Ninja Gaiden 3

 Xbox 360
Ninja Gaiden 3 Image
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 136 Ratings

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  • Summary: Ninja Gaiden 3 aims to take players on a journey with their hero Hayabusa once more, but this time they’ll see more from their protagonist than they ever imagined. For the first time, we’ll get a look at the world through Hayabusa’s eyes, and find out what drives him to fight, and kill. AtNinja Gaiden 3 aims to take players on a journey with their hero Hayabusa once more, but this time they’ll see more from their protagonist than they ever imagined. For the first time, we’ll get a look at the world through Hayabusa’s eyes, and find out what drives him to fight, and kill. At the center of the conflict this time around is a masked man whose motivations and goals are unclear. Through mysterious powers, he changes Hayabusa – and the lines between hero and villain, good and evil, are blurred forever. Featuring a new story, new gameplay and new modes, Ninja Gaiden 3 marks a new direction in this fan-favorite franchise. Team NINJA will change the way fans think about ninja and Ryu Hayabusa himself. Players will learn what it feels like to “cut someone down” through their experiences in the game. The game will also feature online multiplayer, both co-op and competitive, that will add a completely new experience to Ninja Gaiden. The shadowy world of ninja has never been presented this way, and Ninja Gaiden will never be the same! Pick up the Dragon Sword once more, sharpen its blade and hone your skills. An adventure unlike any other awaits you. [Microsoft]… Expand
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TGS 2011: Ninja Gaiden III - Consequence Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 39
  3. Negative: 6 out of 39
  1. Videogameszone.de
    Mar 26, 2012
    85
    Ninja Gaiden 3 is a brave departure for the infamous action series – and it's focus on sword fighting and spectacular quicktime sequences could disappoint diehard fans.
  2. XboxAddict
    Apr 13, 2012
    79
    Even though Ninja Gaiden 3 is still a relatively good game, with all the setbacks such as the high amount of QuickTime events, marginal design layout, and more, nothing pains me more than to say that Ninja Gaiden 3 is not the best game in the series. It's a shame too because like many of us, we have come to expect amazing work from the people of Tecmo and Team Ninja, but we can hope that this new team learns from this and grows the series back into greatness.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    Mar 21, 2012
    66
    There were several moments that induced frustration-whether due to the wonky controls, throw-happy enemies, or artificial limits on Ryu's ability usage-that were clearly just poor design choices.
  4. Game Informer
    Mar 21, 2012
    60
    Ninja Gaiden 3 is not a complete train wreck, but it does suffer from a multitude of problems. The action can be fast-paced and engaging at times, but many design decisions significantly bring down the experience. Dumbed-down A.I., a limited arsenal, the series' notoriously difficult camera, no inventory/currency system, and an incoherent story combine to make this the most disappointing title in the series.
  5. MondoXbox
    Apr 1, 2012
    57
    A disappointing sequel for Ryu's saga, stripped of all the features that made the previous chapters stand out in the action games crowd.
  6. Eurogamer Portugal
    May 2, 2012
    50
    Ninja Gaiden 3 discards all the elements that made the previous titles popular among players, and the result is a worse and mutilated game.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Mar 26, 2012
    16
    This face-off is two things enemy encounters in previous Ninja Gaiden games have never been: pedestrian and predictable.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 56
  3. Negative: 25 out of 56
  1. kingchris1045
    Apr 5, 2012
    10
    why are you guys giving this game such a bad score????? because I honestly loved the game, i loved the story, the fighting, and the online.why are you guys giving this game such a bad score????? because I honestly loved the game, i loved the story, the fighting, and the online. The only thing I can say that was stupid about the game was that they took off upgrading the weapon, when the enemy grab you I wish you can kick them off, and buying potion and that the only thing that was neg about the game but everything else I loved the game.… Expand
  2. sargent
    Mar 21, 2012
    9
    thia game is full game desighn is good sound and music is good Swap a full bar to transform into a dragon, killing everyone and refilling yourthia game is full game desighn is good sound and music is good Swap a full bar to transform into a dragon, killing everyone and refilling your health. What makes this tough is the long list of nameless combos, the sheer number of enemies and a loose camera that doesn't keep you the centre of attention.A once-branching tree has been pruned down to a trunk. Where you used to have a collection of weapons to master and upgrade, now you fight with static swords, a bow, and shurikens… Expand
  4. cookiehour
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    It's pretty sad how there's so much blind hatred for this game. It's not a bad game. Yes its not Ninja Gaiden but I respect the fact thatIt's pretty sad how there's so much blind hatred for this game. It's not a bad game. Yes its not Ninja Gaiden but I respect the fact that Team Ninja tried to do something different. I can tell you the action is still there. Here are some positives and negatives about the game.

    + The charged Ninpo action is good addition to combat.
    +The graphics are detailed and stand on their own. Please do not listen to IGN and their nonsense.
    + The combat overall is solid.

    -The enemies talk way too much. They actually sound better with the Japanese audio so change before you play.
    -The bosses could have been better. Some bosses were plain cheap and you needed a good strategy to take them out.
    -I do miss weapon changing. But I think Team Ninja wanted to emphasize what was happening to Ryu regarding the Dragon Sword, which is why the different weapons is DLC (and free at that).

    Don't let Metacritic or negative reviews scare you away. Rent/buy the game and judge for yourself.    … Expand
  5. BluStar48
    Mar 22, 2012
    5
    The action is cool but that's just about it. Basically take your normal Ninja Gaiden and dumb it down. Strip off all of the customization andThe action is cool but that's just about it. Basically take your normal Ninja Gaiden and dumb it down. Strip off all of the customization and inventory, different weapons and just about everything else that made Ninja Gaiden great and slap in more combo driven cinematics. It's not unplayable but it will have the true NG fan complaining the entire way through (no vigoorian flail!? WTF!?). First time NG players will like this one but the faithful true NG fan will be and should be disappointed.… Expand
  6. WyattTheAwesome
    May 30, 2013
    4
    This game was VERY disappointing and I'm shocked there would be a bad Ninja Gaiden game. Why is it so bad? The lack of weapons you had in theThis game was VERY disappointing and I'm shocked there would be a bad Ninja Gaiden game. Why is it so bad? The lack of weapons you had in the previous games, boss fights that fail to impress, showing Ryu's face and making him a pretty boy and the bland storyline. I liked Ninja Gaiden because I enjoyed saving the world from demons and stuff, but this game just took a dive in creek and is just inexcusably bad. The gameplay is the same, but this is a huge step back from NG1 and NG2. Don't buy this game unless you just want to finish its joke of a storyline.… Expand
  7. zmmby
    Aug 25, 2013
    2
    Wow, just wow. I've completed the game now and im speechless.

    This has the be one of the biggest letdown i've seen. The game is just    Wow, just wow. I've completed the game now and im speechless.

    This has the be one of the biggest letdown i've seen. The game is just stupid.

    AI is just a big laugh, enemies misses you with the gun even if your standing still.

    The menu and the items are gone, no secret items. Nothing that gives you a rush to continue the game.
    Its just similar action for stupid rich kids who arent a real hardcore game. Its a huge copy of God of War.

    Just quicktime events on bosses and enemies, stupid events all the time.

    And i hate quicktime events, its the most stupidiest thing i've experienced. You just press X all the time in the entire game then finishes it off with some lame quicktime buttons.

    Im so dissappointed now and I WILL sell the game forward, im not usually someone who sells my game but this is just embarrassing to keep in my collection.

    Hands down, if your a true Ninja Gaiden fan you wont bother with this game.

    If your a incompetent little who likes everything served on a plate enjoy.    … Expand
  8. sumguitardude
    Sep 8, 2012
    0
    The only feeling i have is disgust, bring back Itagaki and make him make a proper game like Ninja Gaiden game next time or consider this series dead!

See all 56 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012