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MONSTER

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
Item: Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Single Player

AvailableJun 9, 2021

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperTeam Ninja

Overview

The “Ninja Gaiden” series is respected and beloved across the entire gaming world, and has sold 6.8 million units in total. In this collection, the three titles from the series which are included are: NINJA GAIDEN Sigma (released in 2007), NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2 (released in 2009), and NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge (released in 2012). Become the ultimate ninja and defeat deadly enemies!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Some praise the action-packed and charming narrative, while others criticize its lack of depth and coherence. The storyline is a blend of positives and negatives, with varying views on its epic nature and lack of cohesion. Ultimately, the consensus is that the narrative quality is hit or miss, offering a mix of bombast, humor, and campiness that adds to the game's overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection are varied, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. GameSkinny praises the voiced lines performances, while Nintenderos appreciates the individual stories in each game with protagonist Ryu Hayabusa facing challenges and enemies. Shindig and Vooks find the story to be action-packed, with a mix of humor and sincerity, adding to the game's charm. Eurogamer Italy mentions the intriguing premise of Ryu Hayabusa defending the British Prime Minister and dealing with a curse, adding depth to the narrative. On the other hand, critics such as WellPlayed and Hardcore Gamer criticize the lack of depth and coherence in the script, with WellPlayed mentioning non-descript villains and gratuitous displays of sexuality that detract from the overall story. SpazioGames notes the disjointed nature of the story in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, while Noisy Pixel points out awkward exchanges and lack of attachment to secondary characters, affecting the narrative quality. NME highlights the repetitive nature of battle arenas, erasing any sense of exploration or varied pacing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a mix of positives and negatives. While some critics appreciate the epic and action-packed nature of the story, others criticize its lack of depth and coherence. The variety of opinions showcases that the narrative quality is hit or miss, with some finding charm in the absurd and entertaining elements, while others feel let down by the lack of a cohesive storyline. Despite the mixed reviews, the consensus leans towards the story being a blend of bombast, humor, and campiness that adds to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is praised for its fast-paced, rewarding combat mechanics blending Devil May Cry-style action and fighting game elements. Critics love the variety of attacks, combos, and weapons that require skill and strategy. However, some negative feedback includes issues with platforming controls, performance, and camera system. Overall, the game offers intense, challenging gameplay with deep combat systems and a steep learning curve, appealing to hardcore action fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection has received numerous positive comments from critics. Reviewers like Worth Playing and But Why Tho? appreciate the fast-paced action and rewarding combat mechanics, with a blend of Devil May Cry-style action and fighting game elements. They highlight the variety of attack strings, combos, and weapons that require skill and strategy to succeed. Critics such as Pure Nintendo and GameGrin also praise the intense and challenging combat, with a focus on mastering different attacks, blocking, and dodging. The addition of abilities and combo attacks is mentioned as thrilling when executed properly, adding depth to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out negative aspects of the gameplay in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Screen Rant and The Games Machine criticize the difficulty and unresponsiveness of the platforming controls, impacting the overall experience. Gaming Age and NME mention performance issues that detract from the otherwise enjoyable gameplay, with emphasis on timing and demanding combat mechanics. The camera system is highlighted as outdated and unfair by Metro GameCentral and Cultured Vultures, affecting the player's ability to navigate the game world effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers a mix of intense, challenging, and rewarding gameplay experiences. While some alterations and technical issues have been noted, the deep and satisfying gameplay of the original releases is largely retained. Critics like IGN Italia and Xbox Tavern commend the collection for its high difficulty, precise combat, and variety of weapons and techniques. Despite some flaws, the majority of reviewers appreciate the fast-paced hack-and-slash action, engaging combat systems, and the steep learning curve that caters to hardcore action fans. The gameplay in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is seen as a standout feature, offering a visceral and thrilling experience that sets it apart from other ninja-based titles, as highlighted by Hey Poor Player and Gamers Heroes.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection visuals divide critics - some praise the modern enhancements, while others criticize outdated graphics, lack of detail, and performance issues. Mixed reception on improved resolutions and frame rates, with some feeling visuals fall short of expectations. Varying opinions on character models and animations, leaving players with differing levels of satisfaction across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Gamepressure and Impulsegamer, praised the enhancements made for modern platforms, with improved resolutions and smoother frame rates. Impulsegamer specifically highlighted the fantastic visuals of Ninja Gaiden Σ2 and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge in 4K resolution running at 60 frames per second. Additionally, But Why Tho? appreciated the improved graphics from the originals, noting that the updated visuals hit the nostalgia points for fans with the inclusion of DLC costumes and enhanced graphics, making the experience less dated. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of the Master Collection. GameSkinny, Softpedia, and Nintendo Life criticized the outdated visuals, plain textures, and lack of detail, especially on the Nintendo Switch version. Gaming Age highlighted issues with poor performance, including enemies popping in and out of existence, and excessive gore and blood splashing in Ninja Gaiden 3. Furthermore, The Mako Reactor mentioned inconsistent visuals, with blurry assets in menus and variable performance across different platforms, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the graphics and visual design of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. While some reviewers appreciated the improvements in resolution and frame rates, others felt that the visuals had not aged well and lacked significant enhancements beyond basic upgrades. Critics like Eurogamer Italy acknowledged the improved graphics and performance on modern consoles but noted that the visuals remained largely unchanged, while GamingBolt mentioned that the games were not the best versions available in terms of graphical fidelity. Despite some positive feedback on specific aspects like character models and fluid animations, the general sentiment suggests that the graphics may not meet the expectations of all players, with varying degrees of satisfaction depending on the platform and individual preferences.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praised Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection for its diverse and fitting sound design and music, including a dual-language voice acting option and a strong soundtrack. Some criticized audio bugs and visual issues, but overall, reviewers appreciated the immersive qualities and value-added extras like an art book. Despite minor concerns, the majority agreed that the sound design and music enhanced the game's overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of positives, the critics generally praised the variety and fitting tone of the sound design and music in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Nintenderos highlighted the variety of music and sound effects, as well as the option for dual-language voice acting, which added to the overall immersive experience. KeenGamer also commended the heavy and in-your-face soundtrack that complemented the gameplay well. IGN Italia specifically mentioned the mix of traditional Japanese and modern pop-rock music, contributing to the game's appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of extras like an art book and soundtrack, as noted by KeenGamer, added value to the overall package. On the negative side, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music in the game. Hardcore Gamer pointed out the presence of odd audio bugs that affected the background music, as well as compressed and visually unappealing cutscenes in certain versions of the game. Furthermore, GameSkinny did not provide specific feedback on the music, which could indicate a lack of standout elements in that aspect. These issues could potentially detract from the overall experience for players who value a seamless audiovisual presentation. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive reception of the sound design and music in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. While there were some concerns raised by critics like Hardcore Gamer regarding audio bugs and visual quality in cutscenes, the majority of reviewers appreciated the variety, fitting tone, and immersive qualities of the sound design and music. Critics like Nintenderos, KeenGamer, and IGN Italia highlighted the strengths of the soundtrack and voice acting options, contributing to the overall appeal of the game. The inclusion of extras like the art book and soundtrack also added value to the package, as noted by KeenGamer. Ultimately, despite some minor issues, the sound design and music were generally well-received by the critics, enhancing the overall experience of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Some praise the performances and language options, while others criticize cringe-worthy moments and awkward deliveries. Overall, the voice acting receives a varied reception, with recognition for efforts to cater to different player preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The Voice Acting in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection has garnered a mix of opinions from critics. GameSkinny commends the performances, noting that they surprisingly hold up with excellent delivery and fitting tone. Nintenderos appreciates the option of having voice acting available in both English and Japanese, providing players with a choice to enhance their experience. IGN Italia also highlights the dual-language voice acting as a positive aspect in their review, indicating that it adds depth to the game's narrative. On the flip side, Hardcore Gamer criticizes the voice acting in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, describing it as cringe-worthy with a disconnect between Ryu's words and actions. Noisy Pixel echoes this sentiment, mentioning awkward exchanges and stilted deliveries in cutscenes that impact the overall narrative experience negatively. These criticisms point towards inconsistencies and lack of immersion in certain parts of the game's voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to lean towards a mixed reception of the Voice Acting in Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. While some reviewers like GameSkinny, Nintenderos, and IGN Italia appreciate the performances and language options available, others such as Hardcore Gamer and Noisy Pixel point out flaws like cringe-worthy moments and awkward deliveries that detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, there is recognition of the effort put into providing a diverse voice acting experience, catering to different player preferences. But Why Tho?'s mention of the heroines being deadly and fun to play as also adds a positive note to the overall reception of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection for smooth gameplay on PC and select PlayStation models but criticize technical issues on Nintendo Switch, including stuttering and frame rate struggles. Mixed reviews highlight inconsistencies across platforms, with some positives like improved visuals and quick loading times but ongoing concerns about performance problems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positive feedback for the technical performance of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, several critics highlighted smooth gameplay experiences on specific gaming platforms. For instance, Gamepressure praised the game on PC for running at a steady 60 frames-per-second without interruptions. Additionally, PlayStation Universe noted that the game runs at 4K resolution on PS4 Pro and PS5, with real-time cutscenes maintaining a consistent 60fps in the first game. On the other hand, negative aspects of the technical performance were also pointed out by various critics across different platforms. Nintendo Life criticized the Nintendo Switch version for its inconsistent performance, including constant stuttering, resolution drops, and frame rate struggles, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Pure Nintendo specifically mentioned frame rate drops and image quality issues, especially in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, making it challenging to enjoy the game on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is mixed. While some platforms like PC and certain PlayStation models received praise for smooth performance and improved visuals, others like the Nintendo Switch faced criticism for technical shortcomings such as frame rate dips, resolution drops, and camera issues. Critics like GameGrin and Nintendo Insider highlighted some positive aspects of the Switch version, such as decent resolution and quick loading times, but concerns raised by reviewers like Gaming Age and Pure Nintendo regarding performance issues indicate a lack of consistency across platforms. The general sentiment suggests that while the game may excel on certain platforms, technical issues on others detract from the overall experience, leading to a varied reception among critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are generally positive about the replay value of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, praising its challenging gameplay, variety of weapons, abilities, and modes. Additional content like new modes and playable characters enhance the experience. However, concerns include the lack of quality of life changes and online features. Overall, the collection offers a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers, despite some drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection are quite varied but generally positive. Critics like Nintendojo and But Why Tho? highlight the challenging gameplay and the variety of weapons, abilities, and modes that contribute to the replayability of the games. The inclusion of additional content, such as new modes, playable characters, and skill upgrades, as mentioned by The Mako Reactor and Noisy Pixel, also adds to the value for players looking to revisit the series. The presence of different difficulty levels, as noted by Finger Guns and Pure Xbox, caters to a wide range of player preferences, further enhancing the replay value. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects that may hinder the overall replayability of the collection. GameSkinny and Metro GameCentral point out issues like the lack of quality of life changes, such as auto-save, and the perceived inferiority of the Σ versions compared to the originals, which could impact the replay value for some players. Additionally, Gamepressure and PlayStation Universe mention the absence of online modes and co-op features, which could limit the multiplayer replayability of the games for those who enjoy such interactions. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards acknowledging the replay value of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, with many praising the challenging gameplay, additional content, and variety of modes and challenges that keep players engaged. However, there are valid concerns raised by critics like Screen Rant and Metro GameCentral regarding the quality of the remastered versions and the lack of modern updates, which may affect the long-term appeal for some players. Despite these drawbacks, the collection seems to offer a worthwhile experience for both fans of the series and newcomers looking to delve into the world of Ninja Gaiden, as highlighted by critics like Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, like Impulsegamer and Noisy Pixel, praise the collection for offering intense and challenging gameplay, especially in the later two games. The inclusion of updated graphics running at 60 frames per second, as highlighted by Impulsegamer, adds a modern twist to the classic titles. Additionally, critics such as God is a Geek and Pure Nintendo commend the collection for providing a nostalgic and thrilling experience for fans of action games, with Pure Nintendo specifically mentioning the intense and mostly thrilling gameplay offered in the package. On the other hand, several critics point out various shortcomings of the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection. Cultured Vultures and Softpedia criticize the lack of effort put into the collection, with Softpedia describing it as a mere port instead of a remaster or remake. Nintendo Life, Screen Rant, and GameSkinny highlight technical issues, lack of polish, and underwhelming experiences in their reviews. Furthermore, critics like TheXboxHub and PlayStation Universe mention limited visual upgrades, missed opportunities for improvement, and the third game being a shallow imitation of the previous titles as downsides of the collection. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciate the challenging gameplay, nostalgic value, and intense combat offered in the collection, others express disappointment in the lack of polish, technical issues, and missed opportunities for improvement. Critics like IGN Italia and Vandal find the collection to be a worthwhile purchase for fans or newcomers to the series, acknowledging its value in showcasing the excellence of the action and hack-and-slash genres. However, the general sentiment suggests that the collection falls short of being a definitive or masterful compilation, with minimal updates, technical issues, and varying degrees of enjoyment across the three titles, as highlighted by critics like Nintendo Life and Gaming Age.

TL;DR

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection receives mixed reviews from critics. Some praise its intense gameplay and updated graphics, while others criticize it for lack of effort, technical issues, and missed opportunities for improvement. Overall, opinions vary on its nostalgic value and combat experience, with some finding it worth a purchase for fans or newcomers, but falling short of being a definitive compilation due to its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

144 reviews found

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

Jun 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is a must-play for action fans, offering gruelingly punishing action titles that demand patience and skill development. First two entries are masterclass, while the third entry, Razor's Edge, has its moments but loses charm along the way.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jun 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a solid package with enjoyable action games. Some issues with the release, such as the absence of online modes and locked bonus content, do not detract from the core single player experience.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 4

Jun 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers some of the finest hack-and-slash combat on the market today, despite the occasional loading stutter.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Jun 21, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is recommended due to the inclusion of two great games, despite being barebones and lacking modern updates.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Jun 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is praised for its high difficulty, satisfying gameplay, and value-packed content, with some technical improvements but limited visual upgrades. Ninja Gaiden 3 is criticized for being a shallow imitation of the previous games.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Jun 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is praised as a solid offering that pays homage to a legendary gaming franchise, offering a mix of classic action gameplay and technical improvements.

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Finger Guns

Xbox One

Jun 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Nostalgic return to the challenging world of Ryu Hayabusa with updated features and content. Recommended for fans of difficult action games.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Jun 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Ninja Gaiden Master Collection is a must-have for fans or those looking for over-the-top martial arts entertainment. The collection excels with the later two games, while the first game feels a little dated. The inclusion of 4K graphics running at 60 frames per second adds a modern twist to the blast from the past.

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Eurogamer Italy

PlayStation 4

Jun 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection offers a nostalgic journey for fans with enhanced graphics and improved gameplay, despite not being a complete remake. It hints at a potential return of Ryu Hayabusa in the future.

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Jun 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A must-have for fans of the franchise and a great opportunity for newcomers to experience classic titles.

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