Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus to sport new "hardcore" elements

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus will contain additional gameplay elements over the PlayStation 3 original - but not just the usual Vita touchscreen bells and whistles.

Speaking to the PS Blog, Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi said the first Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus showed the Vita is a good home for the action series.

"With the sequel we’re looking to add in some really good additional hardcore elements – things that people who really know the game and loved Sigma 2 will get into and enjoy," he said, mysteriously.

Hayashi seemed enthusiastic but cautious about Ninja Gaiden's transition to the portable console.

"I don’t know if it’s a perfect fit, but it has the power and everything you need to play these kinds of games," he said.

"You’re not always in an environment where you can play a full console game, but if you have a Vita you can have the same experience right there in the palm of your hand. It has the power to deliver an equivalent experience."

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus is a Vita remake of the PlayStation 3 original, which was itself a remake of the Xbox 360 version. It was announced during the Tokyo Game Show and is expected on Vita in early 2013.