NINJA GAIDEN - Master Collection - English - [FitGirl Repack]

 - NINJA GAIDEN - Master Collection - English -  [FitGirl Repack]

The NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection includes three mainline 3D entries from the series:

1. NINJA GAIDEN Sigma (2007)
2. NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2 (2009)
3. NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge (2012)

Here's a breakdown of the gameplay content, features, and differences across the collection:

General Gameplay & Features:

• High-Speed Action: All three games are known for their fast-paced, challenging hack-and-slash combat. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja, and engage in visceral battles with extensive move-lists and a focus on combos, blocking, dodging, and countering.
• Difficulty: The series is notoriously difficult, requiring precision, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking.
• Playable Characters: Beyond Ryu Hayabusa, other characters become playable throughout the games, including:
  • NINJA GAIDEN Sigma: Rachel
  • NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2: Rachel, Ayane, Momiji
  • NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge: Ayane, Momiji, Kasumi
• DLC Content: All previously released game modes and DLC costumes for each title are included.
• Resolution and Frame Rate: The collection aims for 1080p/60fps on most platforms (PS4, Xbox One, PC), with 4K support on PS4 Pro, Xbox One X/Series X, and PC. The Nintendo Switch version runs at 720p/60fps.
• Hero Mode: An easier difficulty setting is available in all games, where the player automatically guards and evades when health is low, and Ninpo (ninja magic) can be unleashed freely. This aims to make the games more accessible to casual players.
• Costumes: A variety of costumes are available for all playable characters.

Specific Game Content & Differences:

NINJA GAIDEN Sigma:

• Core Gameplay: Sets the standard for the series with high-speed action and challenging combat. It offers a more deliberate and methodical pace compared to later entries.
• Exploration: Features a "Metroidvania-like" element with more open-ended levels and exploration, where you revisit areas with new abilities or keys.
• Modes: Includes Survival Mode (from DLC).
• Ninpo: The Ninpo enhancement feature (originally by shaking the controller on PS3/Vita) is activated unconditionally in this collection.
• Character: Primarily focuses on Ryu Hayabusa, with Rachel as an additional playable character for specific sections, offering a slower, more tank-like playstyle.

NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2:

• Faster Pacing: Described as playing like the first game at x2 speed, with a focus on high-speed battles worldwide.
• Dismemberment (Censored): While the original Ninja Gaiden II featured extensive dismemberment, the "Sigma 2" version in this collection has censored these effects.
• Health System: Health is replenished after each encounter, a significant change from Sigma 1 where healing items were rarer.
• Modes:
  • NINJA RACE: A mode where you race across maps, defeating enemies to build chains and increase attack power within a time limit.
  • TAG MISSIONS (Offline Single Play): Allows players to select two characters and switch between them during missions with an AI partner.
  • Online Multiplayer: Not available for "TAG MISSIONS" in this collection.
• Playable Characters: Ryu, Rachel, Ayane, and Momiji are all playable, with Ayane, Rachel, and Momiji having their own unique fighting styles.
• Karma System: Essence was removed as a currency and replaced with Karma points/ranking system. Karma is earned by chaining attacks and kills, and can be spent on upgrades.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge:

• Extreme Challenge & Accomplishment: Aims to provide both extreme challenge and an equally extreme sense of accomplishment.
• More Cinematic/Story-Driven: The first game in the collection to be more story-driven, though the narrative has received mixed reviews.
• Enemy AI: Enemies are more aggressive and the game focuses on more intense combat encounters.
• Steel on Bone System: A mechanic for countering strong enemy attacks.
• Modes:
  • NINJA TRIALS (Offline Single Play): Challenge missions.
  • Online Multiplayer: "Clan Battle" and "Shadow of the World" online modes are not included, and online multiplayer for "Ninja Trials" is also not available.
  • NINJA CINEMA: Replay mode.
• Playable Characters: Ryu, Ayane, Momiji, and Kasumi are playable in both story missions ("Chapter Challenge") and "NINJA TRIALS."
• Character Progression: Players can unlock new weapons, Ninpo, and moves by collecting "Golden Scarabs" and using "Karma" earned in battles. Upgrades carry over to new playthroughs.

What's Missing/Important Notes:

• Original Versions: The Master Collection contains the "Sigma" versions of the first two games and "Razor's Edge" for the third, which are enhanced ports with some changes from their original Xbox counterparts (e.g., Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden II). Some fans prefer the original Xbox versions for various reasons, including specific gameplay mechanics, enemy placements, or uncensored gore (in NG2).
• Online Multiplayer: A significant omission is the lack of online multiplayer for modes that originally had it, such as "TAG MISSIONS" in Sigma 2 and "Clan Battle"/"Shadow of the World" in Razor's Edge.
• No Major Enhancements: While the games run at higher resolutions and frame rates, the collection is generally considered a barebones port with little in the way of significant modern enhancements or fixes for long-standing issues like camera controls in some areas.

Overall, the NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection offers a convenient way to experience three demanding and rewarding action games, especially for new players or those who missed them on their original platforms. While it lacks some features and doesn't completely overhaul the older games, the core gameplay remains highly engaging.