Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection Reviews
With two artifacts that belong in the video game hall of fame, and one curiosity that highlights Itagaki’s genius by showing what happened when he wasn’t involved in Ninja Gaiden, this collection stands the test of time. So many modern action video games are either self-serious or desperately eager to make sure you laugh when they tell you to. It’s weird, given how bloodthirsty the Ninja Gaiden series is, but the laconic, droll approach that they take to everything they do almost comes across as subtle and classy these days, and I’ve loved revisiting that.
You’re getting two of the best action games of all time, as well as Razor’s Edge, with great controls and that borderline satanic level of difficulty that makes Dark Souls look like Elmo’s Fun With Numbers. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I love this collection even though I’m more than sure I will eventually break a Joy-Con or two out of anger during some of its harder sections.
The Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is a stellar remaster of one of the best action game series in the business.
Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is a must-play for action fans, especially those seeking titles demanding on-the-fly reactions and arduous trials of failing and learning. The first two entries are as masterclass as you can get, and the third, while questionable in several areas, also proves to be more than an adequate investment of time. With a steal of a price, you really can’t go wrong with purchasing this compilation and diving into dozens of hours of high-octane ninja fun and busty babes.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers a selection of games that still feel spectacular to play today thanks to their brutal hack-and-slash action. With the satisfyingly fast-paced combat, the frantic boss encounters, and some slick level design, there’s plenty on offer in Ryu Hayabusa’s ultra-violent adventures to keep wannabe ninjas hooked in until the very end – even if the camera angles are a bit sketchy here and there. And hey, even Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge might not be as bad as you remember. It’s not great, sure, but it’s still fun to play and compliments the sheer brilliance of the first two titles.
The Master Collection is just about as barebones as you can get, yet can still be recommended due to the inclusion of two of the best games ever made. Like most players, I was excited when the collection was first announced because I thought it would be a full blown remake or, at the very least, a remaster. Still, I had hours of fun replaying the first two entries, and would wholeheartedly recommend this collection to anybody that has not played the games before or does not own another means of playing them.
A much needed re-release of Team Ninja's trio of Ninja Gaiden titles, though the third game is a step below the other two games, and the remastering effort a touch on the conservative side, it's a proper joy to be able to play the first two Ninja Gaiden games once again on contemporary hardware; camera issues with the first game notwithstanding. Bolstered by a neat amount of extras and the seemingly ageless and satisfying combat that's as good now in 2021 as it was before, the king of high-octane, hyperviolent ninja action has returned.
The three games included in this collection are all enjoyable action games and well worth your time. While there are some issues with this release, such as the absence of all the online modes and the locking of bonus content behind the deluxe edition, they ultimately detract from the core single player experience at the heart of the package. If you are a fan of action games, especially ones where you get to play as a ninja, and you have yet to try the modern Ninja Gaiden games out, you should pick up this bundle right away.
There's no better way to see the Dragon Ninja Ryu Hayabusa in action than with the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Those that can deal with the odd loading stutter can experience some of the finest hack-and-slash combat on the market today.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a great package that any fan of action games will enjoy. Ryu Hayabusa still stands as one of the most memorable and bad ass video game protagonists even all these years later. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is the best one in this package in my opinion but all three are worth experiencing. Mastering the combat and Ryu’s moveset is so rewarding and you’ll easily get hours and hours of enjoyment out of this. Hopefully this collection will bring in plenty of new fans so that Team Ninja will give Ryu Hayabusa some new work soon.
Ryu Hayabusa returned in full glory to silence demons and other mascaras from the abyss of hell again. It should be remembered, however, that these games from a completely different era than modern slashers - small archaisms can give a bone.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Whether you’re an old fan of Ninja Gaiden or if you’ve never played the games, this is a solid collection that any action fan should look to add to their library.
Having been a fan of the Ninja Gaiden series in its vintage incarnations I'd always heard good things about the modern series but hadn't ever had the pleasure...
Koei Tecmo could have used this opportunity to further strengthen the weak link beyond what it already did, but the first two games still stand so tall that it justifies the preservation altogether.
An honest collection, with two timeless actions and a passable taillight. For lovers of the genre, the game is certainly worth the candle.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection gives new players a chance to experience three wonderfully crafted action games with solid 60fps and 4K resolution.
The three games found in the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection are great, especially the original (the other two are more of the same). They all look, sound, and play as well or better than any other versions that have been released. If you enjoy third-person action games, the Ninja Gaiden Sigma Trilogy still holds up today. And the original should be required playing, as it is one of the original Xbox’s finest exclusives. However, buyers beware that these are only the Sigma versions of the modern Ninja Gaiden Trilogy. I don’t want to judge this collection for what I wish it contained (it already has three great games with tons of content), but by calling it a “Master Collection,” the game loses a couple of points due to false advertising.
The Ninja Gaiden game was always a joy to play and this time around is no different. Even though there haven't been many changes to the overall experience, having all three games and DLC rolled into one is a sheer joy. Players who missed this series should definitely pick this up as it's one of the best games in the hack and slash genre. The omission of the online co-op will displease hardcore fans however I think this can be easily overlooked as being able to have all three games on a portable console is the winning factor here.
In this analysis I wanted to summarize my opinion after having played this compilation and the original games. If you are a fan of the saga you can surely enjoy the complete trilogy again in its most complete versions. If it's the first time you've been introduced to Ninja Gaiden I definitely think you'll enjoy this universe and three great action games and with some good doses of gore and violence.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Even 15 years after the release of the first Ninja Gaiden it is easy to appreciate its majesty and all the nuances of the combat system proposed by Itagaki: it takes a few minutes to "regroup" again how to parry a shot, activate a devastating combo or decapitate an enemy and be conquered by the tight pace of play. It takes very little for a newb to appreciate the superb qualities of a combat system and gameplay that still manage to keep up with the best exponents of the action category. Because Ninja Gaiden also means secrets, areas to explore and puzzles to solve. Overall, the gameplay and level design of the two Sigmas also make a sniff in 2021, while the weaker of the three is confirmed to be the usual Razor's Edge.
Review in Italian | Read full review