Itagaki of Team Ninja
Team Ninja, the Japanese development house behind theDead or Alive series, blew the roof off of this year’s E3 with the all-new, completely updated version of its classic gameNinja Gaiden. Lucky E3 attendees were the first to see the new trailer for Ninja Gaiden (now available right here on Xbox.com), and better yet, we all got a personal demonstration of this stunning action adventure game from the man in charge of Team Ninja, legendary game designer Tomonobu Itagaki. I had a chance to speak with Mr. Itagaki (through Tecmo Sales & Marketing Director and part-time translator John M. Inada) before he went onstage to demonstrate his latest masterpiece.
Itagaki answers questions from the fans.
At first glance, Ninja Gaidenmight appear to run on a modified version of the DOA3engine. But these deadly environments, easily as detailed and sharp as anything you’d see in DOA3 or Xtreme Beach Volleyball, are expansive, immersive, and fully loaded with challenges. “It’s a completely different engine thanDOA fighting,” Mr. Itagaki told me, “It’s the Ninja Gaiden engine.” With this third Xbox-exclusive game, Team Ninja continues to solidify a reputation as one of the console’s premiere developers.
What does Mr. Itagaki like about working on the Xbox? He sums it up in one word: “Power.” After dazzling Xbox gamers withDOA3and DOA Volleyball, Team Ninja puts that power to amazing use once again with NG. The power of the Xbox lets Mr. Itagaki focus on what he feels is the most important aspect of game design. “It’s all about quality,” he says, “And how well we work out the details. We’re very graphically oriented, but we focus just as much on game play.”
The graphic power of Xbox also lets Team Ninja incorporate some of the most original enemies and villains yet seen on the console. They come in all shapes, sizes, and types, and no matter how many are on screen, the frame rate continues to be smooth as silk (and bear in mind this is a game that isn’t releasing for at least 6 months). When I asked him how many could reasonably appear on screen at once, Itagaki laughed. “There are plenty of enemies trying to kill Ryu Hayabusa. I don’t think it’s a good idea to add any more.
It’s Ryu’s duty to slash that booty!
Though Ninja Gaiden has a mysterious Xbox Livefunctionality that Team Ninja is keeping under wraps for now (and that I couldn’t begin to guess about) , the developers aren’t bothering to include multiplayer components. “There’s only one Ryu Hayabusa!” Mr. Itagaki laughs, “He is the only playable character.”
So what’s the plot? While I was able to pick up a few details—Ryu must avenge the murder of his clan and fight hordes of nasty foes—Mr. Itagaki isn’t spilling anything else. “I don’t believe in sharing story,” he says, “That would take away from the joy of playing the game.” He recommends that people check out the new trailer, which might offer a few more plot clues. One thing is certain—this isn’t a sequel. “It’s an all-new story.” Ryu’s mission of vengeance puts all his skills and weaponry to the test, and those skills will grow with time. “There are many different types of weapons,” Mr. Itagaki explains, “Such as the sword, bow and arrow, and shuriken.” Furthermore, “The bow can use different types of arrows.”
A personal Ninja Gaiden demo from Itagaki.
Though billed as a third-person action title, the POV isn’t quite that cut-and-dried. “You can select third or first person depending on the situation. If there are too many enemies to battle, you might want to do third person. But if you want to take time and be more accurate with your aim, you might want to go with first person.” Don’t expect things to be easy, either. “My personal opinion is that there should be only one difficulty setting. That’s a point of discussion among Team Ninja right now,” he says, “If we did that [used variable difficulties] it would steal away some people’s chance to beat the game.” And if Mr. Itagaki has his way, beating the game will be an impressive achievement. “I want to make it very difficult!” he laughs.
Team Ninja has excellent taste in video games.
Ninja Gaiden from publisher Tecmo and the developers at Team Ninja is currently slated for a holiday 2003 release. Now go check out that new trailer!
By Ben Barker
