Over the years the 3D Ninja Gaiden games have gotten a very complex naming structure. From vanilla titles, to the Black, Sigma, Sigma Plus and Razor’s Edge suffixes, it can be tough for newcomers to catch their bearings on what version best fits them.

Let’s start with the hard truth: with some very few exceptions, there are no best versions. Unlike titles like Zone of the Enders 2nd Runner, Resident Evil 5 or Warcraft III, Ninja Gaiden‘s versions all tend to remove and add things in equal measure, making it harder to point to one version as the definitive one. Instead it’s more a case of finding out which version has the type of content that appeals to you the most.

For this article we will look at each and every version, on every console. There’ll be a short description, noting what’s changed about that version and a little paragraph at the end on why you might prefer this version. At the end of each game there’ll be some closing thoughts as well as some recommendations. At the end of the article you’ll also find tables covering the technical specifications of each game, as well as what content and costumes are present in which versions for an easy overview.

However, due to the ever changing nature of fan-made mods and quality of emulators, these are omitted. 

Now before we start: this article is mostly meant for newcomers to the series. So if you’re a veteran ninja, keep that in mind when you don’t see a mention of how Karma-timers weren’t properly adjusted in the first Sigma as opposed to Black. I also won’t be covering Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword nor Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. With that said, let’s dive in!

Ninja Gaiden 

📅2004 | 🎮Xbox Original, Xbox 360

Summary: the first 3d title, starring Ryu Hayabus as he explores his way through the Vigoor Empire. Unlike later games in the series this one had more puzzles and backtracking alongside its combat, hence it sometimes being labelled as an adventure game like the first God of War for example. Combat is challenging, but fair, with an emphasis on defensive combat but plenty of chances to make your own openings.

Changes: being the original version, a lot of content is different from later releases. For one it lacked a fully controllable camera, had the original Ultimate Technique system that disallowed manual charging (making its usage more tactical) and lacked the Lunar Staff weapon. Higher difficulties do not add or remix enemies and items, as opposed to later versions. On the flipside this is the only version that can support the Hurricane Pack DLC, though since Xbox Live is discontinued you’ll have to resort to modding to obtain it. It also features the SNES Ninja Gaiden Trilogy as unlockables (which does not work on the Xbox 360 due to backwards compatibility issues).

Standout: generally speaking this version is reserved for the curious. It’s interesting to see where the series started and how it grew, but it’s a poor place to start or seek mastery compared to later versions. One interesting element is that due to higher difficulties not remixing the game, this version is the only one that allows you to fight bosses one on one on higher difficulties; since all other versions give them enemies to help them. If paired with the DLC, you can play around with the unique Intercept Parry move, which never returned to the series. If you just want to play the first game once, and this entry is cheaper, it’s a nice entry though. Also beating it once unlocks Hard Mode for Ninja Gaiden Black, should you buy it later anyway. Also is the only game in the original versions that contains an, albeit lackluster, New Game Plus.

Ninja Gaiden Black

📅2005 | 🎮Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X

Summary: The re-released version of the original, with nearly all the DLC content seamlessly implemented. Runs at 4k resolution with stable framerate on Xbox One X or higher. 

Changes: adds the Lunar Staff while higher difficulty modes now change everything from enemy compositions to item locations and even add new bosses. New costumes were added, but one was also removed. This version adds an easy Ninja Dog Difficulty for beginners, as well as over 40 challenge map missions to tackle at your own pace. Some equipment like a passively healing gauntlet were also removed from the campaign, while some weapons and attacks got minor balance tweaks and Intercept was once again removed. This game also removed the SNES Trilogy as an unlockable, but added the Arcade version from 1988.

Standout: generally considered to be the best version of Ninja Gaiden‘s first iteration, it sports a strong performance and is filled to the brim with content, sadly being limited to Xbox hardware. Compared to the Sigma version, mentioned below, this game also doesn’t feature Rachel as a playable character. Most view this as a positive, as she’s a lot slower than Ryu, only has one weapon and few attacks, and breaks up the pacing of the game. This version also has the most costumes out of any of the releases.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 

📅2007 | 🎮Playstation 3, PlayStation Plus Premium

Summary: the first remake of the original, made to release the classic on Playstation hardware. The game sports a brighter artstyle and an added playable character, as well as many changes, big and small.

Changes: veterans might note that specific enemy loops no longer work, that Ryu has a different dodge animation or that he can now shoot his bow while jumping; expanding combo options. Contentwise a new Dual Katana weapon was added as well as three chapters where the player is forced to play as Rachel. To bring the game more in line with the upcoming Ninja Gaiden II, a lot of puzzles and backtracking were removed in favour of more enemies, making some chapters a lot harder. The game also adds a new boss fight near the start which when beaten unlocks content earlier, a boon for returning players. Important is the DLC, which adds a Survival Mode for each weapon as well as 5 new challenge maps. Lastly, all unlockable retro games are removed going forward. 

Standout: a remixed version of an already remixed game bursting with content. All the minor changes already make it an interesting companion piece, but what really makes it stand out is the removal of puzzles and most of the platforming sections. If those elements tend to bother you, this version might fit your fancy compared to Black. Same goes for the Survival Mode, which is not present in Black and can provide hours of challenges. 

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus 

📅2012 | 🎮Playstation Vita

Summary: a mobile version of Sigma, this version mostly focuses on bringing the title to the handheld gaming market. Sporting the expected features of gyro aiming and a lower framerate of 30 instead of 60, it’s more for casual gaming.

Changes: adds an even easier Hero Mode difficulty where the game will block and dodge attacks for you if you get close to dying. One big change is the addition of equipable accessories as well as stat-changing costumes, providing a significant nerf to the difficulty when used. As a nice bonus, this release comes with a new costume to tie-in with the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 3. Sadly the Survival Mode DLC from Ninja Gaiden Sigma is absent.This is also the first version of Ninja Gaiden 1 to sport achievements in the form of Trophies.

Standout: the stat-changing items can be entertaining to play around with to break the game, while the new Hero Mode can allow anyone to see the adventure through to the end. Since most of these features made it into the Master Collection (see below), the only real appeal of this version is its portable nature.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus Master Collection

📅2021 | 🎮Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 4, Switch, PC

Summary: bundled with its contemporaries, this version brings the Vita release to the big screen. Offering all its previous content while running at a stable 60 frames per second. 

Changes: only minor tweaks were made, such as gyro aiming being removed. Strangely it uses a mixture of Vita and PS3 assets, and in some locations features the Vita’s fixed loading times. As a bonus Hard Mode is unlocked from the start, allowing skilled players to unlock the coveted Master Ninja mode in a couple of hours instead of 3 playthroughs by being the optional Doku boss. Contrary to popular belief the Switch version runs fine.

Standout: due to offering all the content of Sigma, its DLC and the little Vita additions, this can easily be considered Sigma’s best release. The only hindrance is the stat-changing accessories and costumes, but those can be ignored if you don’t equip them. 

鑒 personal recommendation 鑒

All strong versions with unique touches to them. If an Xbox is available to you, you cannot beat Ninja Gaiden Black and its many touches. The original balancing, levels and also lack of Rachel make that game a fantastic experience. If that version is not an option, all three of the Sigma versions are fantastic in their own right, with my personal preference going to the Master Collection version. Both due to its ease of access, offering Survival Mode and coming bundled with other games. 

Ninja Gaiden II

📅2008 | 🎮Xbox 360, Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X

Summary: the vanilla or OG version as it is often called, featuring the original crazy vision that was left unfinished due to internal staff issues. Featuring 14 chapters where you play as Ryu it pits him against nearly 4500 enemies over the course of the story, with a focus on more offensive based combat than Ninja Gaiden Black’s methodical defensive nature. To win at Ninja Gaiden II, is to die slower than your enemies. Introduced the delimb system, as well as a whole selection of new weapons like the Kusari-gama and Tonfas.

Changes: being the original, it features many oddities. You only play as Ryu and there isn’t much bonus content available on the disc outside of 4 recolored costumes. Later DLCs add 15 more costumes as well as an addicting Survival Mode and Mission Mode, where the game is even more brutal. Unless played on a Xbox One X or higher, which offer 4k resolution, the game will suffer from frame-rate issues and crashes, especially on the Xbox 360. 

Standout: the only version of the game that sports the brutality and challenge of the original, with its optional Tests of Valor pushing even the hardiest players to their limits. While the first entry set a gold standard for what Master Ninja difficulty demands of the player, the second game demands even more.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

📅2009 | 🎮Playstation 3, PlayStation Plus Premium

Summary: the remixed version exclusive to Sony’s flagship machine brought many changes to Ninja Gaiden 2, to the point of it being almost a new game. Fanmade change-logs go as far as 30 pages long, but the core change is that enemies are a lot more durable but appear in lower numbers. While the original sported about 4500 enemies in a single playthrough, you’ll barely fight 1500 here, with many areas being empty or only featuring one or two mooks in your way. 

Changes: enemies are way less frequent, but more durable, as mentioned. Many bosses were slowed down to be more manageable as well, while the less popular ones were removed entirely while older bosses and enemies from Sigma were added as well as new God of War inspired larger than life fights. Ryu now permanently has his bow which has infinite ammo, but many other ranged weapons are removed and the bow cannot be charged up, but he gains a new greatsword named Enma’s Fang. Weapons can no longer be upgraded with cash, but via pre-selects statues. Mission Mode and Survival are removed, as well as the gore and the 19 costumes are replaced with 4 new ones. New Game Plus is removed in favour of Chapter Challenge Mode, a semi score-attack mode where you replay through chapters with a prebuilt character. 3 extra playable characters are added with their own missions in between Ryu’s. The biggest addition is Team Missions where you play with another person online to tackle incredibly hard content. Game runs butter smooth, but has some input lag compared to the OG. 

Standout: due to later re-releases of Sigma 2 offering a lot of the content on offer here, as well as some extras, this version’s main attraction is the co-op mode, which is still active and very addictive.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus

📅2013 | 🎮Playstation Vita

Summary: the portable version sports some new content, as well as the optional return of blood and gore, at the cost of a very inconsistent and low framerate.

Changes: Team Missions were changed into Tag Missions, where the player can swap between two characters while tackling the impossible challenges. A new Ninja Race Mode was also added, where players have to speed through enemy-filled stages while managing time, collecting power-ups, and chaining kills for speed boosts. A few new costumes were also added while outfits that were previously DLC are now also added for free. In a bizarre twist Rachel was significantly nerfed, both her gun dealing less damage and her hold-attack no longer being invincible. 

Standout: while later re-releases would also feature Tag Missions, they were made significantly easier due to nobody beating them in this version. To this day no-one has obtained this game’s Platinum Trophy through legit means, making it an interesting challenge for those willing to seek it out. Will you be the first?

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Master Collection

📅2021 | 🎮Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 4, Switch, PC

Summary: a remaster of Sigma 2, bundled with Sigma 1 and Razor’s Edge. Runs fantastic on modern hardware.

Changes: brings all the content from the Vita version to the big screen, making co-op the only real omission. Tag Missions were nerfed to be completable solo, but still force you to play alongside AI sadly. All previous DLC and pre-order costumes are added in for free as well. Has slight performance issues on the Switch.

Standout: barring the omission of co-op Team Missions, this is the most complete and easily accessible version of Sigma 2. Helped further by its attractive price.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

📅2025 | 🎮Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 5, PC)

Summary: the surprise reskin of Sigma 2, Black 2 presents a new flourish with UE5 models and animations through clever coding tricks. Mixes and matches some changes in hopes of bringing the game more closer to the original Xbox release, for example by adding a few more enemies to specific fights and changing the upgrade system back to how it was.

Changes: strangely the game sports many omissions, with numerous costumes being removed compared to Sigma 2’s Master Collection, as well as the removal of Ninja Race Mode. On the other hand the game has the clear graphical upgrade, ups the enemy population to about 1850 (2100 after the patch) and changes the upgrade system back to the way it was. A patch also re-added New Game Plus, while Ayane was also significantly buffed in the patch; making her chapter a lot more fun than before.

Standout: a fun off-beat version, with a modern presentation and mix of the OG and Sigma 2’s difficulty. In terms of content and quality it falls short to both Sigma 2 Master Collection and the original Xbox release however, so if either of those two are available to you, and graphics aren’t important, they may be the better and cheaper choice at the moment of writing.

鑒 personal recommendation 鑒

Depending on your tastes, any of the versions have their own unique appeal. Sigma 2 on the Playstation 3 is the only one with the co-op missions, while the Vita offers the impossible challenge. Meanwhile the Master Collection offers the most content, while Black 2 the best visuals and offers a new take on the crazy experience in some of its later chapters. Still, if you had to play only one, the choice still (sadly) goes to the original release from 2008 on the Xbox. Especially when played on a modern machine with its DLC, it offers a unique gameplay experience not found in its re-releases while also sporting some of the more engaging sidemodes like Survival.

Ninja Gaiden 3 

📅2012 | 🎮Xbox 360, Playstation 3

Summary: the controversial third entry that attempted to appease a more western audience with more dramatic writing and cutscenes and more scripted content. Delimbs were removed for a chaining kill-system called Steel on Bone where Ryu could slaughter through hordes of foes.

Changes: at its base the game features only one usable weapon and no costumes, with the core of the game being present in Mission Mode, which once again features co-op. There’s now also multiple PvP modes, while later patches and DLC added two more weapons into the mix. Sadly the game is rife with input lag and frame dips. This is the first release to feature the Customizable Ninja for the online component, which you could dress up with unlocked gear pieces to make wholly your own.

Standout: with later re-releases remixing the game so much, this version exists solely as a curiosity. Though the game has its niche fans, and you might be one of them, it might still harbor a look down the road. Interestingly this is the only version with Playstation Move support so if that fits your fancy it’s worth a look.

Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor’s Edge WiiU Edition

📅2012 | 🎮WiiU

Summary: a full revival of the original game, adding tons of new content and changing the combat to be more in line with the previous games. Combat is more a mix of aggression and defensive with the changes made to Steel on Bone, while enemies are more aggressive but also harder to hit. To compensate Ryu regains old tools like the guillotine grab while also gaining new ones like the Cicada Surge teleportation tool to keep on the offensive. 

Changes: listing all the changes would take days, but from the addition of 5 new weapons, Ayane as a playable character, the return of Chapter Challenge mode which can be played with any character on any stage, new and returning unlockable abilities, the added classic costumes, ninpo magic and removal of many of the scripted story events as well as the return of optional Test of Valor challenges featuring bosses from previous games – it’s a lot to take in. Online Co-op is also still present with new missions added in as well. The game quickly also saw free DLC add in more costumes as well as two other playable characters, Momiji and Kasumi.

Standout: of the versions of Razor’s Edge, this was the first and – for once – the least complete. A lot of content is DLC exclusive, and the online system lacks lobbies while also sporting occasional frame dips and lag. Interestingly, this is the only version where upgrading your health does not heal you, making it quite a bit harder.

Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor’s Edge

📅2013 | 🎮Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X

Summary: a port of the WiiU version with minor changes made to it, sports a high frame rate and resolution on modern Xbox hardware due to backwards compatibility. 

Changes: all the previous DLC is included for free on the disc, while also offering a bonus costume for those that have save-date of the original on their system. Lobbies are added to the online mode, and health-upgrades now fully heal you. 

Standout: especially when played through the backwards compatibility program on Xbox, this game is a stand-out. Featuring all the content as well as the co-op mode and customizable ninja. 

Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor’s Edge Master Collection

📅2021 | 🎮Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 4, Switch, PC

Summary: a remaster of Razor’s Edge, bundled with Sigma 1 and 2. Runs fantastic on modern hardware.

Changes: contains all the previous content, but sadly removes the co-op, pvp and Customizable Ninja. Instead Mission Mode has its harder missions nerfed significantly to be completable solo. Has slight performance issues on the Switch.

Standout: the most easily accessible version, offers all the content. If you don’t care about the co-op mode then this version is fantastic. Also runs at 4k.

Ninja Gaiden 3 Razor’s Edge Master Collection D/Z 

📅2021 | 🎮Playstation 4, Switch

Summary: exclusive to Japan with specific censoring. The D-version censors decapitations, while the Z-version restores them. The D-version is only available digitally.

鑒 personal recommendation 鑒

Thankfully here the recommendation is a lot easier, as it simply revolves around one question: are you interested in the co-op mode? If so, then the Xbox360/PS3 version is your best bet, especially through the backwards compatibility program on Xbox. If this does not interest you, then the modern Master Collection release is a fantastic version that looks and controls great.

Below you’ll find tables regarding which costumes and game modes are present in which versions of their games, as well as a general performance overview. 

Ninja Gaiden 1

Costumes

	Original	Black	Sigma	Sigma Plus	Sigma MC
PurpleShinobi	✅	✅*	❌	❌	❌
Ninja of the Future	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Fiend Curse	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Doppelganger	DLC**	✅	✅	✅	✅
Classic Blue	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Red Muffler	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
Dead or Alive	DLC**	✅	❌	❌	❌
Grip of Murder	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Stat changing items and costumes	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅

Resolution, Framerate and Gamemodes

	Original	Black	Black 360	Black BC	Sigma	Sigma Plus	Sigma MC
Resolution	480p*	480p	720p	4k	720p	960×544	1080p to 4k**
Framerate	50-60	50-60	60	60	60	30	60
New Game Plus	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Mission Mode	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Survival Mode	❌	❌	❌	❌	DLC	❌	✅
NG Arcade	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
NG Trilogy	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
Rachel Chapters	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅

Ninja Gaiden 2

Ryu Costumes

	Original	Sigma 2	Sigma 2 Plus	Sigma 2 MC	Black 2
Original recolors	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Fiend + recolors	DLC	✅*	✅*	✅*	✅*
Biometal + recolors	DLC	❌	❌	❌	❌
Shadowwalker recolrs	DLC	❌	❌	❌	❌
Classic Blue	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Doppleganger	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Dynasty Warriors	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌
DoA	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌
White Falcon	❌	DLC	✅	✅	❌

Ayane Costumes

	Sigma 2	Sigma 2 Plus	Sigma 2 MC	Black 2
Miyama	✅	✅	✅	✅
Dynasty Warriors	✅	✅	✅	❌
China Dress	DLC	✅	✅	❌
DoA5 black	❌	✅	✅	✅
DoA5 purple	❌	✅	✅	❌

Momiji Costumes

	Sigma 2	Sigma 2 Plus	Sigma 2 MC	Black 2
Ascetic White	✅	✅	✅	✅
Dynasty Warriors	✅	✅	✅	❌
Indigo Happi	DLC	✅	✅	✅
Shrine Maiden	❌	✅	✅	❌
Violet Maiden	❌	✅	✅	❌

Rachel Costumes

	Sigma 2	Sigma 2 Plus	Sigma 2 MC	Black 2
Dynasty Warriors	✅	✅	✅	❌
Formal wear	DLC	✅	✅	✅
Purple Fiend	❌	✅	✅	✅
Censored Fiend	❌	✅	✅	❌

Resolution, Framerate and Gamemodes

	Original	Original BC	Sigma 2	Sigma 2 Plus	Sigma 2 MC	Black 2
Resolution	585p	4k	720p	960×544	1080p up to 4k*	4k
Framerate	20-60	60	60	20-30	60	60-120
Mission Mode	DLC	DLC	❌	❌	❌	❌
Survival Mode	DLC	DLC	❌	❌	❌	❌
Tests of Valor	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
New Game Plus	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	Patch**
Team Missions	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌
Tag Missions	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Ninja Race	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌
Chapter Challenge	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
Gore	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	✅

Ninja Gaiden 3

Ryu Costumes

	Original	Razor’s Edge WiiU	Razor’s Edge PS360	Master Collection
Classic Blue	❌	✅	✅	✅
Doppelganger	❌	✅	✅	✅
Fiend	❌	✅	✅	✅
Warrior Spirit	❌	Patch	DLC	✅
Epigonos	❌	❌	Needs Savegame	✅

Ayane Costumes

	Original	Razor’s Edge WiiU	Razor’s Edge PS360	Master Collection
Phantom	❌	✅	✅	✅
Blossom	❌	✅	✅	✅
Raging God	❌	✅	✅	✅
Infiltration	❌	Patch	DLC	✅

Momiji Costumes

	Original	Razor’s Edge WiiU	Razor’s Edge PS360	Master Collection
Purifying flame	❌	✅	✅	✅
White	❌	✅	✅	✅
Dindigo Happi	❌	✅	✅	✅
Police	❌	Patch	DLC	✅

Kasumi Costumes

	Original	Razor’s Edge WiiU	Razor’s Edge PS360	Master Collection
Lapis	❌	✅	✅	✅
Traditional White	❌	✅	✅	✅
Snowfall	❌	✅	✅	✅
Sailor	❌	Patch	DLC	✅

Resolution, Framerate and Gamemodes

	Original	Razor’s Edge WiiU	Razor’s Edge PS360	Razor’s Edge XboxBC	Master Collection
Resolution	720p	720p	720p	720p	1080p up to 4k*
Framerate	20-60	40-60	40-60	60	60
Chapter Challenge	❌	✅	✅	✅	✅
PvP	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Co-op Mission Mode	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Single Mission Mode	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Bonus Girl Chapters	❌	✅**	✅	✅	✅
Ultimate Ninja Difficulty	DLC	Patch	✅	✅	✅

First off I’d like to thank Badshah44, ShatteredLeo and Dominic Allen for double checking all the information that was presented here. With large information heavy articles like this it’s great to have knowledgeable players help out, as it’s easy to not see the forest through the trees.

Speaking personally for a second, I do wish that this type of article wasn’t necessary. Ninja Gaiden is a fantastic franchise that seems hell bent on having each new release be one step forward and one step backwards in equal measure, with even the most recent releases adding and removing content seemingly on a whim. 

Before closing, I do want to give credit to the Master Collection, while I was very critical of the release when it came out, seeing it basically feature all previously optional and paid bonus content, is very commendable and I love seeing it just have a row of checkmarks in the above tables. Especially in terms of costumes.

I hope this article at least helped some newcomers in finding a game that fit their fancy, and enjoy all there is to see in this wonderful series. Because it deserves all the love, and more.