"World of Ninjas": Ninja Gaiden 3 Multiplayer Modes Revealed

Team Ninja has revealed details of its multiplayer plans for Ninja Gaiden 3, and it involves eight-player deathmatches, a level system and a hell of a load of customisation options.

Localisation Project Manager Peter Garza told SPOnG that players will be able to create their very own ninja and toggle the way they look, as well as weapon loadouts and power-ups to give themselves a competitive edge online.

"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."

Only team battles and straightforward deathmatch modes have been revealed so far, alongside a co-operative mode that allows players to tackle Ryu Hayabusa's story with either a computer-controlled AI or with a friend. Garza added that Team Ninja will be looking to put its own spin on the traditional multiplayer combat scenario however, and that's proving to be a challenge.

"It involves a lot of iteration and basic level geometry. 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."