For those old-school gamers who want a real challenge.
Reflecting the SNES/NES years when games allowed no crap and beat you down if you were slightly inexperienced, Ninja Gaiden is a challenge through and through. With two starting difficulties, and 3 more to unlock, I cannot say I've beaten it on the hardest. On Normal the game took me approx. 15 hours to beat, which isn't too long, but I can assure you I died over 300 times. You are satisfied once the game is done, and much like other greats (RE4), you want to play through again as soon as you finish. The graphics are probably the best you will see on the Xbox, and the sound effects highlight the often gory action. The expansion offers more difficulties, costumes and an all new mission mode, just as hard as the regular game. The mission mode contains 50 missions, most which you must unlike, that pit Ryu against endless waves of enemies. The game itself is mostly action-based, since the game has a nearly flawless combat engine. You must utilize almost every weapon you are given against different enemies to gain the upper-hand. Bosses have very broad attack patterns, and unlike most games, you cannot figure out what they are going to do until the 15-20 try. The levels are varied in appearance and many enemies are introduced. Each difficulty also brings new monsters and items into play, making each time through a different experience.
And did I mention: only $30! Wow!