NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge (NSP, XCI) ROM + v1.0.1 Update

NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge is an enhanced version of the action-adventure game NINJA GAIDEN 3. Developed by Team Ninja, it features intense combat, refined gameplay mechanics, and an expanded storyline. Players control Ryu Hayabusa as he battles a new threat posed by the Lords of Alchemy.

The game emphasizes fast-paced, skill-based combat, with dismemberment mechanics adding a visceral element. Razor’s Edge introduces new weapons, abilities, and playable characters, providing increased gameplay variety. The storyline explores themes of redemption and sacrifice, while additional features and enhancements enhance the overall experience.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge aims to deliver a challenging and satisfying ninja adventure for players. This game is a 2012 action-adventure hack-and-slash game developed by Team Ninja and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Wii U from November 2012 to May 2013, and subsequently released by Tecmo Koei for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in April 2013.

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 makes several changes to the original title. This version of the game was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, as part of the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection on June 10, 2021.

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 return, and an optional mode with touchscreen controls similar to that of Dragon Sword is available. Many gameplay elements from Ninja Gaiden 2 were borrowed and implemented in Razor’s Edge.

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 brought back, now with enhanced features and bonuses. An upgrade menu was implemented which allowed 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 an online cooperative gameplay mode, with new playable characters, such as the female ninja Ayane.

Which 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 as additional DLC characters Kasumi and Momiji, in any part of the game.

PLOT

The game stars the elite master ninja of the previous titles, Ryu Hayabusa. Like the original, the events of Razor’s Edge take 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. Razor’s Edge follows the same plot as Ninja Gaiden 3, with some small interactive cutscenes removed and additional chapters featuring Ayane as a playable character.

PLAYABLE CHARACTERS

Unlike Ninja Gaiden 3, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge features multiple playable characters:

• Ryu Hayabusa: Main character, playable in most Story Mode chapters. Can use weapons other than the Katanas from the original and select from multiple Ninpo.
• Ayane: The other playable character in Story Mode where she has her chapters. Uses her Fuma Kodachi and Flash Kunai. Very fast.
• Momiji: Only usable in Chapter Challenge and Trials, she uses her Heavenly Dragon Naginata and Heavensong Bow. Can use a double jump and has a more versatile Ninpo.
• Kasumi: A new playable character to the series, originating from the Dead or Alive series. Fast and versatile, she can charge her shuriken to use a type of Windmill Shuriken.
• Unknown Ninja: A mysterious ninja whose name and origin remain a mystery. He is only playable in Shadows of the World and uses all of Ryu’s arsenal.