In Ninja Gaiden Sigma, utilizing "powers" primarily refers to unleashing Ultimate Techniques, which are devastating charged attacks that amplify Ryu Hayabusa's combat prowess.
Performing Ultimate Techniques
To execute an Ultimate Technique, you need to focus Ryu's power by holding down a specific button.
- Initiate Charge: Press and hold the heavy attack button (typically Triangle on PlayStation controllers or Y on Xbox controllers).
- Focus Power: As you hold the button, Ryu will begin to focus his power.
- Observe Power Levels: There are two distinct levels of power for Ultimate Techniques, determined by how long you hold the button:
- Level 1: For a shorter hold, Ryu will glow with a blue aura, indicating the first level of charge.
- Level 2: Holding the button for a longer duration will charge it to the second, more powerful level, often indicated by a different visual cue.
- Unleash Attack: Release the button to unleash a powerful, area-of-effect attack that can clear out multiple enemies.
Enhancing Ultimate Techniques with Essence
A crucial aspect of maximizing your "powers" in Ninja Gaiden Sigma involves utilizing Essence. When enemies are defeated, they release various colored orbs called Essence (Yellow for currency, Blue for health, Red for Ninpo). Absorbing these orbs can automatically charge your Ultimate Technique, making them quicker and easier to deploy in combat.
- Automatic Charge: By holding down the light attack button (Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox) near fallen enemies, Ryu will absorb their Essence. Absorbing enough Essence will automatically charge an Ultimate Technique to Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the amount absorbed.
- Chain Combos: This allows for seamless transitions from regular combat into powerful Ultimate Techniques, keeping the action fluid and deadly.
Strategic Application of Powers
Mastering Ultimate Techniques is key to success in Ninja Gaiden Sigma.
| Power Level | Activation | Characteristics | Strategic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Short hold of heavy attack button or small Essence absorption | Ryu glows with a blue aura; less powerful, but quicker to deploy. | Quick crowd control, breaking enemy guards, maintaining offensive pressure. |
| Level 2 | Longer hold of heavy attack button or larger Essence absorption | Highly damaging, wider area of effect, often grants brief invincibility frames. | Clearing entire groups of enemies, damaging bosses, emergency evasions. |
- Invincibility Frames: During the execution of an Ultimate Technique, Ryu often benefits from brief invincibility frames, making them useful for avoiding incoming attacks while dealing massive damage.
- Weapon Variety: Each weapon in Ryu's arsenal possesses unique Ultimate Techniques, encouraging players to experiment and find the most effective "power" for different combat scenarios.
By understanding and effectively utilizing these charged attacks, you can dominate the battlefield in Ninja Gaiden Sigma.
