Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2: Final Post!

Hello, it’s me again, Yosuke Hayashi, Producer of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. This is our last blog to you, and it also happens to be on the day our game is released so I thought it best if I say thank you and share with you my plans and thoughts for the future of Ninja Gaiden. It has been such an honour for you to share our thoughts about Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, so here is where the compass now points for the future of the series. Ok, are you sat down comfortably? I shall begin!

Firstly, concerning Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, let me say that if you think you know the secrets that we have put into the game, please look at yourself in the mirror and question yourself. We are Team NINJA, we have ninja surprise in store. We all know now about the SixAxis functions, but that is mere trifle to what is really in there, hiding away like gems and treasures.

Let me say that Momiji isn’t the only character from Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword to appear in the game. We have Sanji appearing on this game! He is carrying a pair of guard swords as his charm, and is mourning his father. His father was double sword master so Sanji aspires to this role as well. Although he still can’t use the two swords since he is too young in this title he is a fervent little devil? I bet he will be a double swords master NINJA as same as his father and Ryu Hayabusa someday! My hints are like bombshells!

Also, look out for the prologue section in this game, we inserted it for our fans, there are some hints in there, things to look at that will point the way to the future. Of course, these secret elements will also be in there locked away in the story too, you have to look for them. And one final thing I have to say… look out for a “Golden Scarab”. Okay, that’s enough hints to keep your mouths wet!

You know, looking back at the journey we have been on at Team NINJA, it has been a really interesting one for us. With departures and changes in the team, we knew that by creating this game it HAD to be the ultimate NINJA GAIDEN game. There was a lot of expectation, a lot of people waiting for us to trip over the ghost of what went before us. There was the spectre of long-gone large personalities that would have overshadowed our efforts if we didn’t make NGS2 something that the fans would support, then that would be the end of the NINJA GAIDEN series. All of us were ready to do whatever it took, because everything was on the line with this one. When we announced this title at GDC San Francisco back in March, I got some questions asking “What’s going on at Team NINJA?”, “What’s wrong with you, guys?”.

I fully understood why people would ask these questions, why they would be concerned, but I replied to them only saying “the game will speak for itself, let it be our answer to the critics, let our actions and dedication rise up and silence fears, not me, not here on a GDC panel without a rock star get up. I wear my passion in my heart, not on a leather jacket. All of us at Team NINJA do”. And now the time comes for us to prove it with this title, “NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA2”. I just can’t help but looking at users playing this game. I really would like them to feel the time and energy and passion Team NINJA staff has devoted to get this done… for our fans. With the scores we are seeing for the game, I hope people see that if anything, Team NINJA is stronger and more passionate about games and gamers than it ever was. It feels incredibly humbling and wonderful to have all your support. We do this for you.

In this title, Ryu says “Darkness is destined to lift in the end”. This is the theme of what NINJA GAIDEN franchise has in common, and what Team NINJA itself has experienced I guess. But let me leave with you my thanks again, and this tiny hint about the future. I think our users can feel through playing this ultimate package that Ryu himself is in the presence of such darkness and that ninjas themselves have that villainous streak. Ryu is anguished by it, he is touched by darkness. Such is his anguish and determination; I think this may creep over into any future NINJA GAIDEN stories. If you’re ninja enough to play this game till the end can immediately find out what that might be as well. But come on, we’re Team NINJA, we don’t design our games for people to finish. ;)