

And even if you master a single weapon, it takes hours to perfect advanced moves like blocking at the exact moment that allows Ryu to counter attack. This means that a rhythm can be established that turns Ninja Gaiden's combat into a delicate ballet of severed limbs and clashing swords. In general the quick attacks dismember enemies, and the strong attacks finish them off. Through a combination of jump, "strong" and "quick" attack buttons there are a huge number of deadly attack combinations that vary from weapon to weapon. The new weapons add a dash of variety to the gameplay every so often but none surpass the original Dragon Sword in terms of effectiveness. You'll find yourself experimenting with staffs, hammers, tonfa (they're back!), claws, staffs, and scythes, which are doled out as the game progresses. Throughout the game he gains access to an impressive arsenal of weapons. Like any good Ninja, Ryu starts the game with a sword and an infinite supply of shuriken. And the combat is what makes Ninja Gaiden special. In the role of Dragon Ninja players travel to various scenic locations (Tokyo, Venice, The Underworld) and partake in lots and lots of combat. Its only purpose is to pit Ryu against never-ending waves of Ninjas and mystical monsters, called fiends, until he can save the girl, and ultimately the entire planet. The story that takes place after this event is so convoluted and nonsensical that it's hardly worth describing. No sooner does she arrive than she is captured by the Spider Ninja Clan, and it's Ryu's job to save her. She arrives in Neo Tokyo to warn Ryu of the imminent resurrection of the Arch Fiend. The game kicks off by introducing us to one of these ladies who happens to be a CIA agent wearing standard issue lingerie. He wears shiny black leather, carries a huge assortment of weapons, and has a whole lot of top-heavy girlfriends.

You play as Ryu Hayabusa, a member of the Dragon Ninja Clan, and an ideal videogame protagonist.
