69
MONSTER
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!
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
72
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
72
Positive (80-100)
18%
Mixed (50-79)
77%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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83
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
83
Positive (80-100)
78%
Mixed (50-79)
22%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
67
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
67
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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62
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
62
Positive (80-100)
14%
Mixed (50-79)
86%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
64
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
64
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
67
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
67
Positive (80-100)
18%
Mixed (50-79)
72%
Negative (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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69
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
69
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
68%
Negative (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
69
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
69
Positive (80-100)
34%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
69
MONSTER
Reviews
144 reviews found90
Noisy Pixel
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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85
NintendoWorldReport
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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85
Gamers Heroes
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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85
GamingTrend
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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85
PlayStation Universe
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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80
IGN Italia
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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80
Finger Guns
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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80
Impulsegamer
Jun 11, 2021
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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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80
Eurogamer Italy
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.
80
Nintenderos
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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