Tecmo's improvements – and a lot of bloodshed – make this the definitive version to own.
As for GamePad controls, they're good. Being able to select weapons and activate Ninpo (a screen-clearing super attack) is outstanding, though more could've been done in terms of ninja abilities. Oh, well, there's still very little to complain about when it comes to what's here. You can play with a Pro Controller as well, and though the fancier features are missing, it still clicks. (A word of caution: climbing walls does take a little getting used to, as you always need to keep one dagger stuck into it to avoid falling.)
Along with a single player mode (which still has a similarly incoherent story, though mildly amusing in spots), the game features online multiplayer, where you and your buddies can cut each other up to your heart's content. Though hardly the kind of multiplayer that stays addictive for too long, this is still fun for ninja wanna-bes, and it runs smoothly on the Nintendo Network.
As for improvements in the presentation, there aren't too many. The graphics aren't too bad, with plenty of beautiful environments to run through and enemies that look like they stand their ground, even if their ambushing opportunities happen way too often to count. Sometimes the game slows down a bit, or some details are lost, but overall, it's still a killer-looking play – especially when the blood starts flowing like crazy and body parts flop around.
Just don't expect too much from the audio. The music is good but hardly the kind of memorable stuff from the NES game, and the voicework is pretty good, though it hardly justifies the somewhat flimsy script. Just think of it as a cheesy karate/kung fu flick (Miami Connection, anyone?) and you'll be fine.
I liked Ninja Gaiden 3 when it came out earlier this year, and I like it even more now that Razor's Edge has made some corrections that make it feel more like the lean, mean killing machine it could've been. While hardly perfect, it'll sustain the needs of the hardcore Wii U crowd (c'mon, we know you're out there) quite suitably. Now go and get your sword bloody.
Score: 8.5 / 10
