Part 97

Explore the differences in Part 97 of Ninja Gaiden 4, detailing changes to puzzles, enemy designs, and new cutscenes compared to the Xbox version.

This section details the changes made in Part 97 of Ninja Gaiden 4 compared to the Xbox version, focusing on puzzle alterations, enemy redesigns, and the addition of new cutscenes.

Puzzles

Several puzzles have been modified or omitted in the PS3 version:

• Zarkhan Stadium Puzzle: In the Xbox version, Ryu had to pull multiple levers to reposition floating platforms. In the PS3 version, only one lever is required to solve this puzzle.
• Pyramid Puzzle: The Xbox version featured a puzzle involving placing Tablets and fighting Dung Beetles after the Alma Awakened battle. This puzzle is omitted in the PS3 version, replaced by a different puzzle within the Pyramid in the following chapter, which requires defeating three Knightmares.

Enemies

Enemies in the PS3 version feature higher polygon counts, improved lighting, and are more easily identifiable. Some have received significant redesigns:

• Ninjas: Black Spider and Red Fire Ninjas now use the design from Ninja Gaiden 2. The Purple Windmill Shuriken Ninja remains unchanged.
• Samurais & Warlocks: Samurais have shinier armor and different helmets. Warlocks have longer coats, and their fireballs are redesigned.
• Large Dung Beetles: These now have a more aggressive look with spikes on their exo-shells.
• Masakado: Masakado and his horse are engulfed in flames in the PS3 version, unlike the Xbox version.
• Bone Dragon/Paz Zuu: Both bosses have enhanced textures, with the Bone Dragon showing more decay and Paz Zuu having a rock-like exoskeleton.
• Doku: Doku is now a purple-flamed fiend in heavy Samurai armor, contrasting with his blue Xbox counterpart. He reverts to blue in the "Vengeful Spirit" chapter.
• Spectral Doku/Marbus: Spectral Doku is a large blue apparition in the PS3 version, whereas in the Xbox version, Doku's armor was also spectral. Marbus is hairier and more veiny.
• The Emperor: The Emperor's second form has a more realistic appearance, with longer horns and a less pronounced brow, compared to its cartoonish Xbox counterpart.

Other enemies retain their original designs but with higher quality textures.

Additional Cutscenes

Several new or expanded cutscenes have been added in the PS3 version, primarily focusing on Rachel's storyline and other narrative elements:

• Altered Cutscene: The Ninja Fortress: Ryu begins Chapter 1 in a forest area in the PS3 version, unlike the waterfall area in the Xbox version.
• New Cutscene: Death of the Master Ninja: Occurs at the end of Chapter 2, showing Doku killing Ryu regardless of the fight's outcome.
• New Cutscene: The Twin Sisters: At the end of Rachel's first chapter, she examines paintings of Nicchae and Ishtaros.
• New Cutscene: Gamov: A brief scene during Rachel's second chapter boss fight where she recognizes and attacks Gamov.
• New Cutscene: Return of Dynamo: An expanded scene at the Military Gate where Alternator jumps from a chopper.
• New Cutscene: Nicchae & Ishtaros: At the end of Rachel's third chapter, she is captured after facing Nicchae & Ishtaros.
• New Cutscene: The Equilibrium is Collapsing: Ryu receives the KEY OF THE DECAYED SOUL from a dying Black Spider Ninja who urges him to reclaim Vigoor.
• New Cutscene: The Fallen Protector of the Dragon's Eye: A new scene featuring Kureha is shown during the end credits.