TECMO KOEI America today announced that its highly anticipated action title, Ninja Gaiden 3, has started shipping to retailers nationwide. Developed by Team NINJA, the innovative new installment in the famed fighting series is now available for the Xbox 360 v PlayStation 3. There is also Ninja Gaiden 3 Collector’s Edition available for both consoles.
Story
Ninja Gaiden 3 takes players behind the mask of the series’ beloved Japanese dark hero, Ryu Hayabusa, with an original story from noted writer Masato Kato that brings new depth to the game’s hardcore fighting and swordsmanship. Built upon the same intense action for which the franchise is renowned, Ninja Gaiden 3 will challenge seasoned players while still remaining accessible for newer players. Team NINJA’s game delivers a heightened intensity during close combat fighting, including the visceral sensation of cutting through flesh and bone, while featuring all-new online multiplayer modes that introduce a new dimension for the NINJA GAIDEN series.
“The launch of Ninja Gaiden 3 gives action fans their first chance to go behind the mask of the world’s greatest ninja, Ryu Hayabusa and experience Team NINJA’s strong new direction for this legendary franchise,” said Amos Ip, SVP and General Manager of TECMO KOEI America. “Players will learn what it means to be a dark hero while enjoying an immersive original story, intense new gameplay features and new modes including online multiplayer combat.”
The conflict in Ninja Gaiden3 centers around a masked man whose motivations and goals only become clear as players fight through the unfolding story. Through the curse forced upon him by The Regent of the Mask manifested through his arm, Hayabusa finds himself changing-forever blurring the line between hero and villain. For the first time, players will see the world through Hayabusa’s torn eyes and find out what drives him to fight, defend and kill.
New Online Multiplayer
For the first time in the history of the franchise, online co-op and competitive multiplayer modes add a completely new dimension to the Ninja Gaiden experience. Players can step into the shadowy world of the ninja and fight against all challengers to draw closer to the ultimate ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, or participate in two-player cooperative play. Up to eight players can battle in versus combat as well, including the ability to form teams for four-on-four matches—with the treacherous possibility of switching teams in the midst of a match. New challenges, characters, and missions await those who choose to join the Shadows of the World online.
Price And Rating
NINJA GAIDEN 3 is ESRB rated “M” (Mature) and is available for an MSRP of $59.99 for the regular edition and $99.99 for the Collector’s Edition. Available at GameStop and EB Games, the special Collector’s Edition gives fans a chance to play all four characters in a DEAD OR ALIVE 5 demo stage, an exclusive Ninja Gaiden 3 game art book, soundtrack CD, and a unique “Duel of the Masked” figure not available elsewhere.
