IGN review for Ninja Gaiden 2

msmalls74

msmalls74

msmalls74

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Think the review embargo must have lifted as there are a couple of NG2 reviews about, here is the one from IGN.

Once more, we find our badass hero Ryu Hayabusa confronted by the Black Spider Ninja Clan and supernatural fiends the likes of which would cause most men would to cower in fear. Ryu is no normal man. He's a ninja that thinks stealth and shadowy motion is for chumps. If a confrontation doesn't begin with a full frontal assault and end with a pile of bloody stumps, something went wrong. From one gore filled assault to the next across 14 stages, the last of the Hayabusa clan is our only hope against the resurrection of the Archfiend.
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Each move in the game has a percentage chance to remove a limb from one of Ryu's adversaries. A quick counterattack with the wolverine-esque Falcon's Talons might leave a foe without an arm. A slash of the massive Eclipse Scythe could remove both legs. No sharp blade on your Lunar staff? No worries. Blunt objects can literally crush body parts into explosions of flesh. Charge up your bow and arrow and the projectile can actually make an enemy explode. Even with the copious amounts of blood this sprays around the walls and floors (occasionally the blood textures hit odd surfaces and leave splotches floating in the air, but for the most part this effect is done with great success), this does not mean the battle is over. With nothing but bloody stumps, Ryu's attackers will limp, crawl and flop their way onward looking to drag the Dragon Ninja with them into the hands of Death. Ninja Gaiden would occasionally leave an enemy without a head. Here, every single fight is a fountain of blood, guts and limbs.
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Still, Ninja Gaiden veterans won't find the camera as frustrating as it has been in the past. For starters, there is less platforming here and what does exist is easier to vault through quickly. The level design further aids the struggling camera by opening up the playing field a bit. Small hallways and caves are in the minority, largely abandoned in favor of sprawling streets and interior caverns. With less geometry in the immediate foreground, it's easier to keep the action in front of you and away from pesky walls should you so choose. The larger playing fields are a bit of a double edged sword though. Sometimes the world ends up feeling a bit empty as you run down the eerily barren streets of New York City or wander through majestic halls that have nothing occupying them save for a few fiends.
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Closing Comments
Ninja Gaiden II is easily one of the best action games on Xbox 360. The depth in combat is as exciting as ever and the new gameplay additions and changes only add to the experience. The game has been focused from its predecessor into a more pure action affair, for better or for worse, but the formula remains the same -- frustrating camera and all. It's challenging and rewarding. It looks great in motion and it feels great to know you're the one at the helm, directing this bloody dance. It has its foibles and doesn't feel as rich as the last Ninja Gaiden, but this sequel still offers up a great ride. Start doing thumb exercises now. Your poor fingers are going to be worn out by the time you get through this adrenaline pumping blast.
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8.0 Presentation
Ninja Gaiden II reeks of style while the story just reeks.
9.0 Graphics
It has to be seen in motion to be truly appreciated… as long as the framerate holds up.
8.0 Sound
The soundtrack matches the feeling of the game and the effects get the job done. The Japanese audio track is a nice bonus.
9.0 Gameplay
If only the camera worked a little better. This is one deep, challenging and rewarding game.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
This is a game that is worth replaying on the harder difficulties.
8.7
Great OVERALL
 
Im kind of excited about this, havent played any Ninja Gaiden games before, but what is putting me off is the fact the games, or so I have been told, are incredibly difficult to complete.
 
So both graphics & gameplay score the highest (9) yet that is the two areas the game has flaws with slowdown & camera issues.

Another hyped game getting higher reviews than perhaps it should be?

Hopefully not as I'm sure the game is great, it's more the fact that the sums just don't add up lately with this & GTA4...
 
Can't think of any game Im more excited about this year - can't believe its almost here :)

Playing through Sigma again this week to get me in 'the zone'.
 
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Ninja Gaiden on Xbox had a bad camera in some places, but it still didnt put me off one bit and its still one of my top 3 Xbox games.
 
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