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma is all about Ryu Hayabusa looking cool and killing huge monsters, and this sequel provides some epic moments in that regard. Plus, this version also includes three extra story chapters, and each one has players controlling a new playable character. These chapters add backstory for three of the most popular female characters in the franchise, including Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel. The added content rounds out the story, making it better overall. If you like ninjas, mystical sword magic, or have played any of the previous Ninja Gaiden games, you'll definitely want to see this story through to its completion.

Gameplay

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a mostly linear action game with 22 chapters to complete, with various boss fights scattered throughout. Ryu has most of his skills from the previous game, allowing him to slice and dice enemies as he hops through the air and does multiple acrobatic attacks. As you defeat enemies, you'll earn three different colors of essence, which replenish your health, mana, and increase your cash. Cash can be spent on a handful of consumable items, including healing potions and more.

Ryu can also wield a handful of new weapons as well, including a scythe, kusarigama, and more. Unfortunately, a lot of the blood and dismemberment effects from the original game have been removed here and replaced with purple splashes. However, five new bosses have been added to the game, which will further test your fighting skills. This version of the game also includes the two-player cooperative mode called Team Mission, where you and a friend can take on the game's challenges together. Other notable changes to the gameplay include fewer enemies, the removal of keys, and altered weapon upgrades.

Conclusion

Ninja Gaiden is one of the most exciting samurai game franchises ever, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a worthy successor in that line. Playing as Ryu Hayabusa and slashing through dozens of enemy ninjas feels great, and with new content and bosses, there's more to enjoy than before!

Pros

• Awesome swordplay
• Co-op mode makes the challenge easier
• Three extra chapters to enjoy

Cons

• Removes some content from the game
• Reduced blood effects
• Some items have been fundamentally changed