A redesigned version of Ninja Gaiden II for the Xbox 360, Sigma 2, exclusive to the Sony PlayStation 3, is being touted as the “complete” version of the original game. As is standard from a Team Ninja release, the game looks absolutely stunning, taking advantage of the PS3’s graphical capabilities.

Ryu Hayabusa is back for another round.

I never got the chance to play Ninja Gaiden II for the 360 but I have played the original Ninja Gaiden Sigma. Having gotten a chance to demo the game over at the Tecmo booth at E3, I must say that Sigma 2 builds on the gameplay mechanics established in Sigma while maintaining some of the newer additions in the original Ninja Gaiden II.

There have been reports that Sigma 2 has toned down the gore and violence that was present in Ninja Gaiden II. However, according to Aileen Viray, Public Relations/Marketing Specialist for Tecmo Games, the demo build of the game had to be toned down. However, the full version of the game will retain the gore and violence of the original.

Speaking of gore, the game allows players to dismember enemies in battle, slowing them down and even killing them through decapitation. During the demo, I faced a monster whose arm and head I had chopped off…and he still continued coming after me. As standard of Ninja Gaiden, the game is difficult and relentless, so you have to constantly keep an eye on your health meter and healing items.

Players will control Ayane for the first time in the series.

A new addition to Sigma 2 is the inclusion of Ayane (of Dead or Alive fame) and Momiji (from Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword for the Nintendo DS) in addition to Rachel from Ninja Gaiden Sigma. The demo build on display featured Ayane as the playable character, given that most players are familiar with main character Ryu Hayabusa already. Known for her speed in the DOA series, Ayane moves swiftly and smoothly throughout the game environment. Combos can be chained together with a combination of standard and power attacks, projectiles (Ayane uses her standard Kunai), and Ninpo attacks, which can be powered up by shaking the SIXAXIS controller. Blocking and Dodging is an essential part of the game and you’ll be glad you’re able to do so when you’re being flanked by enemy ninjas on all sides.

Despite the difficulty, the game flows smoothly with combos feeling fairly intuitive. Using the SIXAXIS to power up Ninpo attacks seems a bit silly at first, but once you’ve done it a few times, it works well if you have the space to do so. The environments and character models are stunning and the game itself is shaping up to be a good one.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 will be released for the PS3 this Fall.

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Tags: e3, e3 news, Ninja Gaiden, Team NINJA, Tecmo