Ninja Gaiden Sigma note....

I have to completely disagree with most people here on this game (especially about the randomness of attacking\defending). It is one of the most finely tuned Xbox games I ever played. The PS3 version alas is not up to the Ninja Gaiden Black standard on the Xbox. The PS3 version when I compare the two is a little less responive control wise, which is a disppointment.The game is hard initially but with practice and KNOWING THY ENEMY, you will soon be killing them off in droves and relishing in the fine physics of and fluid motions of Ryu and his enemies.

Each enemy has a unique way of attacking and defending your attacks. No other game before this one has enemies that can actually defend and attack just as effective as you can (just go play a mindless game of Dynasty Warriors and you will see what I mean). The key is learning how each enemy type attacks and defends and countering that. Also learn how to defend. That is the ONLY way you become a master at this game, is learn how to block and then strike! It forces you to learn how to play great. After playing this game through there are very little other games that will be hard for you. (I played God of War after this and breezed through it)

Give it a chance, be patient and learn. Its one of the more fantastic games ever made. (and is easily passed over by old grognards like us unfortunately, but not me I gave it a chance back in the Xbox days and unfortunately enjoy the Xbox version slightly more because the controls feel better)

Hope the hints above help you enjoy the game and finish it through to the end!