Info about NINJA GAIDEN Σ [NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection]: Official game description: About ESRB Rating ================= ESRB Rating is for the Master Collection and not for the individual games. NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection Deluxe Edition ============================================== With this version, in addition to "NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection", the Deluxe Edition additional contents is also included. ■Included Titles NINJA GAIDEN Σ NINJA GAIDEN Σ2 NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection Digital Art Book & Soundtrack ■Deluxe Edition Additional Contents A Digital Art Book & Soundtrack that include visuals, still images, and music tracks from series history. ※Online multiplayer is not available for the “TAG MISSIONS” in NINJA GAIDEN Σ2. ※The “Shadow of the world” “Clan battle” for NINJA GAIDEN 3 Razer's Edge is not included. 　Online multiplayer is not available for “ninja trials”. ※"NINJA GAIDEN Σ2" and "NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge" are also available in Traditional Chinese. Playing in Fullscreen Mode ========================== This game can be played in Fullscreen mode. To do so, launch the game, and then click the maximize icon in the upper-right of the title bar. To return to Windowed mode, press the Alt & Enter key while in Fullscreen mode. Changing the Output Resolution ============================== When the game starts, it determines the resolution that is most appropriate for your environment (either 1920x1080 (1080p) or 3840x2160 (4k)). You can also set a specific resolution for playing this game. Note: The resolutions below are supported. 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080, 2560x1440, 3840 x 2160 To configure the resolution, open the game's Properties from your Steam® Library. By entering "720P", "1080P","1440P" or "4k" in the text field of "LAUNCH OPTIONS", you can fix the resolution to the corresponding value. By setting the game to a low resolution, you can reduce the processing load. About the Game ============== Note: This product is included in "NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection", and "NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection Deluxe Edition". It is not available for individual purchase. Note: Please visit the official website for more information on the featured content. \[About NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection\] ----------------------------------------- Enjoy 3 games from the NINJA GAIDEN series in this one title.　 Each title is still just as fun as you remember while providing the same high speed action of the original releases. Look forward to heated battles with fearsome opponents! In addition to Ryu Hayabusa, 4 other characters, Ayane, Rachel, Momiji, and Kasumi, are also playable. You can create a tag team with your favorite characters and freely swap out the playable character during battles. ※The heroines included in this title are the same as the original versions. In addition, the characters that are playable and scenes (modes) vary for each title. All of the previously released game modes and DLC costumes for each title are included in this one set. In addition to Ryu Hayabusa, each of the other characters also have many different costumes to choose from, allowing you to enjoy action packed battles in whichever outfit you prefer. ■Included Titles NINJA GAIDEN Σ NINJA GAIDEN Σ2 NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge ※Online multiplayer is not available for the “TAG MISSIONS” in NINJA GAIDEN Σ2. ※The “Shadow of the world” “Clan battle” for NINJA GAIDEN 3 Razer's Edge is not included. 　Online multiplayer is not available for “ninja trials”. ※"NINJA GAIDEN Σ2" and "NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge" are also available in Traditional Chinese. \[About NINJA GAIDEN Σ\] ------------------------ In addition to being able to pull off unmatched dazzling techniques with "Ryu Hayabusa", a young ninja who has inherited the ninja arts of the Hayabusa style, with beautiful stages in a westernized Japan embellished with spirit-world motifs, and more, the game is packed with features that are a must-play for any fan of action games. ■The epic story can easily be enjoyed with "Hero Mode" When you select the difficulty setting "Hero Mode", Hero Mode is triggered when your health becomes low. With Hero Mode, you will guard and evade automatically, and can unleash ninpo as much as you want. Even casual action gamers will be able to feel the heroic thrill of escaping a pinch to turn the tables on the enemy and advance the game. Needless to say, difficulty modes that will satisfy hard-core gamers are also included. \[About NINJA GAIDEN Σ2\] ------------------------- Become Ryu Hayabusa, the ninja who inherited the "Dragon Sword", a legendary blade, and once again experience high-speed ninja action in which you face battles all over the world. The game is also packed with additional features such as "Hero Mode", a mode in which the player will guard automatically when they are in a pinch. ■In "NINJA RACE", life or death depends on speed "NINJA RACE" is a mode in which you must race across the map within the time limit while fighting high-speed battles. In this mode, the number of enemies you defeat in succession is counted as your "CHAIN", and by stringing together a high chain, your attack power will increase dramatically. Also, you can pick up speed-up and time increasing items along the way, so attacking non-stop, defeating enemies as fast as possible, and gathering items will be essential to your strategy. ■Along with Hayabusa, 3 heroines dazzlingly dash about the battlefield Heroines from the "NINJA GAIDEN" series, "Ayane", "Rachel", and "Momiji" appear as playable characters. With "TAG MISSIONS", players can select 2 characters from among Hayabusa and the 3 heroines, allowing them to switch between 2 playable characters as they complete their mission. \[About NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor's Edge\] -------------------------------------- The ultimate high-speed ninja action has returned! The game offers both extreme "challenge", along with an equally extreme "sense of accomplishment". Experience the series' most alluring high-speed action. ■In addition to Ryu Hayabusa, Ayane, Kasumi, and Momiji join the battle! In addition to main character "Ryu Hayabusa", the 3 female ninjas "Ayane", "Kasumi", and "Momiji" can be used as playable characters. And they aren't limited to just the "Chapter Challenge" story missions - the 3 characters can also be used in "NINJA TRIALS". Also, "NINJA GAIDEN" series heroine Ayane has a dedicated story. ■Thrilling battles where you must be constantly alert "Tests of Valor", a special phase for series fans who want to enjoy battles even further, have been included. In each chapter, there are hidden skulls that serve as gates to "Test of Valor" areas. By stepping foot onto these areas, battles will occur where players must face the fiercest and strongest enemies from the "NINJA GAIDEN" series. ■Upgrading characters adds more replay value! By collecting hidden "Golden Scarabs", using "Karma" collected in battles, and more, players can unlock new weapons and ninpo to upgrade their characters. Of course, upgrades you have applied can be carried over for 2nd and successive playthroughs. Among moves that can be unlocked, there are moves that are new to the series, such as "Cicada Surge", which allows you to dodge any enemy attack, "Meditation", which allows you to consume your Ki gauge to recover health, and more. Release date: Jun 9, 2021 Categories: Action, Hack and Slash, Third-Person Perspective, Character Action, Combat, Melee Combat, Precision Platformer, Boss Fights Feature scans: - Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is marred by significant issues with controller support, display and audio settings, and general gameplay accessibility. Users frequently report bugs and lack of functionality in controller support, despite advertisements claiming full support. Display options are limited, and audio issues, particularly with cutscenes, require specific workarounds. Additionally, poor camera controls and lack of vibration feedback further detract from the overall experience. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00 - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game collection not worth the full price of $39.99. Multiple reviews indicate that waiting for a sale or purchasing it at a discounted price, such as half the price or less, is more reasonable. One review specifically mentions that €23 (approximately $27 USD) is a fair price, and another review states that the games do not warrant the $40 USD price tag. This indicates that the community considers a fair price range to be significantly lower than the current base price. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 50.0h - Story completion: 15.0h - Session length: N/A - Endgame: 100.0h - Reasoning: The evidence provides direct and indirect indications of playtime metrics. The quote 'The campaign took me a bit over 15 hours to beat' suggests the typical time to finish the main story. 'I spent 10 hours on this game trying to complete it on hard' and 'I've had this on my list to beat since 2007' indicate significant investment in gameplay, suggesting high replayability and potential endgame content. 'it's not that long probably takes around 10 hours for the first walkthrough' further supports the story completion time. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: The game has a steep learning curve and initial friction, but becomes significantly more enjoyable and rewarding once players overcome the early challenges and understand the mechanics. - Stance: Clicks after - Anchor: Understanding the game mechanics and controls - Time to anchor: 1h 0m - Friction: Steep learning curve; Dated and awkward camera; Tedious platforming; Repetitive combat encounters - Unlock drivers: Practicing early game levels; Increasing difficulty; Mastering controls and mechanics - Conditions: Playing on higher difficulties; Utilizing different weapons and abilities; Exploring and upgrading equipment - Player Archetypes: - Newcomer Explorer (sale) - Motivation: Exploring a new challenging game series. - Playstyle: Learning and adapting to the game's mechanics and difficulty. - Experience: newcomer - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: newcomer; beginner - Reference games: Devil May Cry; Bayonetta - Challenge Seeker (sale) - Motivation: Seeking a challenging and rewarding gaming experience. - Playstyle: Mastering high skill ceilings and overcoming difficult gameplay. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: hardcore gamer; action game fan - Reference games: Devil May Cry; Bayonetta; God of War - Mod Enthusiast (deep sale) - Motivation: Enhancing and customizing the gameplay experience. - Playstyle: Utilizing mods and community enhancements to improve the game. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: deep sale - Labels: modder; veteran player - Reference games: Ninja Gaiden Black; Ninja Gaiden Sigma Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Outstanding combat system (weight 0.29): The combat is noted for being fast, satisfying, and entertaining. It is praised for its depth, dynamics, and fluidity, making it a standout feature of the game. - Highly praised gameplay experience (weight 0.26): The game is frequently described as excellent, enjoyable, and worth the price. Reviewers highlight its addictive and unique nature, recommending it despite its challenges. - Top-tier action game (weight 0.26): The game is considered one of the best action games ever made. It is recommended for action game lovers and holds up well over time. - Engaging and enjoyable story (weight 0.18): The story is described as enjoyable, with surprising twists and rich details. It is considered good enough to keep players engaged from start to finish. - Fast and dynamic gameplay (weight 0.15): The gameplay is noted for being fast, slick, and fun. It pioneers high-speed action and demands good reflexes from players. - Unique and challenging gameplay (weight 0.13): The game offers unique and challenging gameplay mechanics, including combat and boss battles. It is praised for its strategic and rewarding nature. - Challenging and rewarding experience (weight 0.12): The game is described as challenging, demanding, and rewarding. It offers a real challenge that players appreciate. - Well-aged graphics (weight 0.11): The graphics are described as still pleasant and beautiful, holding up well over time. They are considered good for their time and still solid today. - Nostalgia and series appreciation (weight 0.1): Reviewers express nostalgia for the Ninja Gaiden series, considering it a classic and one of the best parts of the action game genre. - Ninja-like gameplay (weight 0.08): Players enjoy the ninja moves and the feeling of playing as a ninja. The gameplay develops ninja-like reflexes and precision. - Variety in weapons and maps (weight 0.06): The game offers a good variety of maps, weapons, and upgrades, adding to the overall enjoyment and replayability. - Diverse enemy types (weight 0.06): The game features many different and unique enemy types, contributing to the variety and challenge of the gameplay. - Positive reviews in different languages (weight 0.06): The game receives positive reviews in various languages, highlighting its global appeal and enjoyment. Common complaints: - Unimpressive boss battles (weight 0.2): The boss fights are noted as unimpressive, easily beaten, and sometimes confusing or frustrating due to poor design and mechanics. - Problematic camera angles (weight 0.18): The camera angles are often poor and can be uncomfortable, making some fights and platforming sections difficult and frustrating. - High and imbalanced difficulty (weight 0.14): The game's difficulty is noted as being very high and sometimes imbalanced, which may deter many players and cause frustration. - Clunky and unresponsive controls (weight 0.13): The controls are described as clunky, difficult, and sometimes unresponsive, particularly during acrobatic sections and platforming. - No autosave or checkpoint system (weight 0.12): The game lacks an autosave feature and has a flawed manual save system, which can be frustrating for players as there are no checkpoints to save progress. - Lack of controller and input support (weight 0.11): The game lacks proper controller support, including no vibration and no keyboard/mouse support, which can be frustrating for players. - Poor accessibility and level design (weight 0.09): The game has poor accessibility features, confusing navigation, and poor level design, making it difficult for some players to enjoy. - No Chinese language support (weight 0.06): The game initially lacks official Chinese language support, which can be a drawback for Chinese-speaking players. Gameplay feedback: - High difficulty and replayability (weight 0.18): The game offers a high difficulty level with multiple settings, each introducing new enemies and challenges. This creates a high skill ceiling and increases replayability. - Fast and satisfying combat (weight 0.12): The combat is fast-paced, technical, and visceral, with a focus on combos and precise timing. It is fluid, dynamic, and a major strength of the game. - Deep hack & slash mechanics (weight 0.12): The game is a hack-and-slash with a variety of weapons and combos. It features a deep combat system typical of the genre. - Various game versions and modes (weight 0.1): The game has different versions and modes, each offering unique gameplay experiences and mechanics. - Variety in weapons and combos (weight 0.1): The game offers a wide variety of weapons, combos, and combat styles, allowing for diverse strategies and gameplay. - Requires skill and practice (weight 0.09): The game demands precision, reflexes, and strategy, pushing players to improve their skills and play smarter. - Complex enemy AI (weight 0.08): Enemies have complex and aggressive AI, requiring players to make wise choices in combat and punishing careless moves. - Focus on action and strategy (weight 0.08): The game focuses on action and strategic decision-making, with reflex-focused combat in a third-person perspective. - Exploration and survival elements (weight 0.08): The game includes exploration mechanics and survival elements, adding depth to the gameplay experience. - Difficult and punishing combat (weight 0.07): The combat is described as difficult, meticulous, technical, and brutal, providing a significant challenge to players. - Iconic Izuna Drop move (weight 0.06): The game features a variety of combos, including the iconic Izuna Drop move, which is a special and notable attack. - Ninja mastery and mechanics (weight 0.06): The game requires ninja mastery and features ninja-specific game mechanics, including unlocking the ninja master class. - Solid gameplay pacing (weight 0.06): The game has solid pacing and methodical gameplay, contributing to a well-balanced and engaging experience. - Balanced combat system (weight 0.05): The combat system requires a balance of offense and defense, with different combos and counters. - Responsive combat system (weight 0.05): The combat system is described as honest, superb, and responsive, enhancing the gameplay experience. - Detailed combat mechanics (weight 0.05): The game features detailed combat mechanics, including blocking and dodging, contributing to a rich and engaging combat system. - Unique gameplay mechanics (weight 0.05): The game features unique gameplay mechanics and modes, adding variety and depth to the experience. - Secrets and collectibles (weight 0.05): The game includes secrets and collectibles that unlock exclusive items and weapons, adding to the exploration aspect. - Metroidvania elements (weight 0.05): The game is an action game with metroidvania elements, featuring varied level design and puzzles. - Less backtracking (weight 0.05): The game includes exploration and backtracking elements, with a focus on reducing excessive backtracking. - Distinct weapon variety (weight 0.05): The game offers a variety of distinct weapons, although some may be imbalanced. - Character customization (weight 0.05): The game includes character customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferences. - No auto-aim function (weight 0.05): The game lacks an auto-aim function and a lock-on system, which can affect the combat mechanics. - Poor save point placement (weight 0.05): The game's save points are criticized for being poorly placed, affecting the gameplay experience. Performance notes: - Game runs smoothly (weight 0.19): The game is reported to run very well on various systems, including modern hardware and even low-end setups. Players experience a solid 60 FPS with no bugs or crashes. - Lack of graphic settings (weight 0.16): Players have noted the absence of essential graphic settings such as display options, fullscreen settings, and resolution adjustments. This limits the customization and optimization of the game. - Poor PC port (weight 0.1): The PC port of the game has several issues, including problems with resolution settings and low-resolution textures. Performance issues are also noted. - 4K and high FPS support (weight 0.07): The game supports 4K resolution and high frame rates, including 120 FPS, providing a good experience for players with high-end systems. - Good graphics quality (weight 0.06): Players have noted that the game looks decent and has good graphics, with some mentioning graphical upgrades. - Camera issues (weight 0.04): There are reports of camera problems, including broken camera angles that affect gameplay. - Steam Deck compatibility (weight 0.04): The game runs and plays beautifully on the Steam Deck, making it a good option for portable gaming. - Long loading times (weight 0.03): There are reports of long loading times, which can affect the overall gaming experience. Recommendations: - Highly recommended for action game fans (weight 0.22): The game is frequently recommended for fans of intense action, deep combat systems, and challenging gameplay. It is particularly praised by enthusiasts of series like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. - Highly recommended despite flaws (weight 0.12): The game is highly recommended for its combat system and overall experience, even though it has some flaws. Players find it to be one of the best action games ever made. - Use the Ninja Gaiden Sigma Black mod (weight 0.12): Many players recommend using the Ninja Gaiden Sigma Black mod for an enhanced gameplay experience. This mod is suggested to improve various aspects of the game. - Recommended for fans of specific genres (weight 0.09): The game is recommended for fans of specific genres like Souls games, classic slashers, and old-school action games. It caters to a niche audience. - Recommended for challenge seekers (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for those who enjoy a challenge and can tolerate high difficulty. It is suggested for players familiar with challenging games. - Buy on discount (weight 0.07): It is recommended to buy the game on discount. Players suggest waiting for a significant sale before purchasing. - Future improvements and hopes (weight 0.06): Players hope for a new installment in the series and suggest adding features like autosave, coop, and dismemberment in future games. They also recommend collaborating with specialists for boss fight design. - Avoid certain versions and editions (weight 0.06): Players advise against buying the deluxe edition and the PC version for specific parts of the game. They also suggest buying individual games for a better experience. - Worth the collection and money (weight 0.05): The game is considered worth collecting and worth the money spent. It is seen as a valuable addition to any game library. - Play on normal or hard difficulty (weight 0.05): Players suggest that the best experience can be had by playing on normal or hard difficulty modes. This enhances the overall gameplay experience. - Stick with it despite challenges (weight 0.04): Players encourage sticking with the game despite its challenges. It is suggested to practice early game with minimal heals. - Improve camera and bow controls (weight 0.04): Players suggest improving camera mechanics and bow controls in future games. These are seen as areas that need enhancement. Other player notes: - Controller required for gameplay (weight 0.02): The game can only be played using a controller, which may limit accessibility for players who prefer keyboard and mouse. Emotions: - Frustration (weight 0.59): Players are frustrated primarily due to camera issues, high difficulty, and poorly designed enemies and bosses. The controls and platforming mechanics are also criticized for being clunky and unresponsive, leading to frequent deaths and a lack of enjoyment. - Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players find satisfaction in the game's challenging yet rewarding combat mechanics and the sense of mastery upon overcoming difficult sections. The variety of weapons and the fluid combat system contribute to a highly enjoyable and satisfying gameplay experience. - Disappointment (weight 0.18): Disappointment stems from the game's outdated combat system, lack of controller vibration, and poor port quality. Players also express dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful story, repetitive enemies, and the need for mods to restore removed content. - Nostalgia (weight 0.16): Players feel nostalgic as the game brings back memories of playing the original versions on Xbox. The classic gameplay and memorable locations evoke a sense of revisiting a beloved childhood experience. - Enjoyment (weight 0.16): Enjoyment comes from the game's visceral combat, rewarding experience, and unique gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate the variety of environments, powerful weapons, and the overall fun and engaging combat system. - Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited by the game's fast and dynamic fights, challenging gameplay, and the feeling of being an unstoppable ninja. The variety and uniqueness of game elements and bosses add to the excitement. - Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's combat feel, fluidity, and overall gameplay experience. The graphics, platforming, weapon variety, and enemy varieties are also highly regarded. - Anger (weight 0.04): Anger is directed towards the game's poor design, bad platforming, and frustrating save system. Players express strong dissatisfaction with these aspects, leading to intense frustration. - Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the game's legendary status, its combat mechanics, and the precision required. The game's design, mechanics, and cool characters are also highly praised. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by the enjoyment of the game and positive comparisons to other action games. The Sigma Black mod and the game's unique challenges contribute to this enthusiasm. - Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from finally beating the game, mastering its mechanics, and enjoying the combat and controls. The varied gameplay and additional content also bring happiness to players. - Determination (weight 0.01): Players are determined to overcome the game's challenges and complete it. This determination is fueled by the goal to master the game and achieve a sense of accomplishment.}