One of the most well-known ninja, Ryu Hayabusa’s name conjures feelings in people the world over. And yet, there is so much that we don’t know about the man behind the mask.

Ninja Gaiden 3 aims to take players on a journey with their hero Hayabusa once more, but this time they’ll see more from their protagonist than they ever imagined. For the first time, we’ll get a look at the world through Hayabusa’s eyes, and find out what drives him to fight, and kill.

At the center of the conflict this time around is a masked man whose motivations and goals are unclear. Through mysterious powers, he changes Hayabusa – and the lines between hero and villain, good and evil, are blurred forever.

Featuring a new story, new gameplay and new modes, Ninja Gaiden 3 marks a new direction in this fan-favorite franchise. Team NINJA will change the way fans think about ninja and Hayabusa in this game, and promise that they’ll know what it feels like to “cut someone down” through their experiences in the game.

The game will also feature online multiplayer, both co-op and competitive, that will add a completely new experience to Ninja Gaiden. The shadowy world of ninja has never been presented this way, and Ninja Gaiden will never be the same!

Those who preorder Ninja Gaiden 3 at GameStop and Amazon will get a special downloadable two-character demo stage from Team NINJA’s upcoming Dead Or Alive 5 fighting game, giving fans an exclusive chance to experience the game’s high quality, high energy action fighting before it arrives in stores in 2012. Meanwhile, the premium Ninja Gaiden 3 Collector’s Edition offers a truly deluxe package that gives players a chance to play all four characters in the Dead Or Alive 5 demo stage, an exclusive Ninja Gaiden 3 “Unmask” game art book, soundtrack CD, and a unique “Duel of the Masked” figure not available elsewhere. Collector’s Edition only available at GameStop and EB Games.

“With Ninja Gaiden 3, Team NINJA has created a fresh new way to take players behind the mask of the world’s greatest ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, where they must choose when to give mercy or wreak vengeance to learn what it means to be a dark hero,” said Amos Ip, SVP and General Manager of Tecmo Koei America. “Our preorder packages at GameStop and Amazon and our massive Collector’s Edition will give true fans their first chance to experience the unique fighting action of Dead Or Alive 5 on day one when Ninja Gaiden 3 ships.”

At GameStop, players who place a preorder will get access to a downloadable Dead Or Alive 5 demo stage featuring a duel between Ninja Gaiden’s Hayabusa and DOA’s Hitomi. At Amazon, preorder customers will get a duel between the DOA characters Ayane and Hayate. Purchasers of Ninja Gaiden 3 Collector’s Edition will be able to play the demo with all four characters.

Key Features:

• Cutting Down your Enemy: Through new gameplay mechanics and presentation, players will feel what it’s like to cut through an enemy’s flesh and bone, along with the consequence that comes with it.
• A Hero Unmasked: With a new story and new characters, players will learn more about Hayabusa’s past and present life than ever before. Once seen only as a mindless killing machine, players will unravel layers of their hero as they see his motivations and learn about the man behind the mask.
• High-Octane Ninja Action: Built upon the same intense action that the series is renowned for, Ninja Gaiden 3 will challenge players while still remaining accessible for players new to the franchise.
• Online Action: A rich and challenging set of online modes are being implemented, giving players the option to play cooperatively or competitively. New challenges, characters and missions await those who choose to join the Shadows of the World online!