Tech-Gaming Slices Through Ninja Gaiden II


In 2004, developer Tomonobu Itagaki took the antiquated,
two-dimensional NES
Ninja Gaiden franchise and infused it with new life. His
re-imagined
Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox had sharp graphics, a perfect framerate
and a difficultly that was decidedly old-school.  Over the years, the core gameplay was tweaked-
2005’s
Ninja Gaiden Black added weapons and additional difficultly levels,
while last year’s PS3
Ninja Gaiden Sigma, refined the graphics, while adding an
additional playable character. Now four years after the original Xbox title, a
true sequel has emerged that is sure to appease fans.


                                                      Travel to distant lands and kill everyone

The Ninja Gaiden experience has always been built around
arcade-twitch gameplay, and NG2 offers few exceptions to that blueprint.
Players spend a majority of their time blocking enemy attacks, waiting for an
opening to occur. Then, players release total ‘ninja fury’, using a light and
heavy attack to decimate their opponents. NG2 offers one of the most graphic
interpretations of bloodshed in game history, as heads, torsos and appendages
are sliced in a wash of arterial sprays. Although your attacks carry an
engaging amount of brutality, the slick, shiny natural of the graphics
prohibits the title from being a disgusting gorefest. Much like the CGI blood
in some modern films, a slight artificiality keeps the title from too repulsive.


                                                                  There Will Be Blood

NG2 shows its difficulty in its end of level boss
encounters, which can inspire the most patient games to throw their $50
wireless controllers across the room. Little assistance is given to players in
suggesting which weapon to use, or where to attack in these boss fights. Luckily,
the developers were more liberal with save points in this title, so players won’t
lose too much ground when their life bar is inevitably drained out.

The most nagging enemy in the game might be the game’s camera.
Although, the player typically has control of the title’s vantage point, occasionally,
the action will be viewed from an obscured corner. This problem has plagued the
series throughout its 3D history; but this time the frustration may be amplified
as players are assaulted with exploding projectiles thrown from off-screen.


Additionally, there are other small annoyances: the
typically rock-solid framerate may slow at times during play. Like Devil May Cry, NG2
suffers from stop-start gameplay- you are either engaged
in intense combat, or walking through lifeless corridors in the game. We would have
liked to see a bit more variety- what about having explosive ninja mines
scattered around some of the otherwise lifeless areas?

Overall, Ninja Gaiden 2 offers enough challenge and just
enough innovation to warrant a purchase for the hardcore action fan. We like
the weapon variety and the relentless challenge that later levels offer. Casual
gamers that are easily frustrated may want to rent the title first, to see if
they have the ability to walk the path of the ninja.

Final Grade: B

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

39 comments

  1. I can’t think of anything else to say but bloody good review! pun intended.

  2. Great review. I’m waiting for it to hit the $40 mark.

  3. I agree Ninja traps would have been a good idea during the enemy free parts.

  4. I crave the frustration. The satisfaction at the ending credits make it all worth it.

  5. I might have to get my “Kill Bill” on

  6. How come Manhunt 2 was censored and this wasn’t?

  7. OriginalGamester

    I’ve played thru the first four levels and pretty much agree. Combat I never die on, but boss battles are a bit%h and a half. Everything else is cool about the game tho.

  8. I heard the plot makes absolutely no sence at all.

  9. I for one could never get into these games. This one doesn’t sound much different.

  10. Deserteagle and the crew,

    could you guys tell us more about the downloadbale content? Is it worth is?

    I heard about this controversy on Wombats site, gamesglog.ugo.com

  11. cool review. Will you be giving away a free copy of this one to, please? I want to pl;ay it, but don’t have $60…

  12. Next on my to-buy list.

  13. All the DLC is additional costume for Ryu. Save your money.

  14. http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c361/Vash483/NEOGAF/NGIICostume1.jpg“>
    Yes, the downloadable content is just costumes. Here’s a picture of the coolest looking one:


  15. Might have to buy this once I finish GTA.

  16. Worth of an A- at least!

  17. How many weapons are in the final game, and are the actually different in use?

  18. Im going to have to try this one out.

  19. Came across this site via Digg, awesome reviews.

  20. Whats a arterial spray? Man, you got to be smart to read some of your reviews.

  21. I agree a lot of 50 cent words round here. Who says gamers are dummies?

  22. Sounds fun. I might have to buy this.

  23. Wombats site is gamesblog.ugo.com not gameglog, although sometimes he writes that way.

    This site is wayyy better, deagle.

  24. Nice review as always, guys.

  25. CrimsonKilla wrote:
    Wombats site is gamesblog.ugo.com not gameglog, although sometimes he writes that way.

    This site is wayyy better, deagle.

    In Wombat’s defense, he is much more prolific that I am. He does a podcast, and multiple posts on the UGO site everyday!

  26. Desert, you are a gentleman and a scholar!!!

  27. You were too easy on the game; it really has nothing new to offer, except blood. It’s the same old game. Should have given it a D.

  28. Samurais>Ninjas

  29. Qbert, there’s no way this game is a D. B seems very accurate and fair.

  30. I’ll stick with Sigma, thankyamuch.

  31. Rented today. I might have to buy this one.

  32. Great review guys.

  33. I will get this game one day.

  34. I like difficult games.

  35. Grade seems fair enough. Not my kind of game, though

  36. I tried to buy this yesterday. I’m 21, but look about 17. Of course, I got carded. My license was in the car. It was hot so on the way back I stopped to get a white cherry icee.

    When I got back to the register, they had sold the last copy. Why, god, Why?!?!

    After school I’m going to BB to pick it up- with ID in hand.

  37. Bought this today- it’s kicking my ass. No joke.

  38. DMC>Minja Gaiden, tho…