Ryu is back, and he's taking his ninja-ing activities from New York to Tokyo to the Netherworld (the hellish one, not the saucy one) and back again. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, takes what Xbox 360 owners loved about Ninja Gaiden 2 then pushes the boat a little further.
As far as plot goes... well, there is one. Ryu's on a mission to avenge his clan or some such thing. The future of the human race is at stake. All in a day's work for an awesome ninja. With Sigma 2, however, it's not all about Ryu. With the likes of Ayane from Dead or Alive 2 and Momjii (of Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword fames) now playable, you'll get new story content to go with them.
We all know, however, that the point is really fast, bloody gameplay, and that's what we're set to get.
The game features a gameplay engine built from scratch by Team Ninja and developer Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of the Dead or Alive franchise, for NG2. Yet newer technology has been built for the PS3 version and integrated into the original code, meaning you're getting the most high-tech outing in the series yet.
It also comes with a auto-health regeneration system, a mechanic set to subtly shift the way you play. The biggie, however, is the obliteration techniques. Nowadays, dismembering a foe isn't enough to stop them dead. The problem with that is that they'll attempt to suicide bomb you. This is why you'll want to use an obliteration technique - different weapons come with different moves - to wipe them off the face of the planet.
Also available is the cleverly-titled 'Ninja Cinema', which enables players to record their exploits and share them. You'll even be able to indulge your inner film noir fan with a black and white filter.
Another feature new to Sigma 2 sure to win some fan love is an online co-op mode that enables you to team up with a friend and hack your way through 30 challenge stages.
Live by the sword. Make a big red mess. Avenge your clan. Do it in whatever order you like.