After a sneak preview of Ninja Gaiden 3, we now talk to about Ryu Hayabusa’s upcoming opus. Our very own Ozimandus ask him about how Team Ninja is working without their mentor, Playstation Move support and Tecmo Koei’s upcoming titles.
Good day Chin. How has it been? It’s been a long time don’t you think? Since I already know you well, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m the community manager for Tecmo Koei. Some people might know me from various fan sites that I’ve made years ago and that’s what got me into the gaming industry. I was one of the dot-com era children, so obviously I was from the computer science field, I started my job here as a web designer then I have learned more things and support not just the marketing and sales team but also to let the development team know what our community wants and desires.
With Tomonobu Itagaki leaving Team Ninja last year, fans of the series are kind of worried about losing the core of the game. Do you think they will be pushed out with Ninja Gaiden 3?
I would say the new Team Ninja has evolved. They have their [own] directions that might not what you have expected (especially the dismemberment with no legs, heads, arms flying around) but I don’t think the fans should be too worried because there are still many good stuffs in the game. The team is trying to make the game as realistic as possible like to rip through the enemies' bones, and to make the game more emotional so the players can feel the characters and get to experience what Ryu Hayabusa has been gone through as a Japanese dark hero. Also, the Online mode is amazing I must say. Tried it, loved it!
The locations of the game are kind of weird for the series, with Dubai and London in the list. What’s with that?
Well, I would say what you have seen is just the demo so I believe you will get to know more when the game comes out. It’s coming on March 20 in US and March 23 in Europe on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
The Ninja Gaiden games has been know as one of the hardest games know, which doesn’t surprise me, since Tecmo Koei games are very demanding in general. Will this opus be easier?
Ninja Gaiden 3 still remains hard for the hardcore fans in Hard Mode. We had the press conference back in Tokyo Game Show last year and even the guys in development team couldn’t finish the stage in certain point so hardcore fans shouldn’t get too worried about this. Also, for the casual gamers, you can experience the game as well in Hero mode, which is easier for you to get through the story. Not to forget to mention that this mode also works with PlayStation Move on the PlayStation 3 (no Kinect though, sorry!).
No Kinect? That would’ve been awesome thought. Now, Ryu is set to be unmasked. His biggest selling point was his mystery. Are you worried that the fans will lose interest?
I don’t think the hardcore fans will lose interest, it’s about time to experience Ryu’s adventure and understand him as a human, not just a mindless killing machine. Since the story is written by Masato Kato, who wrote the story and designed the graphic for the original Ninja Gaiden series on the NES, I personally really don’t see fans will be disappointed.
Is Tecmo Koei set to bring more of everyone’s favorite ninja? Or will this be the end?
There will be many guest characters making the appearance in this game, but the game is mainly focusing on Ryu Hayabusa.
What other titles are you guys working on?
Team Ninja is also working on Dead or Alive 5 (for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (for the PlayStation Vita).
Before you leave, any last word for our readers?
I’ve been to many tours and events with Team Ninja, I definitely can feel their passion to develop the best titles for you guys. I would love to say to give Ninja Gaiden 3 a go!??
Thank you for your time Chin and hope to see you again on At7addak.com. For more information, check our daily news on our site, visit Ninja Gaiden 3’s website, or connect with @TeamNinjaStudio on Twitter.
Ozimandus has been reviewing games and gadgets since 2003. He's not afraid of speaking his mind, and loves to share his love of everything geeky.