• Review: Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (Vita)

    by
    Jason Arriola
    Published on 04-03-2012 06:03 PM
    2 Comments Comments


    Ninja Gaiden Σ Sigma Plus

    Developer: Team Ninja
    Publisher: Tecmo
    Platform: PlayStation Vita
    Genre: Action-Adventure
    Rating: Mature
    Release Date: February 22, 2012

    One of Team Ninja’s most favorable games for the PlayStation 3 gets a handheld port for the PlayStation Vita. Players take control of super ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, and the hack and slash, feel good gameplay of the original game doesn’t take long to sink in. Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus also makes use of the Vita’s touchscreen, rear touch pad, and motion sensor features to make for a new experience in this rerelease.

    Presentation

    In the Vigoor Empire, high atop the mountain peaks rests a ninja fortress and peaceful village. Ninja Ryu Hayabusa has come to infiltrate the Shadow clan fortress to speak with his uncle and fellow ninja, Murai. A familiar face, Ayane brings word that the Hayabusa village is being attacked. Ryu immediately makes his way to his village, only to find it in ruins.

    Ryu soon encounters a dark ninja named Doku, who is responsible for committing the onslaught of Ryu’s village. Doku has sought something of great importance, something that was kept under close watch of the shrine maiden, Kureha, before Doku struck her down. The object he desired was the Dark Dragon Blade. Confronting Doku, Ryu attempts to subdue his opponent but is felled by one stroke of Doku’s blade.

    Believed to be dead, Ryu is awakened from death by a falcon, the spiritual animal of the Hayabusa clan. Now Ryu has become a soldier of vengeance and his mission to avenge his clan and acquire what was stolen from them.

    Graphics

    Some elements of the game, mostly environmental aspects, tend to look a little choppy, not by much though. It’s understandable given that this is a port of game that has had three other rereleases. By far it’s one of the best looking ports of the game yet. Team Ninja obviously takes pride in this game and they show that by fine tuning it with each port. The Vita port is the definitive version of the game yet and that is evident in the game’s full motion video.

    Sound/Music

    Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus features a memorable voice cast. If you’ve played any of the prior versions of the game, you should feel right at home with the familiarity of it all. In addition, the game’s soundtrack is something you would expect in a theatrical ninja movie in the same vein of this game. The game exudes that distinctive discipline of the way of the ninja with tranquil themes and melodies that evoke the tension of an ever-present, yet unseen danger. You may understand what I’m trying to say here, if the ninjas are your kind of thing. As always, it’s best to play the game while wearing a good pair of headphones. The game’s action deserves it.

    Gameplay

    The frantic hack and slash gameplay of the original game still continues to be as satisfactory as ever. Now with the chance to take it on the go with you, slicing up bad guys hasn’t been this fun. However, a word of warning to those who haven’t played this game before: the game is difficult. It’s difficult but rewarding because, in essence, you’re actually taking the time to discipline yourself in the art of virtual combat. Very ninja-like, isn’t it? That being said, you can still choose the difficulty you want to play before starting the game. I would highly recommend the easiest setting if you’re completely new to the game itself. After taking so much damage your health becomes critical and, at least on the easiest difficulty setting, the game will automatically block attacks for you.

    Largely, the biggest complaint about Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, even way back to its original inception in 2004, was the shabby camera. It’s a shame when you get a good kill streak going, and if you happen to be in the wrong kind of place, the camera can freak out on you. It throws you off or can alter the outcome of your gameplay altogether. So this is something that could’ve used some looking into. In this era of gaming, a game’s camera is expected to perform spot on, but then you remember that this game is actually a port of an eight year old one. Another headache you may get with the game is wall running. The game seemed to have a hard time registering where I wanted to go based on how I tapped the analog stick. Either it’s too sensitive or I’m mashing the analog stick too forcefully and not gently. Ultimately it’s doable.

    Given the questionable camera, one thing that counters that flaw is the use of the Vita’s hardware features. Well one of a ninja’s best offensive tactics is not always the sword, but projectile attacks too. Now aiming and throwing ninja stars, or shuriken, and arrows is easier than ever, not to mention faster. Tapping an enemy on the screen of the Vita will instantly send a volley of projectiles in their direction. The rear touch pad of the Vita controls Ninpo, or fireballs. The rear touch pad takes some getting used to as using a rear touch pad is quite foreign at the moment. Still, it’s a fun feature to use in the game.

    Lasting Appeal

    Aside from the game’s main story, there are plenty of ninja trials to keep you busy if you need a break from the story or just want to do something else entirely. There are 76 ninja trials in total and you can also compare scores with others if being top dog is your cup of tea. Other than that, there are plenty of weapons, items and alternate outfits that need finding.

    Conclusion

    Being the fourth rerelease in this specific series, Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus is definitely worth taking a look at if you’ve got yourself a shiny, brand new Vita. If you haven’t experienced this game at all, despite how many versions of the game there are, the Vita port is one worth picking up. While errors such as wall running and the weird camera can put a damper on gameplay at times, the game’s action is still top notch, and it looks great on the Vita’s large screen. The Vita is in its baby stage. You may be apprehensive about what to pick up for it, or you may already want something else to satisfy you’re hungry for something new for the Vita. Either way, give Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus a “stab.”

    Score
    8.5/10

    Comments 2 Comments
    1. Gusto's Avatar
      Gusto - 04-03-2012
      I like playing this game and rather play this baby over pt 3.
    1. Geno Anthony's Avatar
      Geno Anthony - 04-03-2012
      I do not know how many times I have played Ninja Gaiden over the years. It stands as one of my very favorite things ever. I have to put a yearly stop to playing IT over say the other 90 plus new releases I have yet to dive in to. Every year it is the same...And every year I play it with a guilty, utterly content feeling.
      Nothing like Ninja Gaiden at any time.

  • Review Scale

    Score 10- Flawless Victory: A score not handed out to every game. Games earning this rare score sit at the very pinnacle of excellence. These games act as the examples for which all others should be measured with. They are instant classics from the beginning. These games not only deliver what was expected of it, but also exceed the player’s expectations. The game’s features are innovative and original. No game is without its absolute flaws, but the finished product you bring home surpasses the anticipation the game has formed. A day one buy is a must. The game you hold in your hands with this score is a video game jackpot.

    Score 9 - 9.5- Outstanding: Games earning scores such as these absolutely must be played. Games that achieve this high ranking do so because they define the genres that they are in. Flaws are few and barely noticeable. Features seen in the game have been renovated to provide something new and fresh. The story, gameplay, graphics, and lasting appeal are all fantastic and is reason enough to bring the game home and to enjoy with family and friends. Every penny you spend on the game is so worth it.

    Score 8 - 8.5- Great: Any flaw the game may possess is overshadowed by its fun factor. These games would be great for gamers to play. These great games appeal to gamers more and more outside its normal player base because of what it brings to the table.

    Score 7 - 7.5- Good: Flaws do exist in these games, but the positive features of the game can counterbalance the flaws. Additionally, players who are predisposed to liking a game of a particular series or genre with this score should enjoy the game. These are in no way bad games, and much fun can be had with them. An overall good game is worth taking a look at, whether you are willing to buy the game or rent it first. That or you can also wait for the game to reach a good price.

    Score 6 - 6.5- Decent: Games falling into this category may suffer from numerous flaws (for example, graphics or gameplay), but are still worth playing. Granted, the player should be aware that a game with these scores may not guarantee them full satisfaction.

    Score 5 - 5.5- Average: An average game is one in which a game’s features are neither good nor completely terrible. Instead, the finished product is manageable. Little has been done to hold the player’s interest. If anything, rent this game before you consider buying it so that you can at least get a feel for the game’s overall experience.

    Score 4 - 4.5- Poor: Games falling into this category may only keep gamers entertained for a short while. While the game may seem enjoyable for moments at a time, it can quickly grow old and may never be revisited again. The game’s overall function is lacking in quality and may not hold the player’s attention for long. The game leaves little or nothing else to return back to.

    Score 3 - 3.5- Bad: If any positive qualities about a game in this category exist, it is not enough to redeem the game for its shortcomings. Sure you may find yourself playing it, but for how long? You will wind up not giving the game a second glance.

    Score 2 - 2.5- Horrible: Games such as these may not be totally unplayable, they nearly are. Additionally, they may lack, or greatly suffer in, the fundamental functionality of the software as a whole. The game simply does not come close to meeting industry standards at the time of its release.

    Score 1 - 1.5- Appalling: Gamers should avoid this game at all costs. The game was clearly not ready to make its way to store shelves in its status. Save your money and find something else. See it in the bargain bin? No! Stay away! Keep moving and look for something else.

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