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Posts with tag DragonSword

Itagaki talks up Ninja Gaiden

Posted Jan 31st 2008 3:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: News

It's no secret that we totally love Tomonobu Itagaki. It's a kind of love that few can experience in their life, as it drives you to do things you otherwise wouldn't do. Like, get a restraining order filed against you. It's okay, though. In Itagaki we trust.

It's also no secret that Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is going to be one of the year's most highly-anticipated games on the console. In fact, Itagaki commented that he's been approached with many offers to use his game engine. This could mean more DS games utilizing his innovative stylus-driven control scheme down the line.

And, if you needed another reason to pick the game up, listen to Itagaki. He says if you "consider yourself a true gamer, you owe it to yourself to play this game. If you don't, you'll be missing one of the breakthrough experiences in video gaming. This is an incredibly innovative piece of software."

We're sold. If you're not, maybe you should download the demo?

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

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2008's Biggest Blips: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword

Posted Jan 28th 2008 12:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Features


Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Tecmo
Release: March

There is a certain DS title on the horizon: Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. As a person who enjoys the finer things in life, like the silent "fwip" of a poisoned dart hitting your enemy's throat or the grace of emerging from the shadows to slice your enemy's stomach, spilling his intestines onto the bamboo floor beneath you, this game is likely the focal point of your life right now. Your only reason for accessing DS Fanboy on any kind of regular basis is only in the hopes that there will be new Ninja Gaiden news.

If none of this rings true to you, then perhaps some personal reflection is in order. Have you perhaps considered you are not a ninja, nor are you fascinated with the world's most efficient killer? Should this be the case, we have a surefire way to make sure you let in the unimaginable power to dispatch the living and accept the Ninja as the world's most awesome thing ever, all in a matter of days.

First of all, we have to list the givens:
  • You must quit your job
  • Leave your loved ones, making sure only to take one internet-accessing device (so you can read the rest of this, unless you want to use a pen and paper like some jerk), one bowl of rice and your DS
  • Make your way to the mountains of Tibet

Okay, now you're in Tibet. First thing you need to do is throw out the bowl of rice. Ninja don't get hungry; hunger fears the power of the ninja. The ninja sustains its life through the destruction of its enemies. It feeds on the perfection of silently killing its target and making its way off into the night.

Next, you need to hook it up with Google maps and search for your local video rental store. Actually, there aren't that many in Tibet, so head back to your residence (maybe you should have just written this all down or printed it out?). Look up a Hollywood Video or a Blockbuster and go in. Find the nearest employee and ask them to point you toward the Ninja section. If they don't have a Ninja section, pull out your DS and use it to smack that unhelpful person in the face. Then, ask them to point you toward American Ninja.

Once face-to-case with the film, you'll have little time before the cops show up. You won't be able to take them on now at this point in your training, so grab everything that says American Ninja on it and duck out of the door. Once out of the store, put your heels to the pavement and run as fast as you can back to your family.

As you arrive at your former home, take care to enter as silently as possible. Your former spouse may have found someone new in the period since your departure and your training may need to be accelerated. Your primary goal is to find your VCR or DVD player, extract it and abscond to somewhere safe so that you may view these films.



Now is the time to absorb this material and carefully study each and every film in the American Ninja franchise you were able to make off with. You must watch them and emulate every single one of Dudikoff's moves, with your DS's stylus firmly gripped in hand. And only after learning from the master may you attempt your next task: securing your copy of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword.

By this time in your ninja career, it is now March and the release of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is quickly approaching. It would have to be before you could realistically master the skills of Michael Dudikoff. And now is your true test, as you must leave your dojo in the hunt for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword.



Now is the time for real-world practice, as seen in the video above.

It is here that your true skills will be put to the test. You have trained hard and you have been faced with many trials. You will have to make your way into a convenient retail location, procure the DS title, pay off the cashier and return to your sanctuary. It is a difficult task. We wish you luck.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword


Professor Layton
 Back Duck!
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Ninja Gaiden scan steathily emerges

Posted Jan 9th 2008 11:15AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Screens


Click image to enlarge

The latest issue of Japanese gaming mag Famitsu has a nice two-page spread on Team Ninja's upcoming DS entry in the kill-em-all-bloodfest of a franchise, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. We're not only excited to give this game a whirl because of the already-mentioned amount of killing Ryu will undoubtedly do, but also because the control scheme seems like it could pave the way for more games of this type. At this point, we're fairly convinced that Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword can cure every single problem we have in our life.

Any of you feel the same way?

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

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Ninja Gaiden boxart flips into view, falls flat on backside

Posted Dec 20th 2007 7:00PM by Chris Greenhough
Filed under: News



As if the news of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword being delayed until next March wasn't disappointing enough (news that was super-officially confirmed by a Tecmo press release today, by the way), the boxart for the game is ... well, not necessarily bad, but certainly underwhelming. Not ninjatastic. It might just be us, but the whole thing comes across as a bit half-assed, the kind of design a Tecmo work experience lackey might churn out on Photoshop during his lunch break. We really hope that didn't happen, Tecmo.

Here's hoping the game, which we're immensely looking forward to, makes more of an impact than its packaging.
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New Ninja Gaiden scan shows off cute characters

Posted Dec 5th 2007 12:45PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Screens


Click image to enlarge
We're fairly certain these smiling people are allies of Ryu's, as we're sure any enemy of a ninja has no ability to smile, often cowering in dark corners and crying themselves to sleep as they think of nothing but their impending doom. That's just life. The life of a ninja's target.

This fresh scan for what is sure to be the definitive ninja experience on the DS, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword, hits the net from the latest issue of Japanese gaming mag Famitsu. Team Ninja's handheld entry into the Ninja Gaiden franchise is something that you can imagine we're incredibly excited about, as its ambitious control scheme and truckloads of combat are things we can easily get behind.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

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Go hit up a download station, get Ninja Gaiden

Posted Nov 19th 2007 11:30AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Downloads, News

Getting out to a download station is hard work. First we have to apply for an exit permit from our cruel overlords at Joystiq, then we have to put on gobs and gobs of sun block (SPF 8,273, because of our incredibly pale skin). As if that weren't enough, there are also dangers to navigate in the wild, such as screaming children and the chupacabra. So, as you can see, it's tough work.

But, you can bet we'll be going through it now that word hits of a new demo on the download station block: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword. Rumored to be included in a download station near you some time ago, it is now confirmed as reality. As Itagaki fans (and Ninja Gaiden junkies), we're compelled to give the game a download. And we aren't doing it because we want to test it out or anything (we know it'll be great) so that we may come to a decision regarding purchasing the game (we know we'll be buying it). We just need it.

[Via Joystiq]
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Itagaki says Dragon Sword is halfway complete

Posted Oct 25th 2007 6:40PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Interviews

Tomonobu Itagaki has been a busy man, ever since he revealed his fan favorite franchise Ninja Gaiden would be seeing an iteration on the DS in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and a sequel on the Xbox 360. He's conducted lots of interviews about the DS game since then, answering the same question as to why he chose the DS over the PSP over and over again. Aside from the almost God-like status he enjoys in the gaming industry, he's quite the unlucky guy.

Aside from the quote where he says the game is 50% complete, he also comments on one of our concerns about the handheld title: the elaborate and breathtaking environments. Team Ninja is striving to meet those expectations on the portable platform. Not only that, but the handheld's lead programmer was almost single-handedly responsible for the fighting engine in both Dead or Alive 4 and the first Ninja Gaiden.
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Ninja Gaiden's REAL Ultimate Scanned Power!!!!

Posted Oct 12th 2007 2:00PM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: News


Why, hello there, Ryu Hayabusa. It's been a while since we've seen you outside of the same old recycled screens. We were starting to worry, but here you are again, looking very, uh ... ninja-ish. And awesome. Did we mention that? Our favorite ninja hero was featured in the latest (Chinese?) Famitsu and we were treated to a beautiful two-page spread that reminded us why we must get our hands on this title as soon as possible. But it's not just the look -- it's everything, particularly the creative, no-frills approach Team Ninja is taking with the handheld installment. While we dream of action and adventure, trip gaily past the break and check out the scans for yourself.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden's REAL Ultimate Scanned Power!!!!

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Itagaki speaks his mind in this two-part video interview

Posted Oct 10th 2007 12:20PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Interviews, Video



Itagaki was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule of making great games and shopping for leather to speak with GameTrailers about Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. Of course, they grilled him on just why he would go with the DS instead of the PSP (how many times must this man answer this question?!), but kept the piece interesting by sprinkling gameplay footage throughout the videos.

Hit up the second part of the video interview past the post break.

Continue reading Itagaki speaks his mind in this two-part video interview

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Itagaki sits down for a chat with Joystiq

Posted Oct 8th 2007 5:40PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Interviews

Our cruel overlords at Joystiq recently got to sit down with gaming icon Tomonobu Itagaki (we hope they brought him gifts of leather and booze). We imagine it only took him mere minutes to sexually assault the interviewing blogger (hawt!), before calmly putting his clothes back on, sitting down calmly and lighting up a smoke.

Following that horrible piece of mental imagery, Itagaki and Joystiq's confrontation at the offices of Team Ninja were nothing of the sort. In fact, it was quite casual and professional ... er, as professional as one can be during an interview with one of the most outspoken and blunt members of the gaming industry. And, Itagaki did not fail to be just that while conducting this interview.

The focus of the interview mainly revolved around his project for the DS, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. He speaks about why multiplayer wasn't implemented, the pros and cons of a stylus-driven control scheme and even the possibility of bringing other Team Ninja titles to the platform.
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Itagaki: DS is a chance to do something totally original

Posted Oct 1st 2007 6:50PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Interviews

While Itagaki has spoken about his feelings regarding the PSP and DS in the past, he has gone all out in his latest interview with Gamasutra. See, if he was just going to make a game on the PSP, he could've just made a PS2 game instead. No, to him, the user input is integral in creating a unique and lasting experience.

Enter the DS, where the stylus-driven combat of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is exactly what Itagaki was referring to. While the graphics might not be up to par for those who've enjoyed his games of late, Itagaki claims that the controls should more than make up for it.

It's an incredible interview, one that you should read immediately.
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TGS07: Joystiq goes hands-on with Dragon Sword

Posted Sep 21st 2007 11:11PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Reviews


As an Itagaki junkie (something we admit we are, as well), Joystiq's Ludwig Kietzmann could barely contain himself as he approached the booth seen above for Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword. At least, that's what we imagine given the fact that we are not there with him. Actually, we think about the little guy a lot. Maybe even too much.

But, onto the game! As he played it, he found that the stylus-driven controls of the game worked surprisingly well (our greatest fear has dissolved into the ether). The ease-of-use comes with a price, however. Ryu's move list has been incredibly simplified, as his graceful and wide range of attacks found in his latest console offerings is without representation here.

We're glad to report that he found nothing else of conflict with the title.
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Dragon Sword scans show off boss fights, art

Posted Sep 13th 2007 12:20PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Screens


Well, we're assuming they're boss characters based on how large they are and the descriptions for fighting them. Still, as we've said before, anything we can get our grubby little hands on involving Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword will not only make our day, but make our week. Seriously, we can't wait to get our hands on this game!

Head past the break for the scans.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

Continue reading Dragon Sword scans show off boss fights, art

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Ninja Gaiden returns to the series' roots with awesome interstitials

Posted Aug 7th 2007 10:40AM by JC Fletcher
Filed under: Screens, Imports


Whether this is intentional or not, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is bridging the classic NES Ninja Gaiden games with the newer Xbox/PS3 game. Not necessarily in terms of gameplay, as, except for the stylus control, this looks to play a lot like the Xbox game, but rather, in presentation.

The NES Ninja Gaiden got noticed in 1989 in part because of its brilliant anime-style cutscenes. Dragon Sword relies on the same kind of device to tell its story, using startlingly well-drawn comic panels to tell the epic story of whatever the excuse is this time for Ryu Hayabusa to slash at people and monsters with a big sword. It was probably a space-saving decision to use still images to replace full-motion video, and, judging by the results, it was a good one.
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Itagaki speaks with Joystiq

Posted Aug 2nd 2007 2:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Fan stuff

It's no secret that we love Tomonobu Itagaki. Just about every game he has been a part of creating has been excellent in our eyes. So, every time he speaks, we listen. That's just the way it goes. And his latest interview, with big poppa site Joystiq, is no exception.

Itagaki speaks about Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and the choice to bring it to the DS. Apparently, he didn't do it because the DS sells like 24K gold hotcakes or because he believes it to be a superior system to the PSP (hint: he does), but because of his children. Yup, his kids wanted a game on the DS, so he obliged.

The remainder of the interview focuses on his other projects at the moment, which are for other platforms, but we suggest you read it anyway.
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