Overview
Confident to the point of controversy. Itagaki built Team Ninja into a studio known for polished action and provocative content. Dead or Alive’s fighting mechanics were solid; its “jiggle physics” drew attention of another kind. Ninja Gaiden’s brutal difficulty earned hardcore respect. His public persona—sunglasses indoors, bold claims—matched his games’ swagger. Legal battles with Tecmo ended his tenure abruptly.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967.
- Company: Tecmo/Team Ninja (1992-2008).
- Notable works: Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden.
- Departure: 2008 (lawsuit against Tecmo).
Dead or Alive series
| Title |
Year |
Platform |
| Dead or Alive |
1996 |
Arcade |
| DOA2 |
1999 |
Dreamcast |
| DOA3 |
2001 |
Xbox |
| DOA4 |
2005 |
Xbox 360 |
Ninja Gaiden revival
| Title |
Year |
Reception |
| Ninja Gaiden (Xbox) |
2004 |
Critical acclaim |
| Ninja Gaiden Black |
2005 |
Enhanced edition |
| Ninja Gaiden II |
2008 |
Final project |
Design philosophy
| Principle |
Implementation |
| Difficulty |
No compromise |
| Responsiveness |
Tight controls |
| Visual polish |
Technical showcase |
| Controversy |
Attention-grabbing |
Tecmo departure
| Event |
Detail |
| Lawsuit |
Unpaid bonuses |
| Settlement |
2008 |
| Post-Tecmo |
Valhalla Game Studios |
| Devil’s Third |
Mixed reception |
See also