We bloomin' loved Ninja Gaiden Sigma and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, despite their sadistically tough difficulty and patience testing bosses, and despite misgivings that the addition of an easy mode might nerf the hard edge that has always been Gaiden's calling card, we can't imagine Ninja Gaiden 3 going too easy on you when it comes out in March 2012. It'll more than likely be just as hard as nails as all the others.

Meanwhile, there's a multiplayer mode also being added to the game, boasting blood-soaked action for up to 8 players in modes such as 4v4 Clan Battle, wherein you can take your bespoke, fully customised ninja into battle, then get carving up your friends and enemies online like the proverbial Xmas turkey.

There's some new screens that have hit the web too [via Joystiq], showing off multiplayer mode in all its claret-splattered glory. Check out all 27 online multiplayer screenshots in the gallery. Ninja Gaiden 3 will be releasing in March 2012. No exact date just yet, so stay tuned.