1210°
8.7

IGN: Ninja Gaiden II Review

If, as many have said in the past, Ninja Gaiden on Xbox is the greatest action game ever made, then Ninja Gaiden II on Xbox 360 is just a sequel. It won't redefine the way you look at action games. It won't make you cry tears of joy. Don't let that dissuade you. Sequels to such outstanding games often have difficulties living up to expectations and that may end up being the case for some with Ninja Gaiden II, but those that go in looking for some pure action will leave all smiles…and perhaps with a controller broken out of frustration or two.

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pwnsause5819d ago

Great Review, I like Ninja Gaiden, but were are all the Xbots who stated that this game was getting a 9.5 score? gamesradar gave it a 7 rofl.

tatotiburon5819d ago

they are in the same place where the droids, who stated that HAZE was getting a 9+ score, are.

AngryXbot5819d ago

Make no mistake about it, this game is overrated even at 8.7.
Its not even worth a 7.

Thoas5819d ago

IGN Scores

Ninja Gaiden/ Xbox 360 9.4
Ninja Gaiden Black/ Xbox 360 9.4
Ninja Gaiden Sigma/ PS3 9.3
Ninja Gaiden 2/ Xbox 360 8.7

Please Team Ninja don't port NG2 or any other lame Ninja Gaiden game to PS3 or PSP.

Montrealien5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

AngryXbot said..
(Another overrated xbox game
Make no mistake about it, this game is overrated even at 8.7.
Its not even worth a 7)

Yeah ok, said the rabid fanboy troll on N4G...

On topic...

Can't wait for this game, loved the first one and have been enjoying Sigma lately simple to be more into this sucker.

juuken5818d ago

tatotiburon, we *droids* weren't the ones hyping the game. u_u

Pain5818d ago

Still for the life of a Xbot , Sigma Looks Better in everyway, just MORE Detail, that DVD9 cant store.

Thats the difference Sigma HAS WAY MORE DETAIL... NG2 lacks.. Not the Games Fault bots just DVD9!!!!

but u brainless like Bush... so u cant understand.

Fat Bastard5818d ago

It's funny how they gave this game such a good rating even though it has framerate problems, bad camera, and a bad story. Cause that's exactly what they picked at for Haze. Both have good controls, framerate issues, and a bad story, but NG2 somehow got a review twice as good as Haze did. And there's no multiplayer in NG2. Interesting

zethos565818d ago

Ninja Gaiden isn't known for it's story. And the good gameplay makes up for the framerate issues and camera. Look at GTA (there were glitches but still a 10).

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 5818d ago
zantetsuken5819d ago

I'm shocked it had framerate issues. NG, NGB, and NGS all ran flawlessly at 60 fps.

"The only trouble is that our review build had trouble maintaining a solid framerate throughout the adventure. Quite a few times when there were explosions on screen the game would start chugging. Late in the game when the levels toss huge numbers of enemies at you the game would crawl. Occasionally this was actually cool -- when things move a bit slower you can actually appreciate the artful movements on screen -- but more often it left me a bit disappointed that the framerate wasn't locked down."

5819d ago
sonarus5819d ago

Wow surprised ign didn't give the game a 9 at least.

Superfragilistic5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

The first game was my favourite Xbox title by far and the game is a definite purchase for me. I never expected this game to reach for 10's but I really thought it was a 9/10 game. I certainly consider NG to be a tier higher than DMC and yet the scores do not reflect this. It's the most important title to be reviewed since GTAIV changed the scoring benchmark for all next gen games, so it'll be interesting to see how much of the score is a reflection on the game itself and how much is a result of this post GTAIV environment.

My biggest gripe with the game itself is they seem to have removed much of the platforming/adventure elements of the first and just gone for full blown action. I still consider the gameplay to be the finest of the action genre but the elements in between really helped with pacing and made you appreciate it all the more.

Either way it's still a day one purchase. :)

Ghoul5819d ago

@ idontcare

super unnecesary comment

@ superfragilistic

true i loved ng : black and i played through sigma gain,
but hearing they removed almost all of the platforming, didnt fix the camera and left many many wide open spaces without any scene props kinda leaves me to a arena like gameplay that i disliked most in ng.

I was seriously hoping for more environmental action and wallruning, for me the real evolution in the ng genre would have been a fully interactive leveldesign with destructables and platforming parts.

one can dream :)

sonarus5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

Sigma was my first time playing but seriously, the combat in that game can't be touched. NG is my best action game after GOW. Only reason i give it to GOW is because of the story, GOw is just more epic. But NG2 easily beats out DMC4 and all the others. My major wish for GOW is they implement a deeper combat system, and the game will be perfect

Taking out the adventure elements might not be so bad, it really depends on how much they took out. Regardless though, for any NG fan, they will find very little to complain about in sigma.

EDIT: @ below, to each his own but i really really enjoy games with a good story so i like reviews that take story into consideration. Story in past NG games have been super lame but the combat and visuals more than made up for it.

5819d ago
Superfragilistic5819d ago

Awesome ideas about the evolving of NG. I can only hope Itagaki betrays his own words and makes a definitive NG III that evolves platforming/adventure in the genre as much as he has the combat.

RememberThe3575819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

It is funny how you b*tch about them b*tching about story. I take it your the type who is scared of intellectuals(people who think), and thats OK. Harness that fear, learn from it, and grow from it. lol I'm just f*ckin with yeah. I agree with your idea on how to convey a story so that it is easy to follow, but if that story is some bull sh*t then theres no point.

Anyway(to everyone else who doesn't care what I have to say), I am a little disappointed that this game isn't seeming to turn out as well as it could have. I'm one of those people who loved the combat, of the first, but hate the difficulty (After breaking my controller I decided to call it quits). The combat was so deep, but after getting my ass handed to me and not knowing exactly how it happened, I couldn't keep it up. I hate feeling cheated and there is no other game that made me feel as cheated as Ninja Gaiden. But hey, an 8.7 isn't bad, it's quite good, so live it up fanboys, I'm sure you'll love every second of it.

The Wood5819d ago

story is important. as ive aged so story has become even more important just like the films and tv shows i like. Either way 360 owners should get this game if their fans of the series. The reality is both consoles need a few more challengers to this and god of war. Devs need more encouragement. I don't want these games to die out like point n click adventure games did *curses lucasarts*

CrazzyMan5819d ago

Thas` why people will wait for NGS2. =))

5819d ago
ukilnme5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

@ edonus

I get your point. The story was still better in God of War though. This is coming from a long time NG fan. I just recently became a fan of God of War.

Edit: NG2 is still a day one purchase for me. NG has always been and should always be a silky smooth, fast paced experience with no framerate problems. I hope the final build is better or a patch is released.

5819d ago
ukilnme5819d ago

I must still be drunk because I completely agree with sonarus on this one.

Mainman5818d ago (Edited 5818d ago )

If I had a 360, I would definately get this game.

Hell, I am even considering to buy a 360 for this game.

Edit: What the hell happened to Ryu's amazing "AAAH!!" scream? That was amazing in NG1. I guess if I would get NG2, I would get the Japanese version, there he yells "TOOAAAAH!!!", that is also really cool, hehe.

Daver5818d ago

@idontcare

Why dont you just stfu?

Anyway 8.7 is a great score, its good for xbox owners, they will be able to put their hands on a good game. Enjoy

juuken5818d ago (Edited 5818d ago )

Mainman, I'm with you on that. As much as I cannot stand Itagaki, he's done it again. That game looks ridiculously badass. I may take that risk and get a 360. That game looks too awesome to pass up.

And for the people complaining about storyline, seriously NG was never about storyline. It's about honor and revenge. Ryu's way too badass for us to even care about storyline.

This is why I fell in love with NG.

zypher5818d ago

i think NG has a slightly better combat system than GOW, but GOW wins hands-down on everything else, making for a better experience on a whole. i'm somewhat surprised by NG2's scores so far. while 8.7 is hardly a bad score, i'm sure many were expecting in the 9.5 range. this, coupled with the 8.1 and 7.0 reviews from other sources, and yeah...well, i'll just say that hopefully more slightly-above average scores will humble Itagaki and his big mouth.

Omegasyde5818d ago (Edited 5818d ago )

Story really impacts a games review especially if the game is solely single player. For $60 bucks a pop (USD) I know I want a game with these features in this order:

Gameplay > Content > Story > graphics > Challenge

Still a 8.7 isn't bad at all, and for people who like action games this should be a day 1 purchase. Personally in my opinion anything above a 8.5 is a game that is definitely worth my time.

@the commentors saying GOW3>NG2:
Why are you people making comparisons? No one knows what GOw3 is going to be about or what it even looks like. The game is probably still on drawing board, yet there are these silly comparisons for a unfinished and unrevealed product.

fusionboxer5818d ago

I'll say that I honestly didn't "adore" Ninja Gaiden on the xbox. Sure it was great for it's time, but when I went and tried to replay the improved version on the ps3 I just couldn't get with it. I had just beaten god of war (Late to the party) then tried to complete ninja gaiden sigma (again).

Unfortunately I soon discovered that every puzzle within Ninja Gaiden sigma always involves getting some sort of key to open some sort of door. The problem I had was that they rarely even disguised it. In the early levels of GOWII you had to gain a bow to shoot down Prometheus, to then get another power in order to lift the hands of a titan in order to proceed. It was all those interlocking goals that kept me interested. Ninja Gaiden mos definitely has the better (maybe best) combat system in any fighting game, but it's dragged down by (IMO) boring puzzles and level design.

That's not to say Ninja Gaiden 1 or 2 won't be fun. The reason I liked the game was because it contained that awesome fighting system that rewarded you for getting better. As the game went on I didn't feel like it got easier or less frustrating, but that I as a player was improving and it takes alot for a game to do that without killing you.

+ Show (17) more repliesLast reply 5818d ago
Reality5819d ago

Ughhhhh, I expect a sh1tload of worthless comments from retarded, jealous PS3 owners.

But guys let me tell you something, even with an 8.7, this game is and will be the best action game of the gen.

Got it?

ice_prophecy5819d ago

Actually. I am fairly jealous that ps3 doesn't get this game. However, in my great suckiness, I am still stuck on Ninja Gaiden Sigma!

>.> but what are you trying to say?

NDN_Shadow5819d ago

To you perhaps, it will be the best next-gen action game. To others it won't be. That's not to say that it won't be great, I'm sure it will be. However, blatantly stating that NG2 is the best next gen action game period is a little too biased, and certainly isn't fact to anybody but you.

Ghoul5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

its funny how people post how they expect that fanboys will post crap,
and by doing so they are the first to flame instead of the feared fanboys :)

anyways gret game, but gow3 cant come soon enough :D

Lucreto5819d ago

NG2 never interested me at all. DMC filled that void perfectly. I did play GOW and Heavenly Sword was far better than I expected. I think it is down to my dislike of the Itagaki his attitude and some of his perverted games.

Lionsguard5819d ago

FACT: You do not know the difference between a fact and an opinion.
FACT: You need to stay in school

yanikins1115819d ago

hands up if you got stuck on sigma....
<watches the hands go up>

I hope someone explained the meaning of CURVE to these guys. Sigmas learning curve was pretty much vertical...

2cents5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

yes there are some members who struggle with the concept of sensible discussion on both sides of the coin. But if you start a comment like that, you are giving people an open invitation to kick you in the balls, and you lower yourself in the eyes of the wise.

I think anyone who enjoys action games, is going to want to play this. The real question is, can the few negative people overcome their said feelings for a console and break the cycle to enjoy another great game of this generation.

The same goes for when MSG4 comes out. (oh, on a side note Gametrailers have uploaded another retrospective on MGS, story is confusing as hell, great way to recap on previous event in the MGS world though, great vid.)

heroman7115818d ago

ng2 is a good game but it cant beat the badass, Kratos in god of war 3

juuken5818d ago

I'm not jealous so I don't know where you get that from. Even though NGII looks awesome, GoW is even more awesome.

steck675818d ago

Dont get me wrong, but NG2 will be awesome but not the best action game this gen.

...and im a PS3 only owner but I am not jealous for this game lol, although the game looks pretty sweet.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 5818d ago
The Dark Knight5819d ago (Edited 5819d ago )

8.7 aint bad. Thats pretty good :) its just a average game it was never supposed to go beyond the limits just play and enjoy

ISA_Scum5818d ago

Nothing wrong with an 8.7 for a normal game, but this was Ninja Gaiden. This is a low score.

Presentist5819d ago

I'm shocked that they gave NG2 the same score as DMC4, I'm actually worried just a little bit. I didn't enjoy DMC4 all that much.

I loved NG1, it was easily the best pure-3D-action game ever made, and I can't wait to obliterate some fools in 8 days.

This game was the reason I bought a 360, I trust IGN and I think 8.7 is a great score.

Seraphim5819d ago

DMC and NG are two totally different breeds. And both aren't for everyone. The score is irrelevant when you already know you like the franchise...

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90°

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 - Team Ninja at its Finest

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 debuted in 2009; ahead of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's launch, it's time to look back at one of Tecmo Koei's best titles.

MIDGETonSTILTS17426d ago

Disagree.

Black > Sigma1 > Sigma 2

210°

The 10 Hardest PlayStation 3 Platinum Trophies

With the release of games now slowing on the PlayStation 3, Twinfinite take a look at the 10 hardest platinum trophies on Sony's older system.

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DarkOcelet2993d ago

I almost got the Lost Planet 2 one, but that get no One in the Leaderboards was effed up.

Many of those trophies are just time consuming, if we are going to talk some seriously hard platinum trophies, put MGS4 in there.

I will never forget the day i got that Big Boss Emblem.

Complete the game in less than 5 hours
Use no continues
Use no health items
Kill no enemies
No alert phases
No special items
Complete the game on The Boss Extreme

One of my proudest trophies :)

skcej2992d ago

yeah the Lost Planet 2 one was pretty ridiculous with the amount of time you had to put in but when I researched the list I found a lot of people saying that the Nom de Guerres were really annoying/ quite tricky to get. I did think about putting MGS 4, maybe it should have got an honorable mention. Impressive trophy to have though dude! :)

kotaku772992d ago (Edited 2992d ago )

Yeah! specially when you got to play over and over MGS4, when you could be playing, idk, MGS3 or any other game

FallenAngel19842993d ago

I'm only one Trophy away from getting the Platinum in MGS4, but unfortunately it has to be that damn Songs of the Battlefield one that requires me to get all the emblems. It's such an eyesore to be so close only to be set up against such a daunting task

kotaku772992d ago

Mortal Kombat 9
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International
Lost Planet 2
Far Cry 2
Wipe Out HD
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
Super Street Fighter 4
Persona 4: arena
Raiden IV
NBA 2K16

Knushwood Butt2992d ago

+1 for Raiden IV

What is your best score in Overkill mode (online ranking rules) ?

kotaku772992d ago

I don't know what you're talking about

Knushwood Butt2992d ago

Raiden IV

Shhoting game

High score?

100°

Are AAA Games Too Easy?

"Perhaps extreme difficulties are still here, just presented in different ways. Multiplayer focused shooting games (for the most part), have average (to-below) difficulty within their campaigns. However, jumping online and playing competitively can produce a welcomed contest." KJ of Play Legit Writes

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playlegit.net
itsjustexuma3297d ago

From Software thinks differently

bacrec13297d ago (Edited 3297d ago )

Real Talk. Wish more companies would get the memo.

joab7773297d ago (Edited 3297d ago )

So do I. Unfortunately, it doesn't sell so it doesn't get made. At least it doesn't sell 5-10 million like Assassin's Creed, And all the others. Bloodborne is one of the best games I've ever played, and it ruins other games b/c it expects better of you. It wants you to play it for awhile, instead of moving on to the next big thing a week later.

It's goal is to consume you, and not just your time, but your patience and your will, and it promises, unlike other games, to reward you for that time w/ actual satisfaction.

breakpad3297d ago

eeh ?? have you heard bloodborne or Souls games ? ..no if the develeopers dont seek wide casual acceptance (aka all kids must play the game) no ... are not easy

bouzebbal3297d ago (Edited 3297d ago )

i think western games are getting much easier than ever.
japanese are the only ones who dose difficulty. Games like Ninja Gaiden, Souls, Bloodborne raise the level.

johndoe112113297d ago

Why? That makes no bloody sense. Most games have varying levels of difficulty, if you are someone who likes to be constantly punished and frustrated while playing a game simply start off playing the game on it's hardest difficulty. Why the hell should they make all games with only one level of frustrating difficulty, to pander to a select few who have nothing better to do than spend 10 hours trying to pass one level?

This argument makes no sense and since bloodborne released people act like they've forgotten about difficulty settings. People saying all games should be difficult and punishing are selfish and inconsiderate and don't give a damn about anyone else's time or preferences. if gamers want to spend over a month trying to finish every game then they should not complain when only 5 or 6 games get released every year. It's a senseless foolish expectation.

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rawrock3297d ago

From Soft makes Souls games hard the wrong way. Slow clunky controls and questionable mechanics and design. Anybody can make a game where you die a lot. It takes more talent to make a game with a good difficulty balance and smooth gameplay. I have not played Bloodborne but at least it looks to be step up in gameplay over the Souls games.

3297d ago
freshslicepizza3297d ago

from software became a aaa developer based on expanding its fanbase who often felt neglected to play games where if you die you suffer for it. the first demons souls game was not marketed as a aaa game, it grew from word of mouth and they managed to fill an area that was being ignored.

lots of aaa games are made easy and that makes sense since they want the barriers of people to play them to be as wide as possible. the more accessible the more will play is what they are thinking because aaa games cost a hell of a lot more money to make now than they did 30 years ago.

AngelicIceDiamond3297d ago

The industry doesn't use the word easy but "accessible" so yes games are easy.

joab7773297d ago

It's because they know that you won't be playing long. Only certain games get played over a period of time longer than 2 weeks. They just want your money, and want you to finish it. And they know that if you get the Souls reputation, you are screwed.

700p3297d ago

it depends on the game really.

BitbyDeath3297d ago

Depends on the difficulty setting.

Perjoss3297d ago

I find the souls games a bit too hard personally but I think Bloodborne has perfectly balanced difficulty.

KryptoniteTail3297d ago

Too hard, actually. Well, not "hard" but complicated, with long boring tutorials, and unbalanced sections and they try your patience with collectathons, bulls*** missions and try to make up for it with half hearted multiplayey and/or bitchy trophies.

I prefer more indies these days. AAA can still be the best around but most are boring rehashes and DLC fests.

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