Ninja Gaiden Sigma to jump PS3

Ninja Gaiden Sigma - a special edition of the nimble-footed and utterly merciless slice-'em-dead actioneron Xbox- has been confirmed for release on PS3.

Sigma will feature additional levels, new weapons and a major upgrade to graphics and 'direction' (the fixed camera angles being one of the few complaints with theexcellent original, other than its towering difficulty). Also, in perhaps the biggest selling point, buxom femme fatale Rachel will be a playable character.

To celebrate the announcment, we've got a trailer and seven screens for your stealthing pleasure: check the Movies tab above to see it in action, or the Images tab for some crisp views.

Above: Newly playable character Rachel looks more than capable of holding her own.

Veterans from the game's Xbox editions may wonder what all the fuss is about, seeing as much of the footage doesn't look severed-head and shoulders beyond earlier versions, but Tecmo claims the game is only 20% complete, with plenty of time before its vague Japanese "spring" release to throw every PS3 effect they can at it.

Certainly, the moments of the trailer that are unique to Sigma - Ryu's new two-sword technique and Rachel making short work of red demons - are looking suitably polished. Ryu may have his work cut out for him keeping up with the new PS3-rendered curves of his partner in baddie-pulping.

September 22, 2006