Before Ninja Gaiden 4: why the original trilogy still matters and how it set the bar for action games

Edited screenshot of Ryu Hayabusa examining a blade in the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
Steel yourself for the challenges ahead Ryu Hayabusa. (Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Ninja Gaiden 4 has launched and is busy blowing everyone away with its spectacular hack and slash gameplay and savagely difficult boss fights.

If you've become a new fan thanks to Ninja Gaiden 4 and want to play the older games or just want a cheaper method to experience the franchise, then we have the solution.

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection (PC, Steam)
Save 55% ($22)
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection (PC, Steam): was $39.99 now $17.99 at Newegg

Celebrate the history of the 3D Ninja Gaiden games with Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, which bundles together Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge.

😍Alternative Deal: $18.99 at Loaded

Why should you buy the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection?

Ryu Hayabusa preparing to fight with Murai, the Hayabusa clan's leader (Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a bundle released in 2021 containing Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, which are definitive editions of Ninja Gaiden 1, 2, and 3.

This trilogy has you play as Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary master ninja dedicated to saving the world from evil ninja clans, worshippers of the Dark Dragon, and demonic fiends looking to eat humanity.

The Ninja Gaiden series are intense, hack and slash titles that will rip your body and soul asunder if you do not master each game's mechanics and move-sets.

They can be tough to learn, but once you do, you will feel like a speed demon hacking enemies at the speed of light and performing wrestling moves at sky-high altitudes before crashing enemies into the earth, and it is glorious.

Ryu Hayabusa charging through the fire and flames. (Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Ryu Hayabusa isn't the only character you will get play as in this collection as the Sigma and Razor's Edge editions of Ninja Gaiden 1, 2, 3 feature additional playable characters in the form of Rachel, Momiji, and Dead or Alive's Ayane, and Kasumi.

Each of these heroines have their unique move-sets to help stand out from Ryu Hayabusa and make them enjoyable to play in their own right.

The Master Collection also bundles together each game's cosmetic DLC packs to give the characters new looks and introduces a new Hero Mode Ninja Gaiden Sigma 1 and 2, to help newcomers or casual players survive a battle when their health bar is low.

Unleash your ultimate attack to wipe out enemies in one strike. (Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Sadly, however, since this collection was released in 2021, it does not feature the newly released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, which featured remastered visuals, gameplay, and quality-of-life improvements, and tons more gore when dispatching enemies compared to Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma.

Nor does it feature Ninja Gaiden Black, which some fans consider the best version of the original Ninja Gaiden for its additional content and challenge, although it lacked Rachel as a playable character.

If you don't mind those quibbles, the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection is a great and affordable way to experience classic titles for action game fans and Ninja Gaiden fans, both veterans and newbies introduced through Ninja Gaiden 4, especially now that it's on sale for $17.99 at Newegg.

FAQ

What is Ninja Gaiden?

Ninja Gaiden is a long-running franchise of 2D and 3D action games where you regularly play as Ryu Hayabusa, a master ninja dedicated to protecting his clan and humanity from villains and demons.

What platforms is the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection available on?

What games does this collection contain?

The Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection features Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge.

Is Newegg a legitimate retailer?

Yes. Newegg is a trusted, official retailer that sells all kinds of electronics from computers to video games, often with exclusive discount deals that are not found at any other retailer.


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Alexander Cope
Contributor — Gaming

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!

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