Part 95

Explore the differences between Ninja Gaiden 4 versions, including changes to the combo counter, successive play, Dark Dragon Blade, and more.

This section details the differences between the Xbox, PS3 (Sigma), and other versions of Ninja Gaiden 4, focusing on gameplay mechanics, unlockables, and features.

Differences by Feature:

1. Scoring System (Karma Points):
   
   • Xbox: Points decreased by half with each subsequent encounter. After 6-7 encounters, points depleted and encounters were no longer timed.
   • PS3: All encounters were only timed once. Skipping an enemy encounter forfeited Karma points.
2. Combo Counter:
   
   • Xbox: Two types: onscreen combo count and Karma Combo screen (with Time Limit). Large "50 HITS" or "100 HITS" flashed on screen for significant combos.
   • PS3: Combo counter omitted, only appearing on the Karma screen. No way to track combos if returning to farmed encounters.
3. Successive Play:
   
   • Xbox: Option to start a new game after Chapter 16 on certain difficulties with all Golden Scarabs intact from Chapter 1. Muramasa would grant some prizes upon reaching Chapter 2.
   • PS3: This option does not exist. Once Chapter 19 is finished on a specific difficulty, that's it.
4. The Dark Dragon Blade (DDB):
   
   • Xbox (Original): Obtained on a SUCCESSIVE PLAY file by reaching Chapter 13 and entering the storage room via the upper window in Hayabusa Village.
   • Xbox (Hurricane Packs/BLACK): SUCCESSIVE PLAY removed; DDB obtained by passing 50 Golden Scarabs to Muramasa on harder modes.
   • PS3: Obtained in harder modes only.
5. The Intercept Technique:
   
   • Xbox (Hurricane Packs DLC): A scroll enabled a parry move to block unblockable attacks by timing the Block Button press. Useful against large enemies and bosses like Nicchae and Ishtaros.
   • Xbox (BLACK): Deleted at the last minute; not present in the final release despite Prima Guide listings.
   • PS3: Does not exist.
6. Closed Captions and Text:
   
   • Xbox (Original): All text enclosed in a caption box during conversations or item grabs.
   • PS3 (BLACK/Sigma): All text shown onscreen without a caption box.
7. Ayane Kunai Scrolls:
   
   • Xbox (Original): Ayane threw kunai scrolls with helpful tips.
   • PS3 (BLACK/Sigma): Ayane’s kunai scrolls are fully voiced by Ayane.
8. The Nunchukus:
   
   • Xbox: Available for every difficulty in all versions. In Hurricane Packs (and Hard Mode for BLACK), they were in Ryu's inventory in Chapter 1.
   • PS3: Only available on Ninja Dog, Normal Mode, and Master Ninja Mode.
9. Ninja Gaiden Trilogy & Arcade Ninja Gaiden:
   
   • Xbox (Original): Ryu could unlock and play all three NES versions of Ninja Gaiden at the arcade machine in Han’s Bar.
   • Xbox (BLACK): NES Trilogy omitted; Arcade beat-em-up version added in its place.
   • PS3: NES Trilogy and Arcade versions do not exist; arcade machine removed.
10. Movie Viewer:
    
    • Xbox: Available after defeating the game on Normal Mode. Allowed playback of CG scenes (not FMVs).
    • PS3: Deleted. CG scenes only viewable by replaying specific chapters.
11. Costume Change Option:
    
    • Xbox (BLACK): Option to choose any unlocked costume when reloading a saved game (including Mission Mode).
    • PS3: Cannot choose a different costume when reloading. Must start a new game to change costumes.
12. The Ultimate Technique (UT):
    
    • Xbox (Original): Ryu could not perform a UT unless there was Essence to absorb. Pressing and holding Y would start the animation but not charge the UT.
    • Xbox (Hurricane Packs/BLACK): Ryu could perform the UT without needing to absorb Essence.
    • PS3: Same feature as Ninja Gaiden Black is used.
13. The Water Run:
    
    • Xbox: Rapidly tap the A Button as soon as Ryu's feet touch the water. Falling into the water during the run meant failure.
    • PS3: (Details omitted in source text for this point)