NEWS - Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Ninja Gaiden Rated ’M’ for Mature
TORRANCE, Calif., January 20, 2004 ‹Tecmo® announced today that its highly anticipated title, Ninja Gaiden® for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, has been given a Mature rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The self-governing board that is known for applying and enforcing ratings to all video games, followed the rating up with two descriptors, Blood and Gore; and Violence, which explains ESRB¹s reasoning behind the decision to label it as a mature game. "Ninja Gaiden is a full-blooded action game from start to finish," Tony Tarpey, Tecmo¹s Marketing Manager, said. "The developers of Ninja Gaiden have created a game that raises the stakes by focusing on realistic fighting scenes and continuous battle sequences that make Ninja Gaiden one of the most intense action-packed games to date. In short, Ninja Gaiden is not for the weak at heart. You will need to be ready to take on some of the most menacing enemies and killer bosses in video game history." About Ninja Gaiden One of Tecmo¹s most treasured franchises will be given new life this February when a whole new action-packed Ninja Gaiden hits store shelvesŠwith a vengeance. The player takes on the role of the powerful and mysterious ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, who seeks revenge after his clan is massacred by the Vigor Empire. Realistically violent battle sequences and acrobatic ninja moves restore Ninja Gaiden to its rightful place in the action/adventure hall of fame. Tecmo¹s revered development team, Team Ninja, has created a unique new Xbox Live Compatible feature within Ninja Gaiden. The Master Ninja Tournament, a new feature developed specifically for the game, will allow players to participate in a worldwide competition. Here, they will test their honed ninja skills and find out who is the top Ninja Gaiden player in the world. Participants in the tournament will compete in downloadable trial missions only made available through Xbox Live. Top ranked players will win special prizes and also be included in the Ninja Gaiden Hall of Fame. Tecmo will continue to reveal more details regarding the rules and prizes in weeks to come. Other highlights in the new ninja title include an arsenal of primary and secondary weapons, remarkable sound and visual effects, a variety of challenging levels, and breath taking environments that will have you feeling as if you are in the game. Ninja Gaiden is scheduled to launch onto store shelves mid-February with a suggested retail price of $49.99 and an ESRB rating of Mature. Gamers can pre-order Ninja Gaiden at Tecmo¹s website (http://www.tecmoinc.com). For additional information on the game, visit the official Ninja Gaiden website at www.ninjagaidengame.comSource: http://www.tecmoinc.com
