Part 9: Bonus - Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword

We've got a Sigma 2 exclusive chapter coming up, so before then it's time for a bonus update to keep the progress in both games fairly even. This time, we're looking at another Ninja Gaiden game, one that is very different and I have a strong fondness for. That is, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword, on the DS.

Also as a heads up in case you're wondering about the audio quality in this video (from the game, not so much the commentary), recording this game and getting it to cooperate with any video editing software was a bitch and a half to deal with so that's it.


This is one of those games that epitomize what I like about handheld games and what a lot of games for something like, say, the PSP or Vita, missed the point of. No one wants a console experience scaled or dumbed down for a smaller platform, especially if the system you're making it for isn't especially impressive from a 3D standpoint. So the best way to approach it is to not make the same game, but a completely different experience that still respects the spirit of the original. In Ninja Gaiden's case, the approach was to make a game that took advantage of damn near every unique thing that could be done with the platform and not feel like a gimmick. You control everything in game with the stylus, with the exception of blocking which is still a button. You jump, run, slash, use ninpo, shoot projectiles, everything with the touch screen and it works consistently. Next, you hold the DS on its side like a book, so the screen's vertical, and it becomes way more comfortable to hold it in one hand while using the stylus in the other as opposed to the way it would be used in something like Metroid Prime Hunters.

Compared to the ports of Sigma 1 and 2 on the Vita, this is way more polished and impressive than those technically scaled down ports. Yes, you can't perform every single move you could in the console games, nor do you have any weapon other than the Dragon Sword, but that's not the point. It's not a replacement or mainline sequel. It fits the definition of spin off and is better for it. Plus it gives a different perspective and look into the Ninja Gaiden world by focusing on something that was never really shown in detail prior, which was the people that make up the Hayabusa village.

Also, fun fact. Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword exists because Tomonobu Itagaki's daughter asked him to make a DS game, so that her friends would be able to play one of his games. Isn't that sweet?

The Hayabusa Village
As I mentioned, the game gives a look into the Hayabusa Village and the people to make it, as the main games were far more focused on being engaged in combat at all times. We don't get to see Joe sadly, probably still training in the sacred wildnerness or something, but during the game you'll get to know several of these characters that are important to Ryu


Of the cast in Ninja Gaiden DS, most of the interactions are with the village children. As this is set six months after Ninja Gaiden 1, these kids are pretty much all implied to be orphaned as a result of Doku's raid on the village. They all look up to Ryu and want to do what they can to help him and the village in their own ways. These are the characters from left to right.

Sanji is one who aspires the most to be like Ryu in every way that's possible for a Ninja. His father died during the Dark Dragon Blade incident and was supposed to a proficient user of dual swords. While he only carries a single bokken for now, it's the initiative and thought that counts. Of the four children, Sanji's the only one that has a slight bit of story significance in one of Sigma 2's extra chapters.
Hanamaru is something of a crybaby. He's not that much in shape, but that does not mean he's unable to show any aptitude in the ninja arts. He's just got some growing to do in regards to gumption.
Denroku is the bookworm of the group, and spends the game giving gameplay tips to Ryu whenever you talk to him, with each exchange ending in some variation of "according to this book, at least." There's also a hint in some of the unlockable files that he's got something of a crush for Ayane, based on a sketch on the back of one of his books. Young love...
Sakura is a young girl who's not skilled in any ninjutsu and her life is pretty much decided to be that of a new shrine maiden in the future. There's moments during the game that she's in danger by the Black Spider Clan, but even without the ability to fight she still shows courage in the face of death.


Genjiro is pretty much a Ninja veteran. He's old now, but you can look at him and tell that he's seen some shit, fighting along side Joe Hayabusa in his prime. Nowadays he serves to train the other Ninja in the village. Not much else to him, just a cool old guy.
Omitsu is a curious case of looking younger than she actually is, but she is the caretaker of the Village children, and even knew Ryu and Kureha back when they were little. More impressively however is that, while not a full fledged Ninja, she's considered legendary among the Village as a master with a bow.