[REVIEW] Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) - Ninjas are still cool... this game makes them cooler

Four years ago, Xbox owners were treated to the release of a new and improved Ninja Gaiden game. The game was loved by critics and fans alike, even though the difficulty of the game was a bit too much for the casual gamer. Later on the game was re-released as Ninja Gaiden Black and then Ninja Gaiden Sigma for Playstation 3. But the true sequel, Ninja Gaiden II, has finally arrived.

The story for Ninja Gaiden II is a bit complex and confusing. To keep it simple, you return as Ryu Hayabusa as he finds that his hometown is under attack by a ninja clan. They steal a statue with massive powers. It's then Ryu's task to get that statue back.

The basic game play and controls are pretty much the same as the previous game, but with added bonuses. There are new moves and weapons but the biggest addition to the game is the ability to dismember the enemies. If you thought the first one was violent, this takes the cake. You're able to lop off arms and legs with ease. But even if you do take an arm off of an enemy, they will still try to attack you, either with the hand their sword is in or just jump on you, hold you down and suicide bomb you.

As far as weapons, you have your usual Dragon sword but you also get some Wolverine-like claws for your hands and feet, a scythe attached to a chain, the ability to wield two swords, among other items. And the great thing is that each weapon is upgradable, making it more deadly and unlocking more moves. Speaking of moves, there are so many that it would be impossible to be able to do them all. You basically find a handful that you feel are the most effective and use them throughout the game. The Ninpo system returns as well with some new ninja magic to throw.

Even though Ninja Gaiden II is a difficult game, even on the easy level, the developers have given players a little help. After each battle or confrontation, you are given life back to your energy bar along with cash and sometimes ninpo and more energy orbs. There are save statues all over the levels so even if you die during a battle, most of the time you won't have to play an entire level all over again to get back to where you were at.

Graphically, there really isn't THAT much noticeable improvement from the last game but the cut scenes look fantastic. If there was a problem, it would be the camera system. Sometimes in the midst of battle, you get lost around the area and have to fight your way back to the camera so you can see what you're doing. It can get frustrating at times, but you'll most likely get used to it and learn how to use the camera angles to your benefit.

Overall, Ninja Gaiden II is a solid fun sequel to the previous game although there isn't any tremendous groundbreaking game play or graphics offered, it's still a top tier experience that is a must have for any Xbox 360 owner - that's at least 18 years and older.

Q's Rating: 4 out of 5

GameSpy: 4.5 out of 5

UGO: B+

Check out gameplay footagehere:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=C3P6Jq928zo