They kept ninpo (martial combat) out of the demo so the katana was the only option. The studio wants to show ”what we think of violence” with Ninja Gaiden 3.
”We consider gore and violence different elements. This time we wanted to show you what we think of violence. A core concept of the game is cutting through flesh and bone and when you cut through an opponent it feels visceral,” said Yosuke Hayashi.
”Also, enemies are human, not demons or monsters. When you see limbs and heads falling on the ground before, those were creatures. This time you have to cut through a human being.” Team Ninja is full steam ahead with Ninja Gaiden 3.
”This time we focused on the katana and what it’s like for players to cut through flesh and bone. As you proceed through the story, you will acquire different katanas.”
”We also have ninpo in the game. It wasn’t in the demo because we wanted players to see what it was feel what it is like to kill enemies with the katana. In the future we’ll be able to show you this element.” The studio want us to warm up to Ryu - make him human.
”In the other Ninja Gaiden titles, Ryu is focused on killing enemies and he didn’t show who he was. This time we want to show Ryu’s personality and how he relates to others. When Ryu is unmasked he is a regular man, just like us.”
”Therefore, he must feel similar emotions. We want to show this side of Ryu, his human side, and how he can relate to everyone,” explained Hayashi-san.
Ninja Gaiden 3 releases on Xbox 360 and PS3 in early 2012.