Much like the ninja arts featured in the game, Tecmo has kept much of the next installment of the Ninja Gaiden series veiled in secrecy. First announced at last year's E3, much of what has been revealed about the game has simply been little more than fan speculation.
Developed by Team Ninja, the group behind hits such as the Dead or Alive series and its recent spin-off, DOA: Extreme Beach Volleyball, Ninja Gaiden looks poised to bring gamers the same fast-paced action they remember from the NES series. Using the power of the Xbox, the team is dead set on delivering an action gaming experience unlike anything the gaming community has seen.
The Ninja Gaiden announcement came in two quick strikes. The first was at Microsoft's E3 press conference, in the form of a quick trailer showcasing some of the game's gameplay. The next hit came two days later with the premiere of a 4-minute trailer at Tecmo's booth. Just enough to send Internet fanboys into a complete tizzy on various message boards.
For those not familiar with the acclaimed NES series of games, Ninja Gaiden places players in the role of Ryu Hyabusa, a ninja master seeking revenge after his clan is massacred by the Vigor Empire. While many of the details are still shrouded in the shadows, the game promises to sport amazing ninja acrobatics, with a focus of intense, bloody combat -- all built on a solid action game platform. The game will also feature new weapons and a feature that will allow players to quit the game at anytime and then restart right where they left off. According to Tecmo, the game will also feature 'a revolutionary new Live compatible element within Ninja Gaiden that is being specifically engineered by Tecmo's esteemed developing group.'
As if a little ninja action wasn't enough, Tecmo also announced the first 3D fighting game for Xbox Live, Dead or Alive Online. While not an all-new DOA game, DOA: Online will allow gamers to play both DOA 1 and DOA 2 online. Although Dead or Alive 1 will be a poly-for-poly port of the original Sega Saturn game (which was never released in the US), Dead or Alive 2 will harness the power of the Xbox and feature a full graphical overhaul, complete with high-quality interactive environments, brand new costumes and a plethora of new bonus features. The game will also feature new scenes that will help further portray the relationships between characters.
Both games are set for release this year, and are Xbox exclusive.
