Ninja Gaiden 2 is a Misunderstood Masterpiece || Game Discussion

Summary

The video discusses the evolution of the *Ninja Gaiden* series, focusing on the transition from the challenging gameplay of the original titles to the controversial changes in *Ninja Gaiden 3*. It highlights the attempt to restore the series' hardcore nature in *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge*, while acknowledging its shortcomings compared to the earlier games. The speaker also compares the *Sigma* versions to the 360 releases, defending *Sigma* as a fun, alternative version despite its lower difficulty and changes. The overall recommendation is to play *Ninja Gaiden 2* for the best experience, with multiple replays showcasing its lasting appeal.

Takeaways

• 😀 The original *Ninja Gaiden 2* is praised as one of the best action games ever, especially for its brutal combat system and its appeal to hardcore gamers.
• 😀 *Ninja Gaiden 3* received criticism for its shift toward a more simplified, accessible approach with quick-time events and a lack of challenge.
• 😀 The release of *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge* attempted to restore the hardcore elements of the franchise but is still considered inferior to *Ninja Gaiden 1* and *2*.
• 😀 *Razor's Edge* added cool mechanics like the 'blood on bone' system and reintroduced dismemberment, but it still didn't quite match the quality of the first two games.
• 😀 Despite not being as great as the first two games, *Razor's Edge* is still considered a good action game and worth playing for those who love the series.
• 😀 *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* versions (PS3) are seen as a more streamlined, toned-down alternative to the original, with reduced difficulty and missing gore for smoother performance.
• 😀 The changes made in the *Sigma* versions were likely in response to performance issues, with reduced blood effects possibly helping with slowdown.
• 😀 The *Sigma* releases are considered a fun 'arranged mode' with extra stages and bosses, but they are not the definitive experience for *Ninja Gaiden* fans.
• 😀 The 360 version of *Ninja Gaiden 2* is considered the best and most definitive version of the game, offering the most faithful experience.
• 😀 *Sigma* versions are worth checking out for players who only have a PS3, despite hardcore fans being critical of them.
• 😀 The speaker expresses a deep love for *Ninja Gaiden 2*, playing it multiple times a year and considering it one of their favorite games.

Q & A

What is the general opinion of the speaker about *Ninja Gaiden 2*?

The speaker expresses a deep love for *Ninja Gaiden 2*, stating that it is one of their favorite games and they play it multiple times per year. They enjoy its challenging gameplay and intricate mechanics.

How does the speaker feel about *Ninja Gaiden 3*?

The speaker criticizes *Ninja Gaiden 3*, particularly its initial release, calling it a 'dumbed-down' version of the game. They explain that the simplification and addition of QuickTime events detracted from the series' core experience.

What changes were made in *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge*?

In *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge*, the developers reverted to a more hardcore, challenging experience. They improved the game by reintroducing dismemberment and adding a unique blood-on-bone system, though it still wasn't as well-received as the first two games in the series.

Does *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge* compare favorably to the earlier games in the series?

While *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge* is an improvement over the original *Ninja Gaiden 3*, the speaker notes that it still doesn't measure up to the quality of the first two games. However, they still consider it a good action game worth playing for fans of the series.

What is the speaker’s opinion of *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* for PS3?

The speaker acknowledges that *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* has received criticism from hardcore fans due to its reduced difficulty, lowered enemy count, and removal of blood and gore. However, they view it as a worthwhile addition to the series, with extra stages and boss fights that make it an enjoyable, streamlined version of the game.

Why did *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* reduce difficulty and remove gore?

The speaker speculates that the reduction in difficulty and removal of blood might have been a way to reduce slow-down issues on the PS3, though they are unsure whether the absence of gore was a result of censorship or a technical decision.

What does the speaker recommend as the best version of *Ninja Gaiden*?

The speaker considers the 360 version of *Ninja Gaiden* to be the best and most definitive, due to its balanced difficulty and complete experience. However, they recommend playing both versions if possible, especially if you only have access to the PS3.

How does *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* differ from the original 360 version?

The PS3's *Ninja Gaiden Sigma* is a streamlined version with easier difficulty, fewer enemies, and no blood effects. It adds extra content, like new weapons and stages, but is generally considered less challenging compared to the original 360 release.

What is the speaker’s attitude towards the Sigma version of *Ninja Gaiden*?

The speaker suggests that while Sigma is a fun alternate version of the game, it is not the preferred choice for experienced players looking for a challenge. They believe it's a good option if you're new to the game or only have access to the PS3.

What advice does the speaker give for newcomers to the *Ninja Gaiden* series?

The speaker advises newcomers to start with *Ninja Gaiden 1* or *2*, depending on what they're looking for in terms of difficulty and gameplay style. They recommend avoiding *Ninja Gaiden 3* unless the player is already a fan of the series, and saving *Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge* for later.