.: The Official Ninja Gaiden II Thread (Reviews are coming in!) :. (56k warning)

Besides Microsoft sending out review copies with a note that essentially says "Here's your review copy, but please don't judge the final game by it", I find the more troubling thing the lack of a demo which was supposed to hit by the end of the month. I just checked Live, and there's still no demo, and I find THAT more troubling than anything (and I find MS' practice with reviewable code pretty troubling, and absolute evidence that they still don't know what they're doing in this market in a good many ways).

Think I'm going to take a wait and see approach on Gaiden II.

[QUOTE="MarcusAntonius"]Wow, since when does anyone care what the inept morons of 1up think about gaming? These lightweights wouldn't know a good game if it kicked them in the teeth.dvader654

They are fine reviewers, better than the ones at this site.

I don't know KV has made me a believer...I feel like I can trust the guy almost as much as some of the old GS staffers.

[QUOTE="dvader654"]

[QUOTE="MarcusAntonius"]Wow, since when does anyone care what the inept morons of 1up think about gaming? These lightweights wouldn't know a good game if it kicked them in the teeth.HiResDes

They are fine reviewers, better than the ones at this site.

I don't know KV has made me a believer...I feel like I can trust the guy almost as much as some of the old GS staffers.

Unless things have changed over there, their reviews are still a smorgasbord of hyperbole and uber-fluff for games they can figure out while penalizing anything that is too hard for them or requires any straining of neurons.

The headline of the review alone only encouraged me to skip reading the review altogether the guy started whining about the camera. It was reminiscent of the ridiculous complaints from the first game, as if no one actually bothered to read the instruction manual and the function of the trigger button.

Suttner needs to go back and play Cooking Mama or something, what a freaking lightweight. And who complains about linearity in a straight up action game? Hello genius, it isn't a RPG. It almost seemed like he was looking for any reason to trash NG, and frankly, I don't think he knows what he's talking about.

What Nick Suttner wrote was a load of cerbral flatulance, completely unprofessional.

So no, 1up is a waste of bandwidth. Even scandal-ridden Gamespot stands head and shoulders against those amateurs.MarcusAntonius

Agreed, if 1UP has been consistent in one thing, it's bringing out trash. Sometimes it slips my mind so I follow the link to the site, but thankfully most of the time it doesn't even load.

As for the review copy thing, hopefully some of these issues (namely loading and framerate) are indeed ironed out for the release version. Quite frankly, I will be shocked if Team Ninja ships a game that's so unpolished.

I don't know KV has made me a believer...I feel like I can trust the guy almost as much as some of the old GS staffers.HiResDes

Brett Todd is a good reviewer as well. From my perspective, GameSpot needs someone to fill in Jason Ocampo's shoes, their PC coverage is seriously gimped at the moment.

I think a lot of people are really jumping the gun on this one, especially since even the most negative reviews have had quite a bit of positive to say. I do agree that the whole review code thing is sketchy but it's also probably true which means the final retail build of the game will be superior.

As to the 1UP review, count me among the unimpressed. Any critic who spends a significant amount of time analyzing the narrative of NGII and cites its lack of cohesive story as a flaw is a fool; you don't play NG for the story.

That said, I do agree with Shamus that the demo not being released yet seems odd. I expected the demo at least two weeks before the game hit shelves and here we are, a week from release, and the demo is still MIA. MS needs to get that demo out to relieve the tension and restore the faith. I honestly think it's going to be an incredible game and I have a feeling that the camera issues and framerate problems may be the product of some agenda-driven exaggerations.

Bottom line: I won't know anything until I play the game.

I think a lot of people are really jumping the gun on this one, especially since even the most negative reviews have had quite a bit of positive to say. I do agree that the whole review code thing is sketchy but it's also probably true which means the final retail build of the game will be superior.

As to the 1UP review, count me among the unimpressed. Any critic who spends a significant amount of time analyzing the narrative of NGII and cites its lack cohesive story as a flaw is a fool; you don't play NG for the story.

That said, I do agree with Shamus that the demo not being released yet seems odd. I expected the demo at least two weeks before the game hit shelves and here we are, a week from release, and the demo is still MIA. MS needs to get that demo out to relieve the tension and restore the faith. I honestly think it's going to be an incredible game and I have a feeling that the camera issues and framerate problems may be the product of some agenda-driven exaggerations.

Bottom line: I won't know anything until I play the game.

Grammaton-Cleric

Yeah that's pretty much the same way I feel too. Sure it's easy to be skeptical of so many things in this day and age but for me the fact that with this whole review code thing this is not the first time it's happened nor will it be the last so that tidbit of knowledge coupled with my experience with Team Ninja games with NG and NGB in particular keep me faithful of it's end product quality.

Like you I also agree with the point Shameus brought up about the demo still not being available on Marketplace. When they said it would be available around the middle of the month I expected it to be no later then the 22nd of the month instead here we are almost three days away from June and it's still not up. Now I know I said that I didn't need a demo for me to pick this game up but this is just getting really frustrating checking daily for a demo only to be greeted by a new episode of Ask a Ninja.

Still though even right now with presumably bad review code the reviews are not horrible at all So even if things stay as is it still seems good enough for a day one purchase for me and I definately look forward to the game.

At this point forget about a demo and reviews, I'll just have to play the game and how it is. As reading some reviews conflict compared to the others, and especially Gamesradar review is just pure trash regarding its knowledge of the previous game. Eurogamers review mentions the game's strong points and most of the negatives seem part of this supposed "unfinished" product that is being mentioned. I didn't expect it to score as high and make the same impact that the original made, as that game was ahead of its time, but it seems Itagaki got a little out of control regarding the difficulty in this sequel which has made the game in some areas feel "cheap" according to these reviews, but it seems you can auto start right before the boss fight if you get to the die the first time through.

A few more days, before its all clear and cut.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

I think a lot of people are really jumping the gun on this one, especially since even the most negative reviews have had quite a bit of positive to say. I do agree that the whole review code thing is sketchy but it's also probably true which means the final retail build of the game will be superior.

As to the 1UP review, count me among the unimpressed. Any critic who spends a significant amount of time analyzing the narrative of NGII and cites its lack cohesive story as a flaw is a fool; you don't play NG for the story.

That said, I do agree with Shamus that the demo not being released yet seems odd. I expected the demo at least two weeks before the game hit shelves and here we are, a week from release, and the demo is still MIA. MS needs to get that demo out to relieve the tension and restore the faith. I honestly think it's going to be an incredible game and I have a feeling that the camera issues and framerate problems may be the product of some agenda-driven exaggerations.

Bottom line: I won't know anything until I play the game.

Archangel3371

Yeah that's pretty much the same way I feel too. Sure it's easy to be skeptical of so many things in this day and age but for me the fact that with this whole review code thing this is not the first time it's happened nor will it be the last so that tidbit of knowledge coupled with my experience with Team Ninja games with NG and NGB in particular keep me faithful of it's end product quality.

Like you I also agree with the point Shameus brought up about the demo still not being available on Marketplace. When they said it would be available around the middle of the month I expected it to be no later then the 22nd of the month instead here we are almost three days away from June and it's still not up. Now I know I said that I didn't need a demo for me to pick this game up but this is just getting really frustrating checking daily for a demo only to be greeted by a new episode of Ask a Ninja.

Still though even right now with presumably bad review code the reviews are not horrible at all So even if things stay as is it still seems good enough for a day one purchase for me and I definately look forward to the game.

Also, Critics are unreliable when it comes to addressing technical problems. I've read reviews where games were praised despite containing crippling technical problems and I've seen technical molehills turned into Everest because a critic was just looking for a reason to blast a game. I had no real problems with the camera in the original NG and I doubt I'll have many in NGII. My only real concern is the framerate and those pesky loads but my fingers are crossed that those technical issues will be ironed out in the retail version.

you guys still read reviews?:lol:

now here's the ironic part. i come here and read what you guys have to say about the games after they come out (except the games i know for sure i want).

psssst! i sectetly pretend you all work for me and come to give me your impressions. :P

I have it on good authority that the demo is now up on the Japanese marketplace.

Hang on, I'll try to find a link.

Yes the demo is indeed up and available on Marketplace in Japan.

I'm very, very, very disappointed that we still don't have it available here but I'm still buying the game as soon as it comes out on June 3rd so .... :P

4 days and counting. Woo hoo!

Yes the demo is indeed up and available on Marketplace in Japan.

I'm very, very, very disappointed that we still don't have it available here but I'm still buying the game as soon as it comes out on June 3rd so .... :P

4 days and counting. Woo hoo!

Archangel3371

Yes the demo is indeed up and available on Marketplace in Japan.

I'm very, very, very disappointed that we still don't have it available here but I'm still buying the game as soon as it comes out on June 3rd so .... :P

4 days and counting. Woo hoo!

Archangel3371

So NG2 is getting reviews which indicate it has some serious design problems (though many of the problems were shared by its predecessor) and MS has decided to hold back from the NA market a demo which is clearly finished. Better and better.

[QUOTE="Archangel3371"]

Yes the demo is indeed up and available on Marketplace in Japan.

I'm very, very, very disappointed that we still don't have it available here but I'm still buying the game as soon as it comes out on June 3rd so .... :P

4 days and counting. Woo hoo!

rragnaar

As Shame-Us has said in the past its very fishy when a demo isn't released for a non sandbox type of game like Ninja Gaiden...I don't know what to think, and it feels so odd to be saying that about a Ninja Gaiden sequel, which I thought would be this sure fire AAA game. I hope that Team Ninja are using this time well, polishing up the game, and that this is not another example of MS practicing damage control.

[QUOTE="Archangel3371"]

Yes the demo is indeed up and available on Marketplace in Japan.

I'm very, very, very disappointed that we still don't have it available here but I'm still buying the game as soon as it comes out on June 3rd so .... :P

4 days and counting. Woo hoo!

CarnageHeart

So NG2 is getting reviews which indicate it has some serious design problems (though many of the problems were shared by its predecessor) and MS has decided to hold back from the NA market a demo which is clearly finished. Better and better.

Yeah it definately smells like all kinds of stink for sure. It sounds like people can still create a Japanese account or whatever and be able to download the demo anyway but I really wouldn't do that myself due to my very high ethical standards or perhaps I'm just too lazy. Most likely it's the latter. :P

Anyway I'm willing to take the plunge and pick up the game without playing a demo first but I can certainly understand those who are taking a wait and see approach.

Even if the game is AAA, this whole demo fiasco is bull****.

Even if the demo is AAA, this whole demo fiasco is bull****.

Grammaton-Cleric

Agreed. I don't remember the last time the release of a demo was handled this badly.

I guess it doesn't really matter though, the game comes out in a few days and Ninja Gaiden 2 has always been a day 1 purchase for me... screw the reviews.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Even if the demo is AAA, this whole demo fiasco is bull****.

Dutch_Mix

Agreed. I don't remember the last time the release of a demo was handled this badly.

I guess it doesn't really matter though, the game comes out in a few days and Ninja Gaiden 2 has always been a day 1 purchase for me... screw the reviews.

Yeah...I'm there day one as well. Even if the game isn't AAA it'll be AA at the very least.

I enjoy difficult games as well, but only if it's possible to pass it. Sometimes a game is difficult because of frustration not from good design.

Ninja Gaiden is one of those games where good design made for challenging gameplay. Because no matter how hard it is, you kept going because it's passable. Rondo of Swords, for example, is a game that is more frustrating and difficult from poor design.

With that said, I'm kind of surprised NG2 is getting less than stellar reviews. I was expecting more 9's especially from EGM/1up.

[QUOTE="Dutch_Mix"][QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Even if the demo is AAA, this whole demo fiasco is bull****.

Grammaton-Cleric

Agreed. I don't remember the last time the release of a demo was handled this badly.

I guess it doesn't really matter though, the game comes out in a few days and Ninja Gaiden 2 has always been a day 1 purchase for me... screw the reviews.

Yeah...I'm there day one as well. Even if the game isn't AAA it'll be AA at the very least.

Me three, I'm another day one buyer as well.

Anyway I just saw on majornelson.com that the demo will be available to all the other regions by the end of next week.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"][QUOTE="Dutch_Mix"][QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Even if the demo is AAA, this whole demo fiasco is bull****.

Archangel3371

Agreed. I don't remember the last time the release of a demo was handled this badly.

I guess it doesn't really matter though, the game comes out in a few days and Ninja Gaiden 2 has always been a day 1 purchase for me... screw the reviews.

Yeah...I'm there day one as well. Even if the game isn't AAA it'll be AA at the very least.

Me three, I'm another day one buyer as well.

Anyway I just saw on majornelson.com that the demo will be available to all the other regions by the end of next week.

So the demo will come out after the game is released? This is smart.

So the demo will come out after the game is released? This is smart.

rragnaar

Maybe, maybe not. Hard to say right now. The thing that really irked me about it was that they said it would be out by mid-May and they didn't deliver.

It's not like all games have demos available at or before launch and some have had no demos at all and they still turned out to be really great games that did great sales.

[QUOTE="rragnaar"]

So the demo will come out after the game is released? This is smart.

Archangel3371

Maybe, maybe not. Hard to say right now. The thing that really irked me about it was that they said it would be out by mid-May and they didn't deliver.

It's not like all games have demos available at or before launch and some have had no demos at all and they still turned out to be really great games that did great sales.

I think all big games should be preceded by demos or betas or whatever, but that wasn't the case with GTA4 and Gears of War, and both of them are amazing games.

The problem I see in this case is that a finished demo is being held back from North America and a good sized tv ad campaign indicating that money isn't a problem (the same thing happen with Lost Odyssey).

If a company has so little faith in its games that it doesn't think that sitting down and playing them will make people want to buy them, I am not going to spend my money finding out the hard way if they are correct.

Let me add that I respect those that choose differently. The apple doesn't appear to have fallen too far from the tree, so if the tree in question sits at the top of the videogame mountain in your eyes why not buy the apple?

This whole demo issue sucks but TBH I'm not worried at all. Reviews have already stated NG2 is as unforgiving as NG1 (instead of more approachable as claimed before) and that means many gamers simply won't like it. The ones anticipating the demo already know they're going to buy this game any way while the people on the fence most probably never played NG1 or just didn't like some design decisions in it. In either case the demo would only turn them away from the game.

IMO it makes perfect sense for MS to delay the demo until release to get more sales, no matter how small that increase might be.

You don't suppose that the reason they held off on the demo was because of the somewhat lukewarm reception this game is getting over the first one? Considering that the xbox website was advertising the demo, it seems highly irresponsible to me to pretend like no demo was ever claimed. Impressions from people who played them demo through the Japanese account have been overwhelmingly positive, so I honestly don't see what the problem is. Surely, they aren't irked by the reviews.

Though I am disappointed about the demo issue, this has not deterred me from the game at all. I'll be there on day one looking for a copy. I merely wanted to whet my appetite before release day. Oh well, a couple more days left.

Gametrailers review is up

They give it an 8.4

Most of what's said has been said: Camera is bad, the game's difficulty is uneven and borders on cheap, some slow down and mid-battle loading (unbelievable...). They do show the infamous boss that explodes and kills you at the end. Now that every review has been talking about it, I've been curious to see it. Overall, for a good score it got, the review sounded worse than the score that was given.

Gametrailers review is up

They give it an 8.4

Most of what's said has been said: Camera is bad, the game's difficulty is uneven and borders on cheap, some slow down and mid-battle loading (unbelievable...). They do show the infamous boss that explodes and kills you at the end. Now that every review has been talking about it, I've been curious to see it. Overall, for a good score it got, the review sounded worse than the score that was given.

_Dez_

Thats a really good review IMO that everyone should check out.

[QUOTE="HiResDes"][QUOTE="_Dez_"]

Gametrailers review is up

They give it an 8.4

Most of what's said has been said: Camera is bad, the game's difficulty is uneven and borders on cheap, some slow down and mid-battle loading (unbelievable...). They do show the infamous boss that explodes and kills you at the end. Now that every review has been talking about it, I've been curious to see it. Overall, for a good score it got, the review sounded worse than the score that was given.

dvader654

Thats a really good review IMO that everyone should check out.

I will check it out, video should help show the issues. But to be honest I dont believe it until I hear it from you guys. I wish I had a damn 360 so next week would go by quickly.

Check out the gaf thread. I am not worried at all, according to the ones who downloaded the demo off the Japanese marketplace it's Ninja Gaiden, just better in most ways. The camera is still the same, which means people who can play the game won't have any real problem with it while newcomers will find it frustrating and the difficulty may be a bit harder but in no way cheap (the self destructing boss does sound a bit annoying but it seems like it's a one of a kind situation).

The gameplay (the only thing that really matters IMO) is supposedly even faster than in the first one and feels better in every way. Mid-fight loading does not appear in the demo and the loading that appeared while opening chests and collecting items in the review build are not there either. There is some slow down in the framerate when you use ninpo but otherwise the framerate should be quite solid.

All in all it still sounds exactly like the game I wanted it to be, give or take a few details.

Edit:

Joystiq's impressions on the demo

Also, the talons are freaking awesome. You can go from a flying swallow into an izuna drop without touching the ground.

^^^Yeah that's also what I've been hearing about those who have played the demo which is reassuring and very nice to hear.

And yes those Talons are going to totally rock indeed.

Demo or not, I'll be picking this up on day one. The gameplay footage I've seen looks great and the action as brutal as ever. I can deal with occasional camera annoyances (the first NG's camera was far from perfect), given my love for the first game. I just can't see myself NOT buying NG2, considering #1 was one of my all-time favorite action titles, minor flaws be damned.

I wonder if the real reason MS is holding back on the demo is because it's incredibly difficult. MS is pushing this as a big game but the mainstream won't enjoy it because of the difficulty. Perhaps they are hoping more casuals will nab this day one without having played the demo.

Hell, I know hardcores who gave up playing the first game.

[QUOTE="HiResDes"][QUOTE="_Dez_"]

Gametrailers review is up

They give it an 8.4

Most of what's said has been said: Camera is bad, the game's difficulty is uneven and borders on cheap, some slow down and mid-battle loading (unbelievable...). They do show the infamous boss that explodes and kills you at the end. Now that every review has been talking about it, I've been curious to see it. Overall, for a good score it got, the review sounded worse than the score that was given.

dvader654

Thats a really good review IMO that everyone should check out.

I will check it out, video should help show the issues. But to be honest I dont believe it until I hear it from you guys. I wish I had a damn 360 so next week would go by quickly.

He did make one nonsensical comment, however, stating that the game should include ninja vs. ninja mulitplayer in order to move into the next generation. First of all there are more ways to move into the next generation without including mulitplayer, and secondly it is stupid to expect every single player focused game to include mulitplayer. And Thirdly, such Ryu vs. Ryu multiplayer would be awfully unbalanced.

I wonder if the real reason MS is holding back on the demo is because it's incredibly difficult. MS is pushing this as a big game but the mainstream won't enjoy it because of the difficulty. Perhaps they are hoping more casuals will nab this day one without having played the demo.

Hell, I know hardcores who gave up playing the first game.

Grammaton-Cleric

This is what I think as well.

I wonder if the real reason MS is holding back on the demo is because it's incredibly difficult. MS is pushing this as a big game but the mainstream won't enjoy it because of the difficulty. Perhaps they are hoping more casuals will nab this day one without having played the demo.

Hell, I know hardcores who gave up playing the first game.

Grammaton-Cleric

That's a good observation. I mentioned the same thing to a couple of my friends the other day. The only hang up that abruptly stopped my theory was that they released the demo in Japan and there have been many developers state how the American market appreciates harder games as opposed to the Japanese market. If that is the case then why would they release a game demo with such difficulty to the Japanese market prior to the American market? *shrugs*

Anyways, I plan on getting Ninja Gaiden II regardless if a demo makes its way to Live or not. I have to say though that it would be interesting to find out why the delay in a demo that they have promised at a certain time.

[QUOTE="dvader654"][QUOTE="HiResDes"][QUOTE="_Dez_"]

Gametrailers review is up

They give it an 8.4

Most of what's said has been said: Camera is bad, the game's difficulty is uneven and borders on cheap, some slow down and mid-battle loading (unbelievable...). They do show the infamous boss that explodes and kills you at the end. Now that every review has been talking about it, I've been curious to see it. Overall, for a good score it got, the review sounded worse than the score that was given.

HiResDes

Thats a really good review IMO that everyone should check out.

I will check it out, video should help show the issues. But to be honest I dont believe it until I hear it from you guys. I wish I had a damn 360 so next week would go by quickly.

He did make one nonsensical comment, however, stating that the game should include ninja vs. ninja mulitplayer in order to move into the next generation. First of all there are more ways to move into the next generation without including mulitplayer, and secondly it is stupid to expect every single player focused game to include mulitplayer. And Thirdly, such Ryu vs. Ryu multiplayer would be awfully unbalanced.

Agreed. That was a totally invalid criticism. I don't want multiplayer tacked-on to every single-player focused game I buy, thank you very much. That mentality is irritating. I still prefer good single player games, which is another reason I'll be supporting NG2.

Just found these two Itagaki interviews, which are mostly more of the same:

CVG Video Interview

Kikizio Interview

Well here is a pleasant surprise Hayabusa fans. I just saw on majornelson.com that the Ninja Gaiden II demo will be available tomorrow in all other regions except India and Germany.

I'll probably still end up just getting the game first before I have a chance to try the demo but for all those interested in checking out the demo first at least you can do that now a little bit earlier.

I dropped by my local Gamestop today and they said they'd have the game by about noon tomorrow.

Also, Team Xbox's review of Ninja Gaiden 2 just went up, and the first few paragraphs are definitely worth reading.

Well here is my "You've got to ****ing kidding me" update to my previous post about the Ninja Gaiden II demo being available tomorrow. Apparently Canada and the U.S. will also be joining India and Germany as regions that won't be getting the demo tomorrow as stated at majornelson.com. It looks like the major was also a little too eager to post the news and now he has had to update his info with this disappointing news also.

So all regions outside of Japan except Cananda, U.S., India, and Germany will get the demo tomorrow and everyone else will still have to wait until the end of this week. I guess it's good news for some.

Well today's the day peeps. Time to pick up the game. Woo hoo!

Anyway there are a couple of cool videos to download. One is about the some of the bosses and another is about the weapons. Apparently they are glimpses into an hour long documentry called "Way of the Warrior" which will be available to download on Marketplace on June 10th.

This demo business is completely ridiculous. Good thing they removed the region lock on the Japanese demo. If you've got a Japanese live account you can download it right now.

Just played the demo and altough it doesnt have the initial impact the original ninja gaiden had, its still one of the better action orientated games ive played this year.

At first glance the graphics are not a step up, looking very similar to the xbox prequel, but its the little details that shine, the level is quite massive, there are no loading times, you can see individual leaves on the trees float down, bodies and blood dont dissapear making you feel quite badass as you leave the room of a heated battle. My favourite graphical touch is when ryu shakes the blood off his weapons and blood splatters on the ground around him. Animations are all solid, and the sight of ryu kicking a huge metal door off its hinges in one move is quite awesome. I do also like how its a very futuristic tokyo, but still has loads of feudal japan touches with architecture and what not.

The sound was a dissapointment, the sounds of the weapons and cries of pain and what not are ace, but the music sounded exactly like the music from the first game.

The gameplay itself hasnt changed much at all really, aside from the obliteration moves, press Y next to an enemy who has a limb cut of and ryu will totally devestate and destroy him. Also, the health bar now regenerates, im not sure if this happens on harder difficulties, but when you get hit your meter depletes, but where its depleted there are two colours, after a fight the clear colour regenerates while the red colour stays.

My one major gripe is that to change weapons you either press the d pad and the game pauses and you choose your weapon or you go into the menu and choose your weapon there. This is something that should be a thing of the past and is really quite clunky in my opinion, it just slows the game right down when its about being this slickand fast ninja assasin.

Ive gone from not really caring about this to it being a must buy. Ninja Gaiden 2 is basicly what I want from a samurai game which is basicly Ninja Gaiden 1 which is basicly the Kill Bill crazy 88 fight. the game. Which is awesome.

Oh and yes, there is blood and gore.

Well today's the day peeps. Time to pick up the game. Woo hoo!

Anyway there are a couple of cool videos to download. One is about the some of the bosses and another is about the weapons. Apparently they are glimpses into an hour long documentry called "Way of the Warrior" which will be available to download on Marketplace on June 10th.

Archangel3371

As far as I know, the game ships today, and won't be available until tomorrow at most outlets. I was actually really pumped to play the game today, too. :oops:

Just played the demo and altough it doesnt have the initial impact the original ninja gaiden had, its still one of the better action orientated games ive played this year.

At first glance the graphics are not a step up, looking very similar to the xbox prequel, but its the little details that shine, the level is quite massive, there are no loading times, you can see individual leaves on the trees float down, bodies and blood dont dissapear making you feel quite badass as you leave the room of a heated battle. My favourite graphical touch is when ryu shakes the blood off his weapons and blood splatters on the ground around him. Animations are all solid, and the sight of ryu kicking a huge metal door off its hinges in one move is quite awesome. I do also like how its a very futuristic tokyo, but still has loads of feudal japan touches with architecture and what not.

The sound was a dissapointment, the sounds of the weapons and cries of pain and what not are ace, but the music sounded exactly like the music from the first game.

The gameplay itself hasnt changed much at all really, aside from the obliteration moves, press Y next to an enemy who has a limb cut of and ryu will totally devestate and destroy him. Also, the health bar now regenerates, im not sure if this happens on harder difficulties, but when you get hit your meter depletes, but where its depleted there are two colours, after a fight the clear colour regenerates while the red colour stays.

My one major gripe is that to change weapons you either press the d pad and the game pauses and you choose your weapon or you go into the menu and choose your weapon there. This is something that should be a thing of the past and is really quite clunky in my opinion, it just slows the game right down when its about being this slickand fast ninja assasin.

Ive gone from not really caring about this to it being a must buy. Ninja Gaiden 2 is basicly what I want from a samurai game which is basicly Ninja Gaiden 1 which is basicly the Kill Bill crazy 88 fight. the game. Which is awesome.

Oh and yes, there is blood and gore.

nuttybar

Must play.

Now.

Damnit tomorrow can't come soon enough!