Ninja Gaiden 3

About

Ninja Gaiden 3 is a hack and slash game, continuing the modern series of the classic franchise. It features new game mechanics, including a focus on the consequences of violence, and is the first main entry not directed by Tomonobu Itagaki. The game also includes both single-player and 8-player online modes for varied gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

75%

Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews

gameplay2 negative mentions

The game has seen significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in the combat mechanics and the introduction of new characters and weapons.
Players appreciate the challenging gameplay and the sense of achievement that comes from mastering the game's mechanics.
The addition of a Hero mode makes the game more accessible for beginners, allowing them to enjoy the experience without being overwhelmed.

The game suffers from technical issues such as frequent freezes and poor graphics, which detract from the overall experience.
Many players find the enemy AI frustrating, as it often leads to unbalanced encounters that can feel unfair.
The difficulty spikes and lack of proper tutorials can make the game inaccessible for casual players, leading to a steep learning curve.

gameplay
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many criticizing its departure from the series' core elements, including a lack of variety in enemies and the removal of key features like weapons and magic. While some players find the button-mashing mechanics enjoyable and appreciate the game's attempt at a new direction, others feel the overall experience is dumbed down and disappointing, marked by bland graphics and ineffective mechanics.
- “The button mashing gameplay can be fun; the game attempts a new direction.”
- “Complete gameplay divergence from what made the series great, cookie-cutter enemies, no additional weapons, magic, or items.”
- “Dumbed down gameplay, controversial story, bland graphics, removal of blood and gore, absence of combos and dumbing down of ninpo, failed attempt at introducing morality, quick time events that fail at doing anything, an overall underwhelming disappointment.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The graphics have been criticized as bland and underwhelming, contributing to an overall disappointment with the game's visual presentation. Players feel that the aesthetic choices do not enhance the gameplay experience, and the removal of certain elements has further detracted from the visual appeal.
- “The graphics are bland and fail to impress, making the overall experience feel underwhelming.”
- “The visuals seem dumbed down, lacking the detail and vibrancy expected from a modern game.”
- “Overall, the graphics contribute to a disappointing experience, as they do not enhance the gameplay or story.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The story has been criticized for being controversial and underwhelming, with many feeling it lacks depth and fails to effectively introduce moral themes. Additionally, the gameplay elements, such as quick-time events and combat mechanics, are seen as overly simplified, contributing to an overall disappointing narrative experience.
- “The story feels dumbed down and lacks depth, making it an overall underwhelming disappointment.”
- “The attempt at introducing morality in the narrative is a failed effort, leaving the plot feeling controversial and unengaging.”
- “The quick time events (QTEs) fail to add any meaningful impact to the story, further detracting from the overall experience.”