Ninja Gaiden 2 was, in my opinion, going to be the best game of 2008 and to be honest this was solely based on the stunning first instalment from Team Ninja. Everything was perfect; a compelling storyline, fun and fast gameplay that was still very challenging and graphics like none other on the xbox however, NG2 seems to me like it just doesnt have the same effort like the first.
Don't get me wrong, Ninja Gaiden 2 is actually a good game however, a catalogue of errors makes it look second rate to the first.
The game has the typical story mode with 14 lengthy chapters (while NG1 had 16) which can be played on 4 difficulties- Path of the Acolyte Path of the Warrior Path of the Mentor (has to be unlocked) Path of the Master Ninja (has to be unlocked)
Each chapter has you progress through a level with it concluding in a boss battle. The problem here is that NG1 was very challenging in that each boss had a specific strategy yet, NG2 seems that the majority of the bosses can just be hacked down with little effort which is a disappointment.
The only other playable feature, aside from story, is the downloadable 'Mission Mode' which allows you to play 16 'karma attack' missions; where you must attempt to get the highest karma score and 8 'survival' missions; very self explanatory. This pack also comes with 10 new achievements and does add alot to the game as each mission can be played on all difficulties and overall enhances the NG experience. On the downside it costs 800ms points which is a bit pricey.
The game no longer has the stylish and fluid gameplay as it suffers from frame rate issues which can make it seem like the game is in slow motion and even cause the console to crash. The graphics are good, in-game, however it no longer has signature Team Ninja cinematics like NG1 or Dead or Alive which is a shame.
A pleasing feature is the addition of new weapons and ninpo, which is magic spells, which weren't featured in the previous.
Ninpo Art of the Phoenix Art of the Inferno Art of the Windblades Art of the Piercing Void
The games new additions such as obliterations and decapitations are exciting while new gameplay features such as 'Tests of Valor' will prolong the shortened sequel. NG2 has all new enemies for you to face and while the bosses arent as challenging it is exciting to see the creativity flowing.
The game, with downloads, has a whopping 70 achievements worth 1250g. I thought the would be very original as many websites held 'suggest an achievement' competitions but on the whole they are very ordinary and not too challenging.
The game is definatly not what I expected but better than most titles out at the moment nonetheless. You should try the free demo first to make sure you will like it as a waste of money it could be.
All in all- 7/10
Amazon are only charging £27 but with uses and new it can be bought for around £19.99 which is a bargain. Plays prices also vary but are much the same yet they offer free postage. Try ebay and you could get it even cheaper.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
In Ninja Gaiden 2, gamers must guide Ryu Hayabusa on a mission to avenge his clan and ... more
prevent the destruction of the human race. Armed with an assortment of ninja weaponry, players must help Ryu skillfully maneuver through a world fraught with peril...
Postage & Packaging: £0.99 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Furious action, Great graphics, Gets the adrenaline pumping Disadvantages: Hard, the adrenaline may cause your heart to explode in excitement
Advantages: Furious action, Great graphics, Gets the adrenaline pumping Disadvantages: Hard, the adrenaline may cause your heart to explode in excitement
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