Ninja Gaiden 3

Let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of the Ninja Gaiden franchise, so much so that I consider the series one of my favorites. So understandably I was quite excited when Ninja Gaiden 3 was announced. And now that's it's here I have to unfortunately say, it was not worth the wait. From start to finish everything about the game feels wrong, and the aesthetics (or feel if you wish) that the first two games had just isn't there any more. This may be due to the fact that practically every single thing that made the previous two games great has been taken out, and in replace is some truly god awful voice acting, gameplay that gets repetitive very quick and a story that's weak at best. Allow me to just list the negatives since there's so many of them. First of all, the only weapons you get are a sword and a bow, and that's it throughout the entire game! Two weapons! One of the best things I enjoyed about the first two was the variety of weapons, but that's no longer the case in this one. Speaking of weapons, you can no longer upgrade them either, and you don't get any yellow, blue or red essence from killing enemies any more. This is because there's no need for essence because you can no longer buy anything, for all the Murumasa shops have gone, along with all health items, ninpo items and rebirth talismans. There is also no chests of any kind throughout the game and no collectibles (no golden scarabs or crystal skulls) You get the point. Anyway, the next bad thing. Ninpo has been altered for the worst, because you are now required to kill enemies to build up a bar, and only when the bar is full can you use it. (and dare I also mention that there's only one kind of ninpo) Anyway, moving onto the gameplay. While the fighting is good and fun at first, it does get repetitive very quickly. Previous games have always given you the option to retreat if need be, but not any more. All of the fighting in NG3 always locks you in an area which becomes flooded with enemies, and you can't continue until all enemies are dead. And that's pretty much it, get locked into an area - kill all enemies - get locked in a different area - kill all enemies etc. Having said all of this, I did still enjoy the game, but I've tried really hard to like it more and I just can't. In summery, is it a bad game, no. Is it one of the most disappointing games of 2012? Unfortunately yes. 6.5 out of 10.

Like I said, its very fun...but it lacks the feel of the previous NG games.

it is challenging, im finding it quite difficult on the hard setting despite everyone saying its too easy. iv completed NG1 and 2 MNM so I know a challenge when I get one.

only problem I got with this game is the "feel", by that I mean the controls don't feel as responsive as the others did.

If you're a vet in this game and is very keen of "shuriken cancel" then you may be disappointed, because its feels...off

who know's, it might be patched one of these days, it should be since it counts as one of its biggest flaws.

responsive/precise timing controls is very crucial for this game.

4/5 because its still a good and fun game none the less.

A massive fan of NG1, the series has never come close since. This 3rd instalement builds on nothing from the first 2 and instead removes anything recognisable in the series. Great action, but ultimately boring. The is Ninja Gaiden meets Prince of Persia.