According to localization project manager Peter Garza, players will be able to create their own ninja, weapon loadouts and power-ups, as well as, of course, the look of their assassin.
”We really wanted to focus the single-player mode on swordplay, and the brutality that encompasses,” Garza said. ”Online, however, we have a different idea. It’s more like the world of ninjas, and for that you’ll be able to make your own ninja and compete with other people from around the world.
”You start out as a rookie ninja, and there’s a level system that allows you to grow as you play more of the modes. You can unlock new abilities as well as items and customisation features - there are about 2,000 kanji characters that you can wear on your back, for example.”
So far, Team Ninja has only given information about team battles and straightforward deathmatch modes, which doesn’t include the co-op mode that will be featured in the single player, in which two players can control Ryu Hayabusa and a companion. The companion will be AI controlled when played alone.
”It involves a lot of iteration and basic level geometry,” stated Garza when discussing the challenges of developing the co-op mode, ”We’re always trying to find out what would happen if you placed a certain object here, or let players slide down there… it is a lot of work, but that’s also the fun part of it. It’s not so much a challenge in terms of latency though, as we’ve done online fighting games before. We’re using our experience with Dead or Alive to make sure we can deliver an online action game that fans of the series will love.”
Ninja Gaiden 3 will be released next year on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
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