Ninja Gaiden 3 to feature eight-player co-op and versus multiplayer modes

By Adam Rosenberg May 26, 2011

ninja-gaiden-3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The February trailer told us all we need to know. Ninja Gaiden 3 will be “unmasked” at E3 next month. But wouldn’t you like to get a few facts out into the open a little early? If you don’t want that, then stop reading… because facts are coming at you.

Ninja Gaiden 3 is previewed in the latest issue of The Official PlayStation Magazine, and it offers a few new details on Ryu Hayabusa’s latest adventure (via CVG). The biggest revelation concerns the game’s multiplayer, both the fact that it exists in the first place and that it will offer online co-op and versus modes for up to eight players. That’s all for the online play, though given the fact that it’s a new feature for the series, it is likely that it will be a particular focus during E3 demos.

On the story side, Ninja Gaiden 3 is apparently focused on Ryu’s history. He will be the game’s only playable character, presumably just on the single-player side. Imagine how weird it would be to see eight Ryu clones flailing around with swords in multiplayer. Team Ninja also confirmed that fans of the series can expect the same punishing difficulty to return, news which gamepad manufacturers should be elated to hear. Nothing soothes the frustrated gamer quite as much as a violently hurled controller. The weapon store seen in previous games won’t be making a return, though Ryu’s gear will be upgraded in some way as the story progresses.

Team Ninja also promised some big changes in how the game unfolds, a response to criticisms that Ninja Gaiden 2 was too similar to its predecessor. Unfortunately, that’s where the infodump ends. Maybe not the font of details fans were hoping for, but certainly an appetizing teaser for the more complete reveal that is almost certainly coming at E3.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…

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