On December 9th, 1988, the world was introduced to the original Ninja Gaiden, where you played as Ryu Hayabusa. A classic side scroller with the ability to jump onto walls, and take down your enemies with quick, precise sword attacks..

After many years Team Ninja decided to remake the game with updated graphics,  new fighting styles and killing new and improved enemies.

Despite the release of 2 more Ninja Gaiden titles after that, it’s been years since we heard anything about the legendary dragon sword and Ryu Hayabusa, until February 17th, 2021 when Team Ninja announced the remastered collection which was released on June 10th.

The master collection includes all 3 major Ninja Gaiden titles, artwork, soundtracks, along with all DLC costumes and additional survival modes. Playing through the games with all the memories of the button mashing, dodging, and using special powers to kill enemies is gratefully satisfying.

Controls

All three titles have different control styles and it usually starts off pretty rough. However,as you change games you will notice that Team Ninja has focused on making the controls better and easier to work with.

The first game is a little difficult with the rotating camera and not having a real option to lock onto certain enemies. Needing to pause the game to change magic scrolls and weapons, which may not seem like that big of a deal,  certainly takes away from the game play.

Luckily, with each game the controls become easier, as well as weapon and healing-item swapping gets simpilar by using the quick change option with the D-pad.

Graphics and Sound

The remastered collection did a fantastic job improving the graphics. By following the path of the game and going through multiple stages — which change in many aspects from weather, buildings and regions—there’s never a dull moment and lots to enjoy looking at.

Wearing headphones is the best option to get the full experience due to the fact that you will know what direction things happen in, just like most games, but they did a phenomenal job making the sounds work well with the games. The music is intense and makes you excited while battling or just wondering the levels.

The additional artwork and soundtrack that is included with the game just makes it that much better, because you can listen to your favourite music anytime you want.

Storyline

All the Ninja Gaiden titles have a well put together story. By following the trail of the mastermind that is hellbent on destroying the world, with multiple locations that you visit, and tons of different scenery, you never miss out on what is happening. There are a lot of bosses to battle, along with different foes to battle as the game progresses. Upgrades and healing items are a must in this game or you will start to struggle towards the end since your doing less damage and probably running out of healing items.

Another positive option is when you finish the main story there is also a “new game +” option which keeps all your stats and upgrades yet starts the game all over again.

Endless survival modes are in the game which allow you to battle wave after wave of enemies and bosses until you die in the game, adding a  great challenge and helps to win gloating rights.

Verdict and Comparison

Being a true Ninja Gaiden fan has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve always enjoyed them from start to end. Having them back in my life just makes it that much better, as I keep finding things that I didn’t find before and realize that they added more to the game then what was originally there.

This game does seem to lean more towards adults with all the blood splattering and emphasized female anatomy. You can turn the blood off so that it’s just a hack and slash game but there isn’t much you can do for the ladies’ body parts.

Each game does have its own storyline which makes it a great option to be able to play any version that you like. Of course it is enjoyable playing from the start and learning more about the main character Ryu and the team members that he picks up along the way.

With everything said, I would highly recommend this collection. $50 is a great price for becoming a truly great ninja and helping to save the world. Each game is about 3GB’seach so it doesn’t take long to install. So choose the best costume and get out there and save the world.

Keep gaming everyone!