Worth Buying For First Timer?

[Nidstang]

I've never played the Ninja Gaiden, or Ninja Gaiden Sigma games. I see a lot of people saying that the Sigma versions aren't good. But I also see this collection has some extra stuff like playable characters or challenge missions or whatever.

If you had to pick between the them: Should I buy this collection? Or should I seek out the Xbox versions (Black, 2, Razor's Edge) as I have access to an Xbox/360/One? What are the chances a modder eventually "uncensors" or reverts the changes down the line? Thanks.

[G0F]

Well ofc get the xbox versions, those are said to be the best versions.

[Peelsepuuppi]

I imagine modders might be able to do something about the censorship depending on how it was implemented.

But when it comes to reversing all the changes made to the games though modding. Don't hold your breath for that.

[Walker]

If you have an xbox one, even the base model like i do, you can play Ninja Gaiden Black with a resolution boost and Ninja Gaiden 2 with no slow down.

[LVLLN]

Sigma is a good enough introduction. Different from Black, and arguably worse, but also arguably better and still very good. Looking back, I'm glad I started with Black, but if it had been possible for me to play Sigma first or play only Sigma, I don't think it would have been bad.

Sigma 2 is a good game. But also clearly far worse than the original NG2. However, the original NG2 is not a game for everyone, and if you're a beginner, Sigma 2 can give you a good-enough simulacrum of the actual proper NG2 experience. But by the time you beat Sigma and get to playing Sigma 2, you'll have a far better idea of how much you like this type of game and how important it would be for you to get the proper NG2 experience.

NG3 is trash in all versions. Even with Razor's Edge, a polished turd is still a turd.

[goka9696]

I never played the originals, instead playing Sigma on PS3 and Sigma 2 on PS Vita. Never played any versions of 3. I found both Sigma 1 and 2 to be quite enjoyable titles with good challenge and enjoyable combat. While Sigma 2 toned the violence down quite a bit, at least they added some new playable characters, so while it sucks that the levels of violence are not the same as in the original version on the Xbox, at least there's something to make up for it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ninjagaiden/comments/96ot09/original_xbox_360_ninja_gaiden_2_vs_ninja_gaide/

I think user Royta15 there sums it up pretty well:

"Sigma 2 takes a clear and good step forward, but for each step forward, it also takes one step back. Ninja Gaiden 2 was a mess of a game, frame-rate issues abound, crashes, soft locks and more, Sigma 2 has none of those (step forward), but to compensate has no blood and less enemies at the same time (step backwards), to compensate for this enemies take much more damage (step backwards), but fights allow or way more tactics and moves to be used now that the fights are smaller (step fowards). Sigma 2 had less chaotic battles (step backwards) but as a result also felt a bit more fair and you could actually no-damage the game without UT-spam (step forward). NG2 was rightfully hated for it's ranged combat emphasis which Sigma 2 scaled down (step forward), only to buff enemies up the waazo with nearly 5x hitpoints and instant kill attacks; instead of dying because of massive nukes from afar slowly, you die nearly instantly for one mistake (step backwards). The original had issues with farming essence for higher weapons, which Sigma 2 fixed (step foward) by making essence absolutely pointless (step backwards). It also added new weapons (step forward) while removing others (step backwards). It added costumes (step forward) but removed others (step backwards). It added online co-op for mission mode (step forward) but removed solo play from these missions (step backward). The co-op had a lot of missions added to them (step forward) but the later ones were insanely hard and were riddled with lag and framerate issues (backwards we go). It added a mission select (forward), but removed New Game Plus (backwards). Sigma 2 added other playable characters (forward) but you couldn't skip those chapters (backwards). Annoying bosses and areas were completely removed (step forwards) but the Tests of Valor were also removed (step back)."

[Nidstang]

God it sounds like the release of these games has been a mess... Seems like you get two completely different experiences with the originals and the Sigma releases. Very weird.

[Sifer2]

Originally posted by Nidstang:

God it sounds like the release of these games has been a mess... Seems like you get two completely different experiences with the originals and the Sigma releases. Very weird.

It's because they had to change stuff to get NG1, and 2 to run on playstation. Along with a change of director. These days there is usually barely a difference in console versions. Back in the day that was not the case.

[Mysterious X]

For the sigma versions they toned the difficulty and made the game less gory, that's about all the noticeable changes these two versions have in gameplay, there are some minor things outside of gameplay that the sigma versions do not have but instead have more bosses and a new playable character

[Peelsepuuppi]

Originally posted by Mysterious X:

For the sigma versions they toned the difficulty and made the game less gory, that's about all the noticeable changes these two versions have in gameplay, there are some minor things outside of gameplay that the sigma versions do not have but instead have more bosses and a new playable character

"Frame data" was changed which means nothing to average players, but is a huge deal for bigger fans who know these games inside and out.

[Jomar Jogang]

It's only Sigma 2 which is worse and it's only "worse", it's not a bad game by any means.
The rest are all better especially RE

[BIGMOMMAPRODS]

Depends. There are pros and cons to the originals and sigma versions. Overall they are comparable and would recommend the collection.

[valfarovhel]

Originally posted by dlite:

Well ofc get the xbox versions, those are said to be the best versions.

Well, I'd say Black if you're getting one. 2 is 2 on the 360. And, 3 and 3 Razor's Edge are like the same on both.

[hip]

Stay away from this crap and purchase the Xbox versions.

[neoAdama]

If you've never played this game before, this is definitely worth it. Ninja Gaiden Sigma, while it has some differences with Black, is still an awesome game. It used to be graphically superior compared to Black (though that may have changed with the release of Black 4K upgrade for XBX).

NG2 is really the major point of contention. The Sigma version has some really odd choices like reduction of enemies, set-point for weapon upgrades and stuff like that. But, if you are playing it for the first time, you are not going to realize those differences. Plus, it has some fun combat chapters with Momiji, Rachael and Ayane, and some good changes like removal of some really stupid boss/mini-boss encounters from NG2.

NG3 Razor's Edge, was the same on both XBOX and PS3. So there is no difference no matter which version you get in this bundle.

So overall, I'd say that this is a worthy purchase. Of course, like with all games, unless you have nothing else to play or want to support the Devs, you might as well hold-off since any game will drop in price with time. Being a single-player game, this will likely be half price after about a year. So not a bad option if you want to wait a bit before buying too.