Ninja Gaiden 3 Review

It’s strange to go back and play (an admittedly revamped) version of the first of the modern Ninja Gaiden games on Vita and swiftly follow it up by jumping into this newest entry in the series.

Strange because the game first released in 2004 should have influenced the 2012 iteration far more than it has. You’re not an abject failure, Ninja Gaiden 3, but you are far poorer than you should be. Bad Ninja Gaiden 3. On your bed.

Fundamentally things should be exactly the same as before, tweaked a little and made to look better. The latter part is true, but the basic mechanics of the game have been changed – dare we say it, simplified. What this results in is the feeling you’re never quite in control of Ryu and his ridiculous adventures across the world.

It’s too focused on spectacle, not rewarding the player for doing well but instead rewarding them for simply jabbing a couple of buttons every now and then. On the most basic of levels it works and can be satisfying, but that doesn’t mean it’s much good.

Throw in liberal use of poorly implemented QTEs and you have a ninja game we wish would just slink off back to the shadows. Maybe the inevitable Sigma incarnation will rectify the problems, but for now it’s one to avoid unless you see it for a tenner.

A huge misstep for a series that has provided a lot of good times over the years. It’s oversimplified, boring and leaves the player feeling they’re never quite in full control – a Very Bad Thing in the world of Ninja Gaiden.

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