It seems like it’s taken longer than it should have, but Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 will finally see it’s release in the coming weeks. Just today Tecmo released a demo for Sigma 2 via Japan’s Playstation Store and I want to share my thoughts about it with you.

I don’t know why this was ever a big deal, but I’ll get it out of the way now. Yes, there is blood in the game, but it’s not ridiculous or over-the-top. Speaking of blood, I got a kick out of blood staining the weapons to the point that the characters have to shake the blood off of their blades.

NGS2 does look better than the previous installment in the series, but that’s a given. I’m not sure it would win GOTY for it’s graphics though. It looks better for sure, but not by leaps and bounds. With that said, make no mistake Sigma 2 is a really nice looking game. The spells in the game are gorgeous and it’s a bit amusing watching your enemies burn.

The gameplay is faster than it was in Sigma 1 and the combo hits can easily reach the upper 20’s. Being familiar with the controls from NGS1 really helped, but the game is easy enough to pick up and get the hang of. I really enjoyed seeing all of the different ways you can finish your opponents. Ryu is able to select between 4 melee weapons in the demo and the bow & arrow controls have been mapped to L2 & R2. I’m not sure if Ryu will have unlimited arrows in the final game, but it sure is sweet to have them in the demo. Having the bow auto aim at targets is a life saver. What’s even more helpful than that are the new save points.

Instead of have to sit there and wait for the game to save you can start the saving process and then continue about your business. Save points also replenish all of your health. That would have been so nice in NGS1. Two other things that caught my attention were the “life of a thousand gods” item auto using itself to save time and the quick menu pausing the action so you aren’t panicing trying to move through your inventory.

Overall the demo is of decent length and then there are the unlockables.

Beating the game on what I assume is normal unlocks a harder difficulty.

I’m not sure if you have to beat the demo on normal to unlock Ayane, but she was unlocked when I did. Ayane is definitely faster than Ryu and to me just more fun to play. She was always my favorite character in the Dead or Alive series and now I get to play as her in Sigma 2. In case you were wondering I did test out the six-axis boob control.

Beating Ayane’s short demo (all you get is a taste) will unlock Team Mission mode and 2 missions. I had hope that 2 people could play locally, but sadly that’s not the case. You’re partnered with a Ryu or Ayane with pretty good A.I. No Sheva’s here.

I have to say I’m stoked that I already have the game bought and paid for. All I have to do is pick it up from the store. I really recommend you try the demo if you’re having doubts about getting the game.

Visit the Official Website
Japan demo out now and it’s in English.
US demo out on the 24th (along with the Lost Planet 2 demo I might add).

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