Game: "Ninja Gaiden Sigma"

Console: PlayStation 3

Developer/publisher: Tecmo/Team Ninja

Genre: Action/adventure

Number of players: 1

Rated: M for mature (blood and gore, intense violence)

The premise: An evil entity from the Vigoor Empire has destroyed your Ninja clan. Now you must dish out bloody vengeance against your enemies and make them pay for their misdeeds.

This game is an update from "Ninja Gaiden Black" for the Xbox.

Game play: The game plays almost the same as "Ninja Gaiden Black" but with more weapons, bosses, items and updated graphics. Because this is a PlayStation game, you now have to get used to a new control scheme: the Xbox controller triggers (black and white buttons) have been replaced with the "L" and "R" buttons on top of the controller. The thumbsticks have been calibrated differently for the Xbox and the PlayStation controllers. Also note the exclusion of the vibration on the PS3 controller. The game pad of the PS3 controller has added the ability to use items on the fly, without having to go to the item screen.

The good/bad: It's good to see what once was thought of as an "exclusive game" going to another system for others to play.

With the exception of a few add-ons and a fresh coat of paint, this game is no different from what has been released two times for the Xbox.

In the other "Ninja Gaiden" games, you would collect enough scarabs and unlock different versions of "Ninja Gaiden" from the past. Here, the scarabs unlock items only. I would have included enhanced versions of the original NES games as opposed to an extra playable character, Rachael. I would have preferred Ayane the Ninja instead — she has been around since the first Xbox version and is a character from "Dead or Alive."

Tips: If you are having difficulty with a particular stage, feel free to adjust the difficulty.

Don't be afraid to use healing items; the potions cost much less than rejuvenation.

Be sure to use the map when you are unsure where to go.

Don't be afraid to use everything in your arsenal when in a boss fight.

My take: When dealing with remakes, you have to consider a few things: 1) Is the original worth playing all over again to watch for enhancements? 2) Is it worth the price to play an older game and pay full price again?

To tell you the truth, the graphics are greatly improved. The game will challenge the player who has beaten the last two versions. With the exception of Rachael, the bonuses (weapons, enemies, bosses, items) are worth it. Here's a suggestion: Rent the game first, as the difficulty can get pretty intense. Considering the lack of quality exclusive games for the PS3, this will make a nice addition to your library until more games come out.

Jeffrey Davis, of Honolulu, is a video-game enthusiast.