10 Hated Video Game Sequels You Should Play

Under no circumstances should you play Ninja Gaiden 3. That sequel is an embarrassing entry in the franchise, a hack-and-slasher that strips away all the personality of the previous instalments in favour of a more "mainstream" plot about military soldiers and illuminati-style conspiracies, streamlines the combat until it borderline plays itself, removes key weapons and items, and has some of the most ham-fisted social commentary of the 2010s.

Its re-release though, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, improved on the core game so substantially, it's practically a whole different experience. Re-introducing depth to the combat, adding in the series' signature gore and even removing cutscenes that were ridiculed in the base game, this new version is an apologetic do-over.

That doesn't mean it hits the spectacular OTT highs of Ninja Gaiden 2, nor does it retain the intricacies of the level design and pacing of Ninja Gaiden 1, but it does succeed as a straightforwardly satisfying action game. Lower your expectations, revel in the gratuitous combat, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge is worth your time if you swore it off a decade ago.