Stunning, addictive and utterly brilliant, it's made with the flair and skill one can only dream of.

User Rating: 10 | Ninja Gaiden Black XBOX
I must say that i have rigidly stuck to my belief that FF7 is the best game ever for many years. Well now i own something that surpasses it in every way. This truly is one of the most remarkable games to ever be released on a console ever. Whilst it does nothing new - we've all seen games in the Devil May Cry/God of War vain fail spectacularly, it does do everthing so perfectly that it feels like a fresh and unique experience every time you turn the console on.

First, and the core of any game of this type, the gameplay. Well, it has been judged to absolute perfection. The combat is so slick, polished and precise that it is immensely satifying to dispatch even the weakest of enemies. But there is so much variety in the moves and the weapons you can utilise that every player will develop both their own fighting style and also their favourite weapon. The game can be rock hard at times, but you always know that when you die it is your fault and not the computer cheating you.

In terms of presentation, both the graphics and sound are top notch. Everything from the varied and brilliantly realised enemies and bosses, to the architecture of the buildings has been carefully and meticulously designed to create a believable, yet entirely unique world. Character models are particularly well designed, with the many frenetic fights in the game demonstrating the time and effort put in to making every movement made inch perfect. Cut scenes are amazing, showing graphical presentation that will literally blow your mind.

The music is also of the highest quality. Adding both atmosphere and a sense of danger to the game, it really elevates the gameplay and adds a lot to the overall feel of the game. Though it would seem a trivial point, if the music were removed, then the unique feel of the game would be lost.

All of these elements combine to make a truly exceptional game. Though immpossibly difficult at times, this is to the game's credit, requiring skill and a sound understanding of the game to really experience its brilliance.
Though it will forever be compared to Devil May Cry, it is such an engaging, entertaining and above all unique experience i really don't think it matters. Such a game we will not see again, which is a shame, as the quality of this is truly astounding. You would be a fool to pass up a chance to experience such brilliance.