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]]>Part man. Part machine. All ninja
Once upon a time, the term cyborg called to mind man-machine combinations like Robocop. Those augmented humans boasted the firepower of tanks, but had the limited mobility to match. Flash forward to today, where the current craze in the fictional cyborg community that makes Robocop look like an Apple II. These killers have robotic implants, but that doesnt stop them from learning the art of ninjutsu, or at least the part where you sneak up on someone and stab them in the back.
Currently cyborg ninjas rule the roost in gaming, combining two concepts players love into one silent, deadly, cybernetic package. To prepare yourself for the launch of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z–2014’s leading cyborg ninja zombie killer–I’ve rounded up the best examples of robo-eyed assassins gaming has ever known. So charge up your sword as we pay tribute to enhanced ninjas like
Yoshimitsu (Tekken)
A member of the Tekken roster since the original entry, Yoshimitsu has retained an air of mystery fitting for a ninja. Weve never really seen his face, his motives and age are hard to discern, and we cant even nail down exactly how many cyborg attachments he has. Based on how he can spin his right arm with unnatural speed (he often uses it like a helicopter), at least that appendage is mechanized, which is enough for a spot on this list.
Though his looks might scare some, at heart Yoshimitsu is less a stealthy murderer than a giving goofball, and thats true no matter the timeline. Whether in Tekken or guest starring in Soucalibur, Yoshimitsu enjoys a good laugh, and is often seen sharing his tournament winnings with the common folk. Its also admirable that hes somehow still a cyborg in Soulcalibur. As implausible as it might seem, his wooden right arm in SC functions almost exactly the same as its modern day equivalent. But weve learned to not question a series with lizard men and swords that can blink.
Cyrax, Sektor, and Smoke (Mortal Kombat)
These guys were some of the earliest gaming combinations of ninjas and robotics, though their look owes more to Predator than Robocop. All three of these Lin Kuei warriors were skilled in the deadly arts, but that wasnt going to cut it in a world where Shao Khan can tear the fabric of reality with his bare hands. The clan elders decided to step up their game with robotic enhancements, including dreadlocks that must have some useful function (that we can’t possibly fathom).
Sektor and Cyrax took the upgrade willingly, while Smoke unsuccessfully tried to reject the procedure due to one of the side effects: it destroys your soul. What did these ninjas get for paying that price? Energy nets, teleportation, and chests with a storage capacity akin to Futuramas Bender. These guys werent the stealthiest of killers, but well give them extra credit for having tech powerful enough to blow up the Earth.
Cyborg Ninja (Metal Gear Solid)
There were cyborg ninjas before Metal Gear Solid came to the PlayStation in 1998, but this robotic ninjutsu practitioner was arguably the first to make the trend famous. At the start of MGS, it seemed hard to believe anyone could be more intimidating than Solid Snake–but Cyborg Ninja surpassed the Foxhound agent immediately with the trail of bloody corpses he left in his wake. Snake was barely able to hold his own against the assassin, and all computer expert Otakon could do was wet his pants in fear.
Beneath his striking white mask and blazing red eye, Cyborg Ninja had the pathos and secret pain youd expect from a Metal Gear character. He was once Foxhound agent Gray Fox, but had been transformed against his will into the cyber monstrosity/badass we all know and love. Eventually he worked against his programming and was committed to stopping instruments of destruction like Metal Gear Rex. In the end, helping Snake defeat the Metal Gear would cost Cyborg Ninja his life, but his sacrifice is fondly remembered by Snake and gamers everywhere.
Hayate (Shadow of the Ninja)
Natsumes 1990 NES predicts a future that might still come true by 2029, but doesnt seem all that likely. America has been conquered by Lord Garudo, and can only be freed by the combined ninja might of Hayate and is non-enhanced colleague Kaede. The awesomely non-sensical story makes sense for the era it was created, and the same goes for how Hayates cybernetic powers feel like an afterthought.
The US cover art clearly shows Hayate is equipped with a robotic left arm, but it isnt all that clear in the games simple graphics, nor with his shuriken and sword skills that seem pretty average by ninja standards. Even more confusing is the fact that the UK box art also has Hayate with a cyborg arm, only this time its his right appendage. It makes you hope for an HD remake, if for no other reason than to clear up this discrepancy.
Yuki (The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai)
Originally a 360 Indie game, this XBLA success story reveled in the hardcore fun of hacking up cyborg ninjas–along with boring, regular cyborgs. The protagonist, a dishwasher turned samurai for the dystopia, wanted to free the world from cyborg oppression, as well as avenge the death of his sister, Yuki. Unfortunately for the dishwasher, one of his most challenging cyborg foes turned out to be his reanimated sister, and he had to de-animate her (so to speak) in his quest to save the world.
Sequels have a way of fixing tragedies like killing your brainwashed sister, and Yuki returned as a co-star in The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile. Now that she was back from the grave, players got to control her devastating combination of sword and chainsaw attacks. Old-school horror fans no doubt appreciated her Evil Dead-like appendage, and Yuki turned that unwanted enhancement back on her enemies with finesse matching her brothers. Perhaps she misses her right hand, but its hard to argue with the results.
Strider Hiryu (Strider)
Strider might be relegated to cameos and fighting game rosters these days, but there was a time when his futuristic adventures ruled both the Genesis and arcades. The Genesis version was one of the most expensive of its time–clocking in at a cool $80–but it was worth it for the privilege of cutting down robots left and right with Striders electrified blade. Like a ninjariffic Blade Runner, Strider hunted whoever he was told to hunt, and dispatched them down with unmatched skill.
Some sticklers might object and say Strider does have any implants, but merely uses futuristic equipment. We dont buy it. Not only is his grip strength suspect for an unaugmented human, theres the fact that he can call upon robotic animals at a moments notice during a fight. We dont see him holding a remote, so the only logical explanation is that he has some sort of receiver built into his body somewhere. Its just like a ninja to hide his tech upgrades in plain sight.
Yaiba (Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z)
Yaiba has quite the pedigree for this list. Cyborgs and ninjas are pretty high on the list of disposable game enemies, but these days zombies are the hot trend when it comes to filler bad guys. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z has the creative fearlessness to combine all those clichs into one pissed off assassin. Hes a reanimated, cybernetically altered ninja, and hes cutting through waves of other zombies to get revenge.
You see, Yaiba got his start as one of the faceless ninjas that Ninja Gaidens Ryu Hayabusa kills by the dozens. The newly modified Yaiba is stronger than ever and is ready to hunt down Ryu, but his vengeful quest seems to conflict with an ill-timed zombie outbreak. Can Yaiba cut through enough zombies to finally take another shot at Ryu Hayabusa?
Adam Jensen (Deus Ex: Human Revolution)
If youre a fan of the brainless fun inherent in chopping down dudes as a cyborg ninja, Deus Exs introspective analysis of the price one pays for the benefits of cybernetic technology is a bit of a buzz kill. Adam Jensen was given a new lease on life after becoming a cyborg, but hes continually questioning the moral rightness of his upgrades, which really gets in the way of having mechanical arms. And its even more of a waste when Adam could be realizing his full potential as a cyborg ninja.
Deus Ex: Human Revolutions impressive openness means you can approach a stage in many different ways, but we dont understand why youd choose anything but the path of the ninja. If you play the level right, Adam can sneak into a building, grab what he needs, and sneak back out, silently cutting the throats of his enemies all the while. Sure, Adam hasnt really earned his diploma from ninja school, but his talent for stealth proves that some of the best cyborg ninjas are self-taught.
Raiden (Metal Gear Solid)
Raiden demonstrates that cybernetic upgrades dont just make you a better ninja–they make you more likable too. Raiden was one of the most hated characters in gaming, mostly because he abruptly replaced Snake as the lead in Metal Gear Solid 2, though it didnt help that he was prone to fits of whining. Even though he showed flashes of swordsmanship akin to the beloved Cyborg Ninja, fans rejected him with a passion. Perhaps thats why MGS creator Hideo Kojima decided to try and reform Raiden in the fans eyes, by going all the way with his Cyborg Ninja tribute.
When Raiden burst back onto the stage in Metal Gear Solid 4, he had transitioned into an unbeatable cyborg ninja. You can read the gory details of his transformation here, but the important part is that, from the neck down, Raiden was now an robotic killing machine. His unplayable appearances in MGS4 won him so many new fans, he earned his rightful place as the star of his own game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
Zero (Anarchy Reigns)
Believe it or not, Raiden isnt the only cyborg ninja that appeared in a 2013 title developed by Platinum Games. Januarys Anarchy Reigns has a virtually all cyborg cast, from chainsaw lover Jack to the brute force Big Bull, so theres obviously room for a man of Zeros ninja skills. Like everyone else in the game, Zero is an unrepentant killer, but he does his job with a certain delicacy.
Zero pops in and out of the campaign hunting down AR hero Jack, holding his own for some time until Zero ultimately met the same fate as most people that challenge Jack (grisly death). Zero is also playable in the multiplayer, where people can wield his twin katanas Onimaru and Juzumaru. You know a guy has cut a lot of people in half for money when his swords have names.
Zer0 (Borderlands 2)
Yes, you read that right, there is more than one cyborg ninja named Zero, though this Borderlands character mixes things up by replacing the o with the number. Zer0 joined a team of Vault Hunters searching for loot after growing bored with killing people who wont even fight back. While Zer0 isnt against using a gun, hes more inclined to stab enemies in the back with a laser sword after distracting them with a hologram version of himself.
Zer0 takes the silence of his role somewhat seriously, but he finds clever, internet age workarounds. He never talks, instead replacing speech with pre-recorded haikus and emoticons that pop up on his faceplate. Seeing him text FML when downed fits with the dark comedy of the Borderlands world, as does the fact Zer0 only has four fingers per hand a la Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny. At least youll have a nice chuckle before he disembowels you.
Kai Leng (Mass Effect)
Cybernetic implants are a dime a dozen in the world of Mass Effect, used by soldiers and politicians alike. Many became more efficient killers thanks to the wonders of technology, but Kai Leng took cyber assassinations to a new level. He was so talented that, after a decorated stint as an N7 marine, the Earth-born soldier eventually became the most trusted killer in the employ of the Illusive Man. It seems the two bonded over a shared distaste for aliens.
Kai pops up in some Mass Effect side fiction, but he makes his greatest impact battling Commander Shepard on and off through much of Mass Effect 3. Kai chafes at Illusive Mans decree that he not murder Shepard, but Leng battles Shepards team regardless, ultimately leading to one of the tougher boss fights in the game. Leng ends up losing to Shepard, but youve got to give him credit for dying with a sword in his hand.
The future of ninjutsu
Did we miss any cybernetic assassins of note? Tell us in the comments, but before you do, be sure youre suggesting a cyborg ninja and not a robot ninja. Itll take too long to explain intrinsic differences between the two, so do your research first, ok?
And if you’re looking for more on assassinations, check out the top 7 assassins and top 7 lamest ninjas.
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March 6
Mass Effect 3
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
EU: March 9
What, you expected something else to lead this piece? Arguably the biggest release of the month, if not the quarter – and for many, no doubt, the year – Mass Effect 3 touches down on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in just a few short days, finally bringing Commander Shepard’s action/role-playing trilogy to a close. After months spent bickering about additions like multiplayer and Kinect controls, not to mention the recent playable demo and discs-in-space PR stunt, we can’t wait for everyone to dive in and simply experience this long-awaited conclusion, which will quite hopefully have been worth the wait. Not fully up to speed on what to expect from this sci-fi blockbuster? Be sure to consult our various hands-on previews for in-depth impressions.
Street Fighter X Tekken
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
EU: March 9
Perhaps the most surprising fighting crossover game to date drops next week, bringing together the casts of Street Fighter and Tekken in a tag-team entry based on the fighting style of the former. The Xbox 360 version features nearly 40 fighters, with half pulled from each series, while the PlayStation 3 release adds a few extras, like Cole from Infamous, Pac-Man, and Mega Man in his hilarious NES box art incarnation. A PC version is set to follow in May, while a Vita release is due this fall with all the PS3 extras plus 12 more fighters (six each from the two series). Whatever system you want it on, Street Fighter X Tekken looks to be an exciting blend of two very different genre leaders.
Unit 13
Platform: PlayStation Vita
EU: March 7
The Vita’s second wave of releases starts next week, headlined by Unit 13, the original shooter developed by SOCOM creator Zipper Interactive. While visually quite similar to its long-running counterpart, Unit 13 focuses on solo operatives, of which the game includes six differentiated by unique strengths (like stealth or explosives). Moreover, Unit 13 is defined in large part by its emphasis on quick-hit missions, with some that can be completed in as little as three minutes. It’s that handheld-friendly approach that Zipper hopes makes this a standout Vita shooter, plus a random daily challenge gives you something new to check out with each sunrise. Be sure to scope out our latest hands-on preview for more on this military-themed affair.
MLB 12: The Show
Platform: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
EU: N/A
The other big early Vita release this month spawns from the most consistent sports franchise on the market: Sony’s MLB: The Show. Replacing the flat-lining PSP side of the series, the Vita entry will hopefully bring much of the beloved PlayStation 3 baseball experience to the small screen – but it’s certainly not alone this year. On PS3, MLB 12: The Show looks to introduce some new additions and enhancements, such as full PlayStation Move integration and totally redone “TruBroadcast” presentation that looks to better emulate TV broadcasts. The Show hasn’t let us down on the console side in years; with luck, MLB 12 can kick-start a similar baseball dynasty on the Vita as well.
Major League Baseball 2K12
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, PSP, DS, PS2
EU: N/A
2K Sports’ own hardball series continues the trend of being the sim available for the widest array of platforms, even reaching as far back as PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS this time around; though Vita and 3DS are curiously missing. Major League Baseball 2K12 looks to build upon the same core formula it’s been trying to perfect for years – with last year’s being a pretty good effort – while adding the new MLB Today Season mode, wherein you can play that day’s real-life game for your team of choice throughout the season. And in a cool twist for Xbox 360 owners, 2K will make available a bundle pack with MLB 2K12 and NBA 2K12 for $69.99 – $10 more than buying MLB 2K12 alone – to give baseball fans an affordable way to check out the fantastic b-ball sim on the side.
MotorStorm RC
Platform: PSN (PS3/Vita)
EU: Out
MotorStorm RC squeezes the first couple entries’ style of multi-vehicle off-road mayhem into a much smaller package in two ways: not only does it feature tiny remote-controlled cars tearing it up in the desert and jungle, but it’s a PlayStation Network download. And on top of that, it’s a single release that works near-identically on both PlayStation 3 and Vita for a surely tiny price point. We have to wait ’til next week to play on either platform, but our European counterparts got MotorStorm RC at the Vita launch and we’ve been hearing some very strong things about the racer. It looks like an updated take on the classic Micro Machines formula, overhead perspective and all.
Crush 3D
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
EU: Out
Fans of the original PSP version of Crush – released nearly five years ago – can anxiously tell you why Crush 3D should be on the horizon of any Nintendo 3DS puzzle fan, but actually finding many might be tough. Crush earned itself a loyal following with its cerebral, perspective-based take on puzzling platform scenarios, but was dead on arrival at retail. Luckily, the idea of “crushing” 3D stages to into 2D versions works beautifully with the 3DS’ visual effect, so Sega saw fit to spawn this remake, which outfits the original content with a brand new art style and additional features to round out the package. Hopefully, Sega finds the 3DS install base large enough this time around, after delaying the game from fall due to slow system sales.
The Sims 3: Showtime
Platform: PC
EU: March 9
The Sims 3 train keeps chugging along on PC after nearly three years, with the next big expansion pack – The Sims 3: Showtime – due out next week. With a focus on crafting big-time entertainers, Showtime lets you create a singer, magician, acrobat, or DJ and work your way to stardom via interactive performances. Additionally, the pack introduces a new SimPort feature, which lets you share one Sim with a friend and likewise host one in your Sims world. For super fans, EA is releasing a Katy Perry-themed Special Edition, which features the likeness and songs of the pop star, while the standard version is inexplicably called a Limited Edition. And if you’re starting fresh, there’s a pack with both The Sims 3 and Showtime in one.
Top Gun: Hard Lock
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
EU: April 5
It’s been more than 25 years since Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer traversed the highway to the danger zone, as it were, but the popular ’80s film continues to spawn new combat flight titles – like the latest, Top Gun: Hard Lock. A single-player campaign mode promises 15 missions based on a fresh wave of Top Gun Academy graduates, along with three online multiplayer modes designed for 16 players. With numerous licensed aircraft onboard, Hard Lock should appease flight fans looking for something a little more modern on the console side; even if the name doesn’t deliver the same kind of fresh feeling it did back when.
Nicktoons MLB 3D
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
EU: N/A
Rather than release Major League Baseball 2K12 on the Nintendo 3DS, 2K Sports will instead drop an enhanced version of last fall’s cartoonish, arcade-style option, titled Nicktoons MLB 3D. The earlier console release essentially added the likes of Ren & Stimpy and SpongeBob SquarePants to The Bigs, and from what we’ve seen, the 3DS version looks to be a fairly faithful handheld translation. Nicktoons MLB 3D includes 27 cartoon players and 175 pros with updated rosters (and the new Miami Marlins uniforms), along with a new Frosty Freeze Toss augmented reality mode.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
Platform: PlayStation Vita
EU: March 9
For PlayStation Vita owners, next week’s release of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 offers an opportunity to catch up on one of the better family-friendly titles of the holiday season. From what we can surmise, the Vita version of the game – which spans the content from the last three books/four movies of the popular franchise – looks to add new locations, challenges, spells, and more, along with both front and rear touch controls. You’ll be able to aim spells and lock onto foes with the back touch panel, while snagging items and assembling objects (and participating in duels) with the front screen.
March 7
I Am Alive
Platform: Xbox Live Arcade
EU: March 7
Ubisoft’s I Am Alive has been on the horizon for longer than most of the big retail releases hitting stores this month, but it’s finally set to launch on Xbox Live Arcade next week as the last title in the XBLA House Party (a PSN release will follow later). Set in a large city one year following the apocalyptic “Event,” you’ll play as a man forced to survive in a wasteland dominated by crumbling buildings and aggressive rival survivors, all while battling the toxic elements and managing resources. Third-person pairings of navigation and combat aren’t unfamiliar, but the unique setting of a trashed, scalable urban metropolis looks to give I Am Alive a fresh slant. Scope out our last hands-on preview for much more on what to expect come next week.
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]]>Unless SFXT is your entry into the Tekken series – in which case, boy do you have a learning curve ahead of you – the ursine subject of this clip shouldn’t be too much of a head-scratcher. Can you bear to keep it a secret any longer? Oh, hell with it, we’re all grown-ups here, Kuma the Bear is in Street Fighter X Tekken.
This one’s a bit more mysterious. Some of the shots almost look like our boy Dan Hibiki (opens in new tab)… but with producer Yoshinori Ono having confirmed the pink-clad dolt’s exclusion from the title, most likely it’s SF3 ninja Ibuki. Do these teasers have your interest piqued?
Aug 1, 2011
Unless SFXT is your entry into the Tekken series – in which case, boy do you have a learning curve ahead of you – the ursine subject of this clip shouldn’t be too much of a head-scratcher. Can you bear to keep it a secret any longer? Oh, hell with it, we’re all grown-ups here, Kuma the Bear is in Street Fighter X Tekken.
This one’s a bit more mysterious. Some of the shots almost look like our boy Dan Hibiki (opens in new tab)… but with producer Yoshinori Ono having confirmed the pink-clad dolt’s exclusion from the title, most likely it’s SF3 ninja Ibuki. Do these teasers have your interest piqued?
Aug 1, 2011
Unless SFXT is your entry into the Tekken series – in which case, boy do you have a learning curve ahead of you – the ursine subject of this clip shouldn’t be too much of a head-scratcher. Can you bear to keep it a secret any longer? Oh, hell with it, we’re all grown-ups here, Kuma the Bear is in Street Fighter X Tekken.
This one’s a bit more mysterious. Some of the shots almost look like our boy Dan Hibiki (opens in new tab)… but with producer Yoshinori Ono having confirmed the pink-clad dolt’s exclusion from the title, most likely it’s SF3 ninja Ibuki. Do these teasers have your interest piqued?
Aug 1, 2011
Unless SFXT is your entry into the Tekken series – in which case, boy do you have a learning curve ahead of you – the ursine subject of this clip shouldn’t be too much of a head-scratcher. Can you bear to keep it a secret any longer? Oh, hell with it, we’re all grown-ups here, Kuma the Bear is in Street Fighter X Tekken.
This one’s a bit more mysterious. Some of the shots almost look like our boy Dan Hibiki (opens in new tab)… but with producer Yoshinori Ono having confirmed the pink-clad dolt’s exclusion from the title, most likely it’s SF3 ninja Ibuki. Do these teasers have your interest piqued?
Aug 1, 2011
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