NINJA GAIDEN Σ – SIGMA 2 (NSP, XCI) ROM + v1.0.2 Update

NINJA GAIDEN Σ – SIGMA 2 is an enhanced version of the action-packed game NINJA GAIDEN II. Developed by Team Ninja, it offers players an intensified and exhilarating experience. Taking control of Ryu Hayabusa, players embark on a mission to save the world from a new threat.

The game features fast-paced and responsive combat mechanics, allowing players to execute devastating combos and utilize various weapons and ninpo magic. With visually stunning environments and an engaging storyline, NINJA GAIDEN Σ2 immerses players in a thrilling adventure filled with challenging gameplay and epic battles.

This game is a port of the 2008 Xbox 360 video game Ninja Gaiden II and was developed by Team Ninja exclusively for the PlayStation 3 in 2009. It includes the entirety of the original story mode as well as various changes to the game’s design, along with updated textures and a 720p resolution.

The game changes Ninja Gaiden II in a similar, but not identical way to how Ninja Gaiden Sigma changed the original Ninja Gaiden. A port for the PlayStation Vita, titled Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus (Ninja Gaiden Σ2+), was released in 2013. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One as part of the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection on June 10, 2021.

GAMEPLAY

In comparison to the original version of Ninja Gaiden II, the game features new large-scale bosses, an online cooperative gameplay mode with three new playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, Rachel), and PlayStation Network Trophy support. Unlike the first game, the Sixaxis motion sensing of the PlayStation 3 controller was not used for “charging” the Ninpo magic but instead utilized as a secret way to jiggle the breasts of female characters. While Sigma 2 has additional content not in the original Ninja Gaiden II, a large amount of content was also removed from the game, or altered, such as a drastically reduced enemy count within gameplay.

With Team Mission mode, where two players can play at once in cooperative gameplay, the second character will be the CPU-controller partner if there is no human partner or the player is offline. In Story mode, Karma Scoring is removed and is now only done in Chapter Challenge. Tests of Valor were also removed, scattering the rewards across Ryu’s chapters. In the gameplay control system, the action button changed from RB/R1 to circle, the circle is now also the shuriken button. Other ranged weapons were separated by the R2 button.

This allowed both the Bow/Cannon to be equipped at the same time as the shuriken. The player cannot unequip the bow or cannon. Thus, the two weapons bulk up Ryu’s appearance even though they do not appear in cutscenes.  The keys were completely removed. Doors simply pop open now. Now (R1) tells the player where to go. Projectile spam was greatly reduced from NGII. Healing items were increased and are the only thing one can buy. Most chests now contain yellow, blue, or red essence.

Players no longer can hold onto Life of the Gods, Lives of Thousand Gods, or Spirit of the Devil; instead, they are automatically consumed upon pickup. Changes were made to Ryu’s weapons. Enma’s Fang, a greatsword, was added as a new melee weapon. The Incendiary Shuriken were removed for two reasons, opening paths and their power due to the removal of the ammo count, and is instead Ayane’s main projectile weapon. The Fiend’s Bane Bow, now with unlimited ammo, had its Ultimate Technique removed. The Howling Cannon, a heavy cannon with a slow projectile speed, served as a replacement.

Additional removed weapons include the Windmill Shuriken and the Harpoon Gatling Gun. The Weapon Upgrade system was also altered to restrict upgrades, allowing only one upgrade at a time per shop. In addition, weapons can only be upgraded at shops where a blue flame is lit; items can be bought in both types of shops. Enemies’ health was raised to compensate for fewer enemies appearing on screen. Five new bosses were added, replacing two old boss encounters.

There is one new boss for each alternate character’s chapter (including returning bosses from Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and the 2004 Ninja Gaiden), a Dragon to replace the double Quetzalcoatl fight (though Quetzalcoatl can still be fought alone as in Ninja Gaiden II), and two giant statues: a giant Buddha Statue and a Statue of Liberty animated by Alexei. The Tunnel Worm was omitted, causing Ryu to fall through a tunnel leading from night to bright day. Most flying enemies were removed due to infinite ammo.

PLOT

The game’s plot is based on that of Ninja Gaiden II. Exclusive to the Sigma version of the game are three new chapters starring three alternate playable characters: Ayane (a kunoichi from the Mugen Tenshin ninja clan, a friendly clan who helps Ryu, originally from the Dead or Alive series), Momiji (a female member of the Hayabusa clan who uses a naginata and was introduced in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword) and Rachel (a Fiend hunter from the Holy Vigoor Empire who owns the “Fiend’s Blood” curse and first appeared in the 2004’s Ninja Gaiden).