They say a hero is only as good as his villain, so there’s no wonder Ninja Gaiden’s face-breaking badass, Ryu Hayabusa, has been elevated throughout the decades as one of video game’s truest legends. Ninja Gaiden Master Collection lets gamers relive every one of Master Hayabusa’s bloody fights – the same fights that live on in Ninja Gaiden lore, and the fights that made the franchise famous for being the originator of masocore as one of the most unapologetically difficult gaming experiences in existence.
So for old-school fans of the franchise looking for a refresher on just who will pose some of the toughest challenges in the new collection, or for new fans looking for a quick taste of the bloody battles waiting for them when they sign in to play the three games included (Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge), here are the four bosses gamers should keep an eye out (and a weapon ready) for when the collection hits Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on June 10.
Doku
The Lord of the Greater Fiends of the Vigoor Empire, Doku is a merciless warrior who Ryu will encounter throughout the Sigma experience. One of the most memorable fights goes down in the Hayabusa Ninja Village, but you will need to face-off against this fierce foe multiple times (and in multiple forms), including a vengeful spirit. Watch out for Doku’s fierce grab move. If he gets a hold of you and hits you with his standing sword swing, it’s game over in one move.
Alma
The twin (sinister) sister of Rachel, Alma throws down with the best of them, offering one of the most memorable fiend battles in the franchise. Alma’s incredible agility and dodging ability make her terribly tough to hit, and she can throw both fireballs at enemies and cast a beam of light that propels opponents back at her, leaving them prone to getting smashed back into the ground. When Alma reaches her awakened form, she looks to smack our favorite ninja down with her tail. Seems like a good time to break out the Flying Swallow Technique to take this boss out once and for all, but be careful, as according to long-time Ninja Gaiden fans, Alma might just be the toughest fiend in the entire franchise.
Genshin
The Supreme Ninja Overlord, Genshin, is the antihero so cool, it’s too bad you have to kill him. Genshin is the Overlord of the Black Spider Clan and in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, the super ninja battles Ryu everywhere from Japan to South America to the Netherworld. Wielding the Blade of the Archfiend, Genshin’s sword rivals that of Ryu’s Dragon Sword, so gamers will need to wary of its deadly swipes. In fiend form, Genshin also wields the power of Pyrokinesis, giving him the ability to shoot flaming arrows and create a ring of fire around him by striking the ground.
Regent of the Mask
A sadistic assassin and alchemist, Regent of the Mask’s combination of swordplay and sorcery is unrivaled throughout the series. Regent of the Mask hits Ryu with everything from sword thrusts to close-up stabbing attacks to energy bolts and illusions. Because of Regent of the Mask’s jaw-dropping speed, Ryu will need to be just as quick to dodge and dash, then strike his rival down from behind if our favorite ninja wishes to finally reveal just who is the man behind this evil mask.
But these aren’t the only fan-favorites Ryu Hayabusa will encounter throughout the long-heralded series (looking at you, Volf!), when Ninja Gaiden Master Collection arrives for this hero’s highly-anticipated return to Xbox, a console with great history for our super ninja, and the villains who helped create the legend.
The undisputed king of hack ‘n’ slash is back home on Xbox … and ready to reclaim its throne.
NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection
KOEI TECMO AMERICA
NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection Deluxe Edition
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Talking Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires with Producer Akihiro Suzuki
