Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Devil May Cry director hearts God of War, Ninja Gaiden not so muchhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/devil-may-cry-director-hearts-god-of-war-ninja-gaiden-not-so-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/devil-may-cry-director-hearts-god-of-war-ninja-gaiden-not-so-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/devil-may-cry-director-hearts-god-of-war-ninja-gaiden-not-so-mu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There was a time - when he was working at Capcom, creating the likes of Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Viewtiful Joe - that Hideki Kamiya didn't say much. In fact, he hated doing interviews. Something's changed, because now that he's at Platinum Games, the historically low-key director is letting his true feelings out - about action games, at least.

Speaking to EGM, Kamiya said that, "I've never played Ninja Gaiden, and to be honest, I'm not that interested." Itagaki could not be reached for comment on whether or not he felt that epic burn.

So, what does the master designer actually like? God of War. "There's one game that I am paying really close attention to, that I think is a rival game, a good game, which is called God of War 3," he revealed, boasting, "I want to make a game that exceeds God of War's sequel." That game, he hopes, is his next: Bayonetta. In particular, Kamiya credits Sony's series with being "Very carefully made," saying, "Devil May Cry was a bit rough, but I think that there's no roughness in God of War." Pretty nice words, eh, Mr. Jaffe?

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]]>bayonettadevil-may-crygod-of-wargod-of-war-3hideki-kamiyaninja-gaidenplatinum-gamesRandy Nelson2008-09-04T21:30:00+00:00Square Enix proposes Tecmo buyouthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/square-enix-proposes-tecmo-buyout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/square-enix-proposes-tecmo-buyout/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/square-enix-proposes-tecmo-buyout/#commentsFiled under:


It seems Dead Fantasy might just becomes a living reality after all. Square Enix has announced its intention to purchase a majority stake in Tecmo, the Japanese company which recently bid farewell to both its president and most recognizable rockstar developer. As detailed in a press release issued this morning (via IGN), the house that built Final Fantasy (and vice versa) is offering Tecmo shareholders a 30% premium over the company's closing price on August 28th. If successful, the deal would see Tecmo fall under Square Enix Holdings, while retaining its brand and corporate structure.

Yoichi Wada, president of Square Enix, expressed hope that both developers would benefit from the deal, with the RPG maker gaining some inspiration from Tecmo's expertise in the action genre. Presumably, the folks at Tecmo would gain some pointers on in-game cameras in return.

We'll let you know what happens as soon as the suits are done talking.

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]]>BreakingNewsBuyoutFinal-FantasyNinja-GaidenSquare-EnixTeam-NinjaTecmoLudwig Kietzmann2008-08-29T11:30:00+00:00PlayStation 3 Greatest Hits Buyer's Guidehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/playstation-3-greatest-hits-buyers-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/playstation-3-greatest-hits-buyers-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/playstation-3-greatest-hits-buyers-guide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Today marks the launch of the PlayStation 3 Greatest Hits collection, with nine games given a (slightly) new jewel case and an attractive $30 price tag.
  • Warhawk
  • MotorStorm
  • Resistance: Fall of Man
  • Call of Duty 3
  • Need for Speed Carbon
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
  • Assassin's Creed
But which of these games are worth your time and money? Our friends at PS3 Fanboy have done the research for you. Check out their Buyer's Guide to see recommendations, and which online retailers currently have these budget games in stock

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]]>assassins-creedbuyers-guidecall-of-duty-3greatest-hitsmotorstormneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-carbonninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-sigmaoblivionrainbow-six-vegasresistancerfomsonywarhawkRoss Miller2008-07-28T15:00:00+00:00Rumor: Ninja Gaiden II receiving Mission Mode July 25http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/rumor-ninja-gaiden-ii-receiving-mission-mode-july-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/rumor-ninja-gaiden-ii-receiving-mission-mode-july-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/rumor-ninja-gaiden-ii-receiving-mission-mode-july-25/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ninja Gaiden 2 will receive Mission Mode as DLC on July 25, according to a post on NeoGAF. Mission Mode, if similar to the original iteration introduced in Ninja Gaiden Black, drops Ryu into an arena setting and lets him go on a flippin' awesome ninja killin' spree. There is currently no price attached to the new Mission Mode DLC.

The possibility of a Mission Mode should come as good news to NG II players who don't find dressing up Ryu like a Ken doll a worthwhile activity. But, let's be honest, if it's anything like the original Mission Mode, shouldn't it have been shipped with the game or, and we're hoping this is the case, at least be free?

[Via X3F]

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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]]>dlcninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiryu-hayabusaxbmAlexander Sliwinski2008-07-03T10:27:00+00:00Ninja Gaiden II demo sneaks into North Americahttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-sneaks-into-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-sneaks-into-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-sneaks-into-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever since the passing of controversial anti-Ninja legislation, importing Japan's deadliest natural resource into the States is a near-impossible process. Luckily, the Federal Trade Commission has recognized that Ninja Gaiden II is not an actual ninja, but instead, a circular platter of polycarbonate encapsulated in a decorated box and an irritating plastic sheath. They also noted that the ninja on the cover is an illustrated ninja, who poses little to no risk of flipping out and killing you in your sleep.

Thus, Ninja Gaiden II was cleared to launch in North America just in time for its June 3 release date -- though it took Team Ninja much longer to convince the FTC that the game's demo was not some sort of digital assassin, sent to kill the internets. Luckily, that bit of confusion was resolved today, and the Ninja Gaiden II demo is now available on Xbox Live. Conveniently enough, we can think of no better way of venting our anger over the demo's North American delay than to dismember some minions with frightening bladed weaponry.

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]]>delaydemomicrosoftgamestudiosninjaninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninjagaidennorthamericateam-ninjaxboxxbox360Griffin McElroy2008-06-07T13:00:00+00:00Itagaki's departure causes Tecmo stock plummethttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/itagakis-departure-causes-tecmo-stock-plummet/#commentsFiled under:


Turns out Tomonobu Itagaki's imminent lawsuit might not be Tecmo's biggest problem after all. Within two days of the Ninja Gaiden developer's abrupt resignation from the company, Tecmo shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dropped rapidly.

Assurances that Team Ninja would remain (largely) intact apparently did not appease the stockholders. Shares dropped over 10% from Tuesday's closing of ¥1,102 (USD 10.40), to today's closing of ¥982 (USD 9.30). Not a good start to the company's new Itagaki-less lifestyle, to be sure.

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]]>dead-or-aliveitagakininja-gaidenstocksteam-ninjatecmoScott Jon Siegel2008-06-05T17:50:00+00:00Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered Historyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Now that Ninja Gaiden 2 developer Tomonobu Itagaki has departed from Tecmo and Team Ninja (and left a lawsuit in his stead), our friends at X3F have compiled a retrospective on Itagaki's career with the company. From his beginnings as a programmer for Tecmo Bowl, through Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden and all the way to his departure, everything is covered.

Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki. Click here, get educated.

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]]>dead-or-alivedoaxitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaTecmotomonobu-itagakiRoss Miller2008-06-05T16:25:00+00:00Tecmo: Team Ninja still 'intact' after Itagaki's departurehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-team-ninja-still-intact-after-itagakis-departure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following the resignation of outspoken game designer, Tomonobu Itagaki, and his subsequent lawsuit against his former employer, Tecmo has assured fans that its Team Ninja development studio remains "intact" and involved in "several new projects." In a statement issued to 1UP, the Tokyo-based publisher notes that, due to the legal complaint, it had "no choice" but to accept Itagaki's resignation, effective July 1, 2008.

The lawsuit is said to be tied to an outstanding incentive bonus for a past project, one which the parties could not amicably resolve. Tecmo states that it will let the court settle things and bring about a "true, fair, and quick resolution." As for the Team Ninja studio, it remains "committed to producing compelling and cutting edge games in order to maintain its reputation as a high quality developer and to continue to receive the support of its loyal fans."

While it's obvious that Tomonobu Itagaki didn't make games like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden by himself, we wonder if another star developer will emerge to give Team Ninja an incendiary pass to the presses. Is this Itsygaki's time to shine?

[Thanks, Fattycop]

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]]>Dead-or-AliveItagakiLawsuitNinja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-2Team-NinjaTecmoLudwig Kietzmann2008-06-04T18:00:00+00:00A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospectivehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A little bird told us Ninja Gaiden II was coming out today. Actually, that bird was more like a note attached to a shuriken with a flower on it, but the message was all the same. In honor of the series milestone and in memory of the now-former Ninja Gaiden designer Tomonobu Itagaki, we present you with a series retrospective we're affectionately dubbing A History of Violence (hey, we thought it was clever). Click here and be educated.

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]]>itagaking2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiRoss Miller2008-06-03T15:55:00+00:00Breaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

Team Ninja head and creator of the landmark Dead or Alive fighting game series, Tomonobu Itagaki, has issued a statement announcing his resignation from long-time employer Tecmo. This news, first reported by 1UP, comes just as his latest creation, the Xbox 360 exclusive Ninja Gaiden 2, is due to hit US shelves.

In addition to resigning his position at the company - where he had a seat on the board of directors - Itagaki has announced his intention to sue Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda for 148 million yen (US$1.5m) in damages. Among the grievances listed in the statement are Yasuda's unwillingness to pay him bonuses promised for work on titles including Dead or Alive 4, and allegations that Yasuda "made demeaning remarks" about him to other Tecmo employees, which resulted in "significant emotional distress" and "worsening [of his] personal relationships and work environment."

Itagaki began his career at Tecmo as a graphics programmer. One of his earliest titles for the company was 1993's Tecmo Super Bowl for SNES. He later gained notoriety for his original fighting game creation, Dead or Alive, and was lauded with superstar-level recognition by Microsoft after they secured the exclusive rights to Dead or Alive 3 for the original Xbox's US launch.

In his statement, Itagaki confirmed that he will not be involved with any future Ninja Gaiden or Dead or Alive titles, as the rights to both franchises are retained by Tecmo. How Itagaki's departure will affect the future of either series will surely be at the forefront of gamers' minds, as well as those of Tecmo brass. We'll have more on this breaking story, including Tecmo's reaction, as it develops.

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]]>BreakingNewsitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiRandy Nelson2008-06-03T03:00:00+00:00360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressionshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/#commentsFiled under: ,


We can think of a lot of great things to sell our souls for, such as telekinesis, a swimming pool full of hundred dollar bills, or a seventh season of Mr. Belvedere. However, Xbox 360 Fanboy's Richard Mitchell (or as we like to call him around the office, Rich Mitch) recently showed his undying love for scarved ninjas by dealing with Beelzebub to get his hands on an early copy of the Ninja Gaiden II demo. Judging by the tone of his impressions as he plays the first seven minutes of the preview, it was totally worth it.

We strongly advise watching the above video -- not only will it get you totally pumped for the quickly approaching June 3 release date for the title, but you can also witness Rich Mitch's incredible proclivity for ninja flipping and henchman dismemberment.

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]]>360demoimpressionsninjaninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iirealultimatepowerrichardmitchellrichmitchryuhayabusateamninjaxbox360Griffin McElroy2008-05-31T17:00:00+00:00Ninja Gaiden II demo out today in Japan, rest of the world 'soon'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,

ninja gaiden ii
A demo for the ultra-violent Ninja Gaiden II is due out today for the approximately 14 people in Japan who own an Xbox 360. Chris Paladino of Micorosft's Gamercore blog confirmed the news via NeoGAF earlier this morning, adding, "Looking for details on rest of world, haven't found anything other than 'soon,'" followed by a colon and a capital P.

Since March, the NGII page on Xbox.com had a message that said, "Get your hands on the free demo coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace in May," but that was quietly removed sometime this week. Ninja Gaiden II will paint the wall with blood in North America and Europe next week.

[Via X3F]

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]]>demomarketplaceng2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iitecmoxblmxbox-liveRoss Miller2008-05-30T11:25:00+00:00Metareview -- Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though you won't be able to get your hands on Ninja Gaiden II until next week, the reviews for Tomonobu Itagaki's latest ninjastic action game couldn't be contained so easily. They leapt out of their embargoes, sliced a path straight onto the internet, and didn't stop until they reached you here, at this metareview. Oh, but these reviews won't stick around long; they're stopping just long enough for you to quickly peruse some excerpts before tossing a smoke bomb on the ground, leaping onto a nearby rooftop, and silently disappearing.
  • GameDaily (90/100) is willing to overlook some of the bad for the heftier good, writing: "Ninja Gaiden II isn't perfect, but it's an incredible attempt. Lame English dialogue, a somewhat limp story and awkward camera angles aren't nearly enough to derail the splendid gameplay and eye-popping visuals."
  • IGN (87/100) enjoyed NGII, but was left wanting something more than what's been previously offered in the series: "Even with a technical hiccup here or there, Ninja Gaiden II is a sight to behold and a great deal of fun to master. And yet, the game doesn't feel as special as Ninja Gaiden did. Let's face it, Ninja Gaiden Black left us a bit spoiled as far as the complete package goes. In terms of straight action and stylish, deep gameplay, Ninja Gaiden II succeeds on nearly every front. What it lacks is the fat -- that extra something on the meat to give it flavor."
  • Eurogamer (70/100) was more upset by the technical shortcomings pointed out in most of the game's reviews, and was particularly disappointed with the game's at-times frustrating difficulty: "It's beautiful, cinematic and full of fantastically detailed enemies, gorgeous animations and incredibly fast, exciting combat. But while it's good, it's not quite great. It's marred by technical problems and Team Ninja's previously perfect balancing act just isn't in evidence in major sections."

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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]]>Ninja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-2Team-NinjaChristopher Grant2008-05-27T18:30:00+00:00Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/#commentsFiled under: ,


We thought Ninja Gaiden Sigma was pretty good. You know, nothing revolutionary, but at least worth a spin for PS3 owners, especially those who hadn't played through Ninja Gaiden. But we've just received word (via CVG) from Ninja Gaiden I and II developer Tomonobu Itagaki that we're wrong, wrong, totally wrong.

When asked about the game, Itagaki said simply, "It was no good." Apparently not into the whole brevity thing, CVG continued the line of questioning, prompting Itagaki to add, "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden." You think that's pretty rough, right? Well get this: That guy was sitting next to him. And he was making Itagaki a fancy birthday cake. No, that stuff isn't true. But it's still fairly icy.

Oh, and he dropped a preemptive burn, saying that a PS3 port of Ninja Gaiden II "would be a loss of face for everyone involved." ... So, yeah. Remind us not to cut him off in traffic.

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]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-sigmatecmotomonobu-itagakiJustin McElroy2008-05-21T17:30:00+00:00Xbox 360 Spring Showcase impressions rounduphttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/xbox-360-spring-showcase-impressions-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/xbox-360-spring-showcase-impressions-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/xbox-360-spring-showcase-impressions-roundup/#commentsFiled under:

Our friends at Xbox 360 Fanboy are having a ball at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, sending word of their hands-on experiences with the console's upcoming lineup. (Update: Now with more Human.) Check out their impressions below:
Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II
It's unapologetically hardcore, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Impressions: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
There is good reason that Rare did not decide to title the game Banjo Threeie. It's something new.
Impressions: Penny Arcade Adventures
On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Turns out the game is a meld of Japanese RPG and old-school adventure.
Impressions: Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise
With so much added to the formula, it's hard to see downsides to Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, and that's because they're mostly endemic.
Impressions: Too Human
If you're in the market for a slower paced action experience and enjoy (or don't mind) the leveling up and tweaking of your character then Too Human could be for you.

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]]>banjo-kazooiebanjo-kazooie-nuts-and-boltsmicrosoftmicrosoft-gamers-day-2008ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iipenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventurestoo-humanviva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseRoss Miller2008-05-14T19:15:00+00:00Itagaki on Ninja Gaiden II dismemberment, difficulty and DLChttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/itagaki-on-ninja-gaiden-ii-dismemberment-difficulty-and-dlc/#commentsFiled under: ,

itagaki
After spending about 30 minutes with a final build (awaiting certification) of Ninja Gaiden II at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, we had a chance to sit down with designer Tomonobu Itakagi, along with a handful of other game journalists. Staring out at us through dark shades, as an assistant translated his responses, the Team Ninja front man spoke on the "Deadly Ds," as we like to call them: dismemberment, difficulty (as in, tweaking the design philosophy to make us feel less like wusses for playing on easy) and Down-Loadable Costumes. Actually, there was another "D" addressed here too -- the one that ends with "-rinking on the job," or rather, the lack thereof. Yes, this was a new, sobered Itagaki, folks. Hard to believe given the swirl of emotions surrounding the realization that this could be his last *gasp* Ninja Gaiden.

Joystiq: We noticed the name of the casual mode in Ninja Gaiden II is "Path of the Acolyte" and not "Ninja Dog." Are you trying to remove the stigma of playing on the easy setting?
itagaki
After spending about 30 minutes with a final build (awaiting certification) of Ninja Gaiden II at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, we had a chance to sit down with designer Tomonobu Itakagi, along with a handful of other game journalists. Staring out at us through dark shades, as an assistant translated his responses, the Team Ninja front man spoke on the "Deadly Ds," as we like to call them: dismemberment, difficulty (as in, tweaking the design philosophy to make us feel less like wusses for playing on easy) and Down-Loadable Costumes. Actually, there was another "D" addressed here too -- the one that ends with "-rinking on the job," or rather, the lack thereof. Yes, this was a new, sobered Itagaki, folks. Hard to believe given the swirl of emotions surrounding the realization that this could be his last *gasp* Ninja Gaiden.

Joystiq: We noticed the name of the casual mode in Ninja Gaiden II is "Path of the Acolyte" and not "Ninja Dog." Are you trying to remove the stigma of playing on the easy setting?

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]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaTomonobu-ItagakiChristopher Grant2008-05-14T15:15:00+00:00New Ninja Gaiden II screens are bloody, marveloushttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ninja-gaiden-2-screens-are-bloody-marvelous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ninja-gaiden-2-screens-are-bloody-marvelous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/new-ninja-gaiden-2-screens-are-bloody-marvelous/#commentsFiled under: ,

ninja gaiden ii
click to enlarge

Marking the return of one of gaming's most agile assassins, Ninja Gaiden II seems poised to satisfy our increasingly alarming desire for a good, old-fashioned lopping of limbs. It's true that series protagonist and demon antagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, isn't the most subtle of ninjas -- his technique is about as stealthy as a piano rolling down a flight of stairs -- but he gets the job done.

On a related note, Microsoft has announced that the game will be receiving its first batch of gamerpics (100 MS points per pack) and themes (150 MS points per pack) today. Perhaps we'll be able to collect all the severed in-game arms and legs and use them as payment?

Ninja Gaiden II is out in the US on June 3rd.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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]]>micosoft-gamers-day-2008ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoLudwig Kietzmann2008-05-13T14:00:00+00:00Ninja Gaiden II to get three costume packs in Julyhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ninja-gaiden-ii-to-get-three-costume-packs-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ninja-gaiden-ii-to-get-three-costume-packs-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ninja-gaiden-ii-to-get-three-costume-packs-in-july/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ninja Gaiden II hasn't even been released yet and we're already bored of Ryu Hayabusa's costumes. Why? Our attention spans are just that sho-- oh crap, look, it's a ladybug! ... What were we saying? Oh, right, ninjas. As we're already deep in the clutches of boredom you can imagine our relief to hear that three new costume packs for the game would be released this July for 200 points (that's $2.50) a piece. You can see a full-sized version one of the offerings right here.

The strangest part? You actually have to jump through some hoops to be able to buy the first one, seen above. According to the Gamerscore Blog, the armor "will be exclusively available in selected countries to 39,000 gamers on launch day as part of pre-sale or launch promotions," whatever that means. We'd love to sit here and be incensed about the whole thing, but we've got a ladybug to track down. Seriously, it was right here.

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]]>dlcninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2tecmoxbox-liveJustin McElroy2008-05-09T09:30:00+00:00Ryu Hayabusa kicks: Ninja Gaiden steals two soleshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ryu-hayabusa-kicks-ninja-gaiden-steals-two-soles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ryu-hayabusa-kicks-ninja-gaiden-steals-two-soles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ryu-hayabusa-kicks-ninja-gaiden-steals-two-soles/#commentsFiled under:


Click to enlarge

Okay, this one's going to write itself, folks. Our tipster, Roger, writes: "My girlfriend recently took a white pair of those vans-style slip-on shoes, and painted good ol' Ryu Hayabusa on them for me against a red rising sun background." He goes on to describe the end result as "OMGWTFBBQAWESOME," which, given the above deviantART image, seems like a comment laced with truth.

Warning: Do not read the last sentence. YOU WILL REGRET IT.

And because you know this post is a shoe-in for stinking footwear puns, you'd best keep a straight face, stop sneakering and galosh over it before the jokes start achille-n you.

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]]>ninja-gaidenshoesLudwig Kietzmann2008-04-30T15:30:00+00:00Hayashi: Only 10 percent of ninja lifestyle in gameshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/hayashi-only-10-percent-of-ninja-lifestyle-in-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/hayashi-only-10-percent-of-ninja-lifestyle-in-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/hayashi-only-10-percent-of-ninja-lifestyle-in-games/#commentsFiled under:

From Ninja Gaiden (old) to Ninja Gaiden II (new) video games have taught us a lot about ninjas. In fact, they're probably the best ambassadors of ninja culture since Soupy Sales' short-lived sitcom That's My Ninja! stole the nation's heart in the late 70s. But Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword producer Yosuke Hayashi wants you to know that there's a lot more to ninjas than flipping out and killing people. In fact, he recently told MTV, "I would say out of the entire image that you have of a ninja, we only have grabbed 10% of that. So we have this whole other 90% to go."

Personally, we'd love to see some other aspects of ninja life, like when they slice cantalopes open at the grocery store to check their freshness, learn that love is the only real power or, as seen above, get rapped about by Vanilla Ice. What ninja facet do you want to see explored?

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]]>ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-dragon-...ninja-gaiden-dsninjasteam-ninjaJustin McElroy2008-03-31T15:30:00+00:00