Video Game Vintage Title: Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge is an action-adventure hack and slash video game developed by Team Ninja and originally published by Nintendo for the Wii U and subsequently released by Tecmo Koei for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is an enhanced port of Ninja Gaiden 3 that includes all downloadable content from the original title, as well as additional enhancements made to improve the game. The game can be considered an equivalent to the Ninja Gaiden Sigma games, as it enhances the original title.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Plot

The game stars the elite master ninja of the previous titles, Ryu Hayabusa. Like the original, the events of Razor's Edge takes place after the events of Ninja Gaiden II. This time around it also features a separate storyline for Ryu's kunoichi ally, Ayane, who stars in her own set of unique missions in Razor's Edge that involve the return of the Black Spider Clan. It also explores Ryu Hayabusa's more human side as he suffers from a curse known as the "Grip of Murder", which influences Ryu's murders in the game. A mysterious cult of alchemists rise, seeking to destroy the world and create a new world order with Ryu as the catalyst.

The plot begins with Ryu getting a visit from Japan's Self-Defense Force who request Ryu's assistance with a terrorist incident in London. He learns that the terrorists, a cult calling themselves the "Lords of Alchemy", are specifically calling out for Ryu's appearance there. He complies and heads to London, accompanied by JSDF member Mizuki McCloud, to find himself face-to-face with the leader of the cult known as the "Regent of the Mask". After a battle in the Prime Minister's mansion, he is cursed with the "Grip of Murder" on his right arm that constantly feeds on the deaths of others, and will kill him if does not comply with it. As he loses the Dragon Sword in the process, Ryu barely escapes the mansion with his life, and learns that the Lords of Alchemy threaten the world's immediate annihilation if every nation does not surrender within seven days.

Ryu and Mizuki then travel to the Rub' al Khali desert after they intercept an enemy signal. Mizuki gives Ryu a new Bow, and after Ryu fights his way through a small base he meets with Ayane who loans him Hayate's sword. Ryu then leaves, to fight off more enemies, only to find a tower in the distance. When he reaches it, he yet again finds the Regent of the Mask. The Regent reveals to him that the Dragon Sword was used as a medium in the application of the Grip of Murder, and that if not treated, it could deteriorate his arm and body from the inside out and ultimately kill him. Ryu takes this to note and begins to attack the Regent, but finds out that he was just a mirage. An attack helicopter then starts attacking, and Ryu takes it down. Depleted of energy, Ryu collapses into Mizuki's arms, who takes him back to the JSDF base Yunagi.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge Gameplay

The players can now use the Wii U GamePad's unique touchscreen to select different weapons, perform Ninpo, view additional game information and more. Decapitation and dismemberment from previous titles will return, and an optional mode with touchscreen controls similar to that of Dragon Sword will be available. Many gameplay elements from Ninja Gaiden 2 were borrowed and implemented in Razor's Edge, while some elements from the original Ninja Gaiden 3 were discarded or completely remade, such as Steel on Bone being a grab counter chain and no longer requiring button spam, and the Kunai Climbing being much faster and easier to perform. Many other gameplay mechanics from Ninja Gaiden II were implemented in Razor's Edge.

Additional features include new exclusive weapons such as the Lunar Staff, Kusarigama and Dual Katanas, improved AI, and new enemy types, new battle areas and alternative costumes. The "Karma Counter" from previous games was bought back, now with enhanced features and bonuses. An upgrade menu will be implemented, and will allow players to spend their Karma points to enhance their weapons, Ninpo spells, and character traits, such as health bar length and special moves.

The game features online cooperative gameplay mode, with new playable characters, such as the female ninja Ayane, was revealed in a preview of the game at the Nintendo of America Wii U press conference in New York. She has her own set of moves, similar to her Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 iteration, with additional cutscenes produced for her added role. A new Chapter Challenge mode allows the player to control Ayane, as well additional DLC characters, Kasumi and Momiji, in any part of the game.