The latest issue of Famitsu has a new interview with Fumihiko Yasuda, the current head of Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja. The interview mostly explained the decisions behind the development of Ninja Gaiden Master Collection. Excerpts of the interview have been made available online. [Thanks, Ryokutya2089.]
Here are some highlights from the new interview with Team Ninja’s Fumihiko Yasuda:
- We put in Sigma for Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2 simply because they are the final versions.
- As for Ninja Gaiden Black and the original Ninja Gaiden 2, only pieces of their original data were still intact, and we couldn’t salvage them either. That’s also the reason why we chose Sigma.
- There is Hero Mode in Sigma 1 and Sigma 2, so I feel like even those who are not good at action games can also clear them.
- We adjusted the difficulty level so that one player can also clear tag missions.
- We prepared Version D because we thought Switch users wouldn’t like grotesque that much.
- Online gameplay is not supported due to our development schedule and business side.
- The strength levels of the weaker characters like Rachel, Ayane, and Momiji stay as-is.
- We somehow fixed the issues pointed by harsh opinions for Ninja Gaiden 3 with Razor’s Edge. But one day, I want to have revenge with a sequel.
Near the end of the interview, Famitsu told Fumihiko Yasuda that there are many fans hoping for Ryu Hayabusa to join a certain Smash game. Yasuda laughed in response while saying, “We are awaiting the invitation letter.”
Ninja Gaiden Master Collection will be available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on June 10, 2021. Version D refers to a Japanese Switch digital-exclusive release that tones down grotesque scenes in Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge to make it available with a CERO D rating. The Japanese game rating board gave a Z rating to the regular releases. A Digital Deluxe Edition that includes a digital artbook and soundtrack will be available worldwide.
