Full Of Character: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

Hello, my name is Kosuke Wakamatus and I am the Animation Lead for Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. This is our 4th post and I hope you are enjoying them. It is a good honour to share our minds with so many Ninja Gaiden fans!

I would like to talk about how much emotional characterisation goes into each character. Some people think that characters in games do not need personalities, but that is why they are called ‘characters’, they must have ‘character’. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is mainly portraying the story of Super NINJA “Ryu Hayabusa” but we are also doing it from different character’s point of view like “Ayane”,”Momiji” and “Rachel”. All these characters are there to support Ryu and lend his story weight, but they must have a valid reason for being.

Of course, I am not going to spoil why each new character is included, it will be unveiled in the story that they have their own reason why they fight! Oh! I just can’t talk any further! I would like you to play this game to find out but trust me – each playable character is conducting by themselves with their own motive and you will know about their personality, features and background as the game progresses. A story teller must not spoil the story, he must help you unravel it for yourself. Ayane, Rachel and Momiji will unravel the story for you!

I am aware that each playable character could become very similar without proper direction, so obviously each playable character must have their own action style. Ayane takes her fighting style directly from Dead or Alive which will please fans very much. Momiji has her unique double jump and can attack enemies from the air with her Naginata while Rachel is sexy and powerful with her overwhelming Inferno Hammer and 666 Machine Gun. These different weapons sets and skill sets will mean that the player must be aware of different skills and how each character reacts in the game. Their weapons are different from Ryu’s nine kinds but basic action and attacking abilities are not stressful, you will learn to feel like a ninja! Each character has their own technique so please remember, these skills are not only important in story mode but also Team Missions and Chapter Challenge… and more! Okay, I am giving too much away! Next topic!

There are many additional characters we would like to introduce in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, not just the four you already know about. Firstly, there is Sonia, heroin of this game who comes along with Ryu without regard for her danger. She is very sexy too! The story mode starts with her presence and she becomes important factor at pivotal points so remember to look out for her! Secondly, I can tell you exclusively that Joe Hayabusa will be in the game. He is a master of “Hayabusa sept” and Ryu’s father. We haven’t talked a lot about him in past franchises, but in this game, you will see his story in the prologue we implemented. You will get to know him well for sure! I am saying too much again!

There are many important characters in the game as well, who play even smaller roles – but everyone is important – like “Muramasa” who is sword expert and “Sanji” who is very young NINJA from Ryu’s village…please see them all! All these characters we would like to flesh out too. To explore their humanity, to delve stronger and deeper into their motives. Maybe we can do this more when we will have the next NINJA GAIDEN! We are feeling that our fans are looking forward to it. We do want to live up to their expectation! Okay, I now have said too much! Goodbye!