New Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge Details, Demo Coming

Team Ninja today outlined new details for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, the latest chapter in the action series arriving at retail on April 2nd for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The developer revealed that the game will have a full-featured demo available on both platforms before launch and that the full retail Xbox 360 version will support SmartGlass functionality for tablets and smartphones. Additionally, Team Ninja announced the new Golden Scarab upgrade feature and fighting details for the female characters Kasumi and Momiji.

Xbox 360 players will be able to expand their experience with SmartGlass “second screen” features on their internet-enabled tablet or smartphone. They can check their updated personal records and achievements and even watch strategy videos based on their current in-game location to get help. Players will also be able to participate in the game’s community by viewing and commenting on gameplay videos which have been uploaded by players around the world — or take a more active role by uploading their own videos from the game.

Regardless of whether they are using SmartGlass features, all players can boost the capability of Ryu Hayabusa, the game’s iconic Ninja, by discovering Golden Scarabs hidden throughout the game world. These Scarabs can then be used to unlock new Ninpo or weapons. For instance, Piercing Void, a move that creates deadly sharp vacuum blades to slice up nearby enemies, can be unlocked for 20 Scarabs while the sweeping Lunar Staff weapon can be unlocked for 10 Scarabs. The Scarabs are well hidden, though—players will have to search hard for them.

Team Ninja also revealed the fighting moves that Kasumi and Momiji will add to Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge as playable characters. Kasumi, first seen in the Dead or Alive series, brings a variety of attacks including her renowned Mugen Tenshin attacks that strike with deadly speed even if delivered from midair. She can also unleash the slow but powerful Kunai Tempest, which creates a giant pinwheel shuriken, and Rending Wind, which channels her aura into a powerful beam of energy. Momiji is no slouch, either. She can double-jump in midair with her unique Heavenbreaker to rain down attacks from high overhead, transform dancing leaves into a circle of flames with her Crimson Lotus, and unleash a powerful fireball with her Autumn Flame.

Available prior to launch, the game’s demo will feature stages for both Hayabusa and Ayane. Any Karma or Ninja Skills acquired in the demo can be transferred to the full version, ensuring that demo play time is put to productive use. More details regarding the demo will be available soon.