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Hello everyone! Recently we asked you guys for questions for Yosuke Hayashi, Development Director of Ninja Gaiden Sigma. We passed these along to Mr. Hayashi and he was kind enough to get back to us. We're pleased to be able to bring these answers to you today! Many thanks to those that submitted questions, and to Mr. Hayashi for his time in responding. Without further ado...
Q&A: Yosuke Hayashi, Development Director of Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Q: How does Ninja Gaiden Sigma benefit from the power of the Cell Processor and the RSX?
A: We
wanted to make sure that Ninja Gaiden Sigma consisted of the greatest
graphics and greatest action engine you'd see in any game out there.
We wouldn't have been able to accomplish this goal without the power of
the PS3 hardware.
Q: Will the newly added chapters deeply effect the original storyline?
A: With
the addition of Rachel as a playable character, you are given a chance
to experience the game from a different perspective. This allows us
the opportunity to really flush out the storyline.
Q: What can we expect to be in the collectors edition?
A: The
extra disc that's bundled with Ninja Gaiden Sigma will contain a
documentary to the creation of Sigma and the lives of certain R&D
members of Team NINJA.
Q: About how long should it take the average gamer to go through Sigma's campaign?
A: With
the content we've added to Sigma, it will take the average gamer
approximately 20 hours to complete the story mode for the first time.
This does not include the amount of time necessary to complete the
Mission Pack.
Q: Are there any easier difficulty settings in sigma compared to the original Ninja Gaiden?
A: There are 5 difficulty settings ranging from Ninja Dog to Master Ninja.
Q: Is there any sort of 2 player, or co-op mode in this game?
A: Ninja
Gaiden Sigma is a game which revolves around one ninja's journey of
revenge. When you have action that is as fast and deadly with only one
ninja, why would you need two?
Q: First off, I have never played a Ninja Gaiden
game in my life. My first introduction into these games was the demo
that is on the PS Store. From what I have come to learn over these past
few weeks is that there where 3 main Ninja Gaiden games for the NES,
and two Ninja Gaidens for the Xbox. Now, since I never owned a Xbox,
and probably never will, is it smart for me to start with Ninja Gaiden
Sigma? Is this game related story-wise to the first 2, or is it its own
game? I hate being thrown into games, and personally I wouldn't ever
start a series off on the third game. So is this part of a trilogy with
the 2 Xbox games, or is it its own?
A: While
Sigma has everything that the first 2 games had, this game has things
that the other 2 never will. If someone was looking to pick up any of
the 3 Ninja Gaiden games up for the first time, Sigma would be the best
choice for any gamer.
Q: I really enjoyed the original soundtrack, have there been any significant changes to the game's music selection and soundtrack?
A: While
you'll still hear the original soundtrack, many new songs have been
added to help enhance the feeling of excitement while playing Sigma.
Q: I remember you commenting about adding support
for Home, but that it would come down to delaying the game to include
Home trophies, etc. What's the current situation on a NG trophy in Home?
A: While
we came up with some great ideas for the Home feature, it came to the
table too late in the Sigma production process. Be sure to watch for
some unique Home features in future Tecmo products though!
Q: Do you guys plan to take advantage of PSN and add downloadable content similar to what you did with the Hurricane Packs?
A: We'll
be making an announcement regarding our plans for downloadable content
soon. The content will have some amazing depth for a download!
Q: I'm pretty sure you said no in an interview I read, but are there any plans to include the original NES games?
A: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the beginning of a new era for the Ninja Gaiden series and we are committed to looking forward, not back.
Q: Are you pleased with how far Ninja Gaiden has come?
A: While
I'm very pleased with where we were able to bring Sigma, I feel like we
could have done more. If I was 100% satisfied with the game, I
wouldn't be able to continue creating great new games.
Q: Ninja Gaiden is a franchise that has been
compared to the likes of God of War and Devil May Cry over recent
years. What is your stance on these two franchises and how does Ninja
Gaiden separate itself from them?
A: Sigma
is all about experiencing the battles and being in complete control of
the encounters firsthand. The other games focus on "showing off" while
putting the player in the spectator seat to watch the fight but not
partake in it. We really want our gamers to be involved in the
battles, not sit idly by as the game does all the work.
Q: Do you have any future PS3 games planned?
A: There
are always plans and ideas! There could be an announcement coming in
the very near future but until then, enjoy Ninja Gaiden Sigma and learn
firsthand what Team NINJA is capable of producing on the PS3!
Q: Are you at all interested in doing more work with the Playstation 3 hardware?
A: I have really enjoyed working on the PS3 and I have quite a few ideas for future PS3 titles.
Q: Any chance we'll ever see the NG series head to the PSP?
A: We
don't follow the typical multi-platform porting theme. If we came up
with a game design that fits the PSP's profile you could definitely
expect us to make an entirely new game for the PSP.
Q: Lots of rumors about DOA coming to PS3, can you comment?
A: We're honored to hear that there are rumors and speculations about upcoming Team NINJA products!
Q: How can I join Team NINJA? :D
A: If you can wall-run, are a master swordsman, and look sharp in black we might consider you!
About Yosuke HayashiDirector, Team NINJA High-End Productions Tecmo, Ltd. Yosuke
Hayashi is a development Director with Team NINJA and has worked at
Tecmo® for 7 years. His career at Tecmo is unique in that he has
worked solely on the Ninja Gaiden® series. He has handled many
important elements of Ninja Gaiden, most notably the battle A.I. He
led the Ninja Gaiden Sigma team as its Director. For more information about Ninja Gaiden Sigma, check out the official Ninja Gaiden Sigma website.
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