Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
| Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z | |
|---|---|
 European boxart (360 version) | |
| Developer(s) | Team Ninja Spark Unlimited Comcept |
| Publisher(s) | Tecmo Koei |
| Director(s) | Keiji Inafune |
| Composer(s) | Grant Kirkhope[2] |
| Series | Ninja Gaiden |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 3 |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, iOS |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Action, hack and slash |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is an upcoming third-person combat game in the Ninja Gaiden franchise by Tecmo Koei.[3] Keiji Inafune is involved with the project, providing character designs and creating the character of Yaiba.[4] The game is in development for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows platforms and is set for a February 27, 2014 release in Australia, a February 28, 2014 release in Europe and a March 4, 2014 release in North America.[5]
Gameplay
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is a third-person hack and slash video game that features elements similar to previous titles in the series. Players can run, jump, block and attack enemies using Yaiba's blade. A score multiplier on the right-hand of the screen accumulates the player's hit-count on the enemy. The "Ultimate Technique" mode seen in other titles has been replaced by a mode called "Bloodlust" which, when activated, allows Yaiba to decimate multiple enemies around him in quick succession.
Plot
The game stars the powerful Yaiba Kamikaze, an antagonistic ninja who once belonged to a clan whom he massacred, viewing them as cowardly.[6] At some point Yaiba engages in battle with franchise protagonist Ryu Hayabusa, losing his left eye and arm, along with his "life". He was resurrected as a cyborg by a mysterious organization, having to quell a zombie plague in exchange for the power he needs to take his revenge on Ryu.[7]
Development
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z was officially unveiled on September 19, 2012.[3] It was revealed that, along with Team Ninja, Keiji Inafune would be involved as the director of this new Ninja Gaiden title. On June 6, a new trailer appeared on GT.TV that featured a full motion video sequence, along with a short snippet of real-time gameplay.
On October 8, it was announced that Ninja Gaiden Z would be released on Microsoft Windows through the Steam platform. This would make it the first time that a Ninja Gaiden title was released on the platform in the history of the franchise.[8]
Canadian comic book artist James Stokoe has created several art pieces for the game, displaying them at the New York Comic Con.[9] The game is also complimented by a tie-in webcomic, published by Dark Horse Comics. It was drafted by writers Tim Seeley and Josh Eamons, and illustrated by Rafael Ortiz. The comic was released as a free download on Dark Horse's website.[10]
On December 13, 2013, it was announced that Beck from Mighty No. 9 would become a bonus playable character in Ninja Gaiden Z in the form of downloadable content. This was a deal struck between Comcept and Tecmo Koei, as Keiji Inafune is spearheading both titles.[11]
References
- ^ "News: Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z release date confirmed, new trailer unveiled". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
- ^ "Podcasts - Grant Kirkhope". Muscle Tower. 2012-12-30. Retrieved 2013-08-25.
- ^ a b Harradence, Mike. "TGS 2012: Team Ninja unveils Ninja Gaiden Z". Retrieved 19 September 2012.
- ^ Ponce, Tony. "I met Keiji Inafune! We discussed Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z!". Destructoid. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ "Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z confirmed for release on PS3, Xbox 360". Warp Zoned. 24 December 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
- ^ Koei, Tecmo. "The Story". Yaiba Official Site. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ "TGS: Keiji Inafune's Yaiba is Ninja Gaiden Z". IGN. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
- ^ Nunneley, Stephany. "Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z will release through Steam alongside console versions". VG/247. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ Romano, Sal. "Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z NYCC screenshots". Gematsu. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ Hinkle, David. "Dark Horse preparing Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z digital comic". Joystiq. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael. "Mighty No. 9 is making a cameo in Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z". Polygon. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
External links
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