Same, loved the new aesthetic when it was first revealed, but it was so hollow in game.

I didn't learn it was a team ninja game until after my brothers and I beat the campaign

This rules

Advent Children was a cool thing that happened, but I am not sure how much it ties into Rebirth haha

I would say to play Crisis Core first, it has been a while since I played through, but I remember it connecting well to the original

Me too! It made me wish Yasumi Matsuno was my Dungeon Master

Thank you for reposting! Really can't recommend this game enough. Hope you enjoy it!