The original Ninja Gaiden was my favorite game on the original Xbox. Even by todays standards the graphics still hold up very well. That was only an added bonus though. The hardcore difficulty and deep fighting system have always been the area where the series really shined. In this aspect the sequel does not disappoint.
Ninja Gaiden has never really been renowned for its great story and the sequel is no different. Once again you take the role of Ryu Hayabusa as you set out to defeat the Archfiend who is attempting to rise against the Dragons and bring about some sort of hell on Earth. The story itself is a bit generic but it works I guess. There are some items scattered throughout the game explaining a bit about the back story. The cut-scenes are superbly directed and fun to watch however.
The game play is the part where Ninja Gaiden II really shines. The animation is superb and there is a nice variety of weapons that can all be upgraded. The fighting system is also very deep and almost rivals some one on one fighting games. This was always my favorite part about the series. Enemies can be dismembered and the combat is very visceral with some scenes becoming a blood bath. The combo system is really beautiful and is a joy to see in motion. The game play itself is also faster and more intense. The enemy AI is also good as enemies will keep fighting even after being amputated. Some of the boss battles are also pretty epic. This seems to be a staple for the series. The ninpo is actually useful this time around as well.
One very unique part of Ninja Gaiden II is the "Ninja Cinema" feature. It allows people to record their game play and upload it to Xbox live for other people to view. This way you can compare your game play skills against some of the best players in the world.
Ninja Gaiden also delivers on the visual front as well. It has vibrant color and the character models are all very well done. The only thing that I was a bit disappointed in was some of the background detail. It should also be noted that some of the fighting areas are a bit more open than the first game. There are also some real world locations thrown in the mix.
The sound and music in Ninja Gaiden II seem to fit the bill as well. It is generally a satisfactory audio experience (the music, for example, sets the right tone for each location.) The sounds for the weapons are also varied...metallic clashing for sword blocks and strikes.
Overall Ninja Gaiden II is what I expected it to be. It is truly a hardcore persons game. The game play is brutal and relentless. Being a long time fighting game fan I truly loved the game play. The game is also a decent length and the scenery is varied enough to keep things interesting throughout. The only weak aspect in my opinion is the story. The camera can also be annoying at times but I was used to it because of the first entry in the series. If you purchase this game knowing what you are looking for it will live up to all your expectations and then some. Hardcore hack and slash veterans will be in gaming heaven.
