Ryu Hayabusa is back and this time he’s brought his dad! No not really, that was Indiana Jones, wasn’t it? The storyline is largely irrelevant; the point is this series features ninjas and therefore demanded a sequel. Of course what we really want to know is how this sequel compares to the original NES game which was excellent for its time.
Thankfully this sequel manages to surpass the original with better level design, a less frustrating difficulty curve and improved graphics. Ryu now has the ability to climb walls instead of relying on fiddly wall jumps which were often imprecise. There are also new power-ups including ghost ninjas that follow your every move and are a big help for taking down any troublesome end-of-level guardian.
The Ninja Gaiden series on the NES is unusual for the era in that the story is told through cutscenes. The quality of the artwork still impresses and makes progress in the game all the more enjoyable as the story unfolds. The levels are fun and have lots of variety; for instance there is an ice themed stage where you slide across the ice and a snowy mountaintop which features wind that will blow you in one direction then the other!
True to form this game is no walk in the park. At times it may make you want to chuck your Wiimote or Classic Controller at the television set! The difficulty level is, however, much more balanced than in the original game. Yes it is hard, but it is fair – practice makes perfect! Unfortunately there is no password system built into this game so you will have to play it all the way from the start every time.
This game is not for the faint of heart. Great skill and practice will be required to master this title. Ninja Gaiden II is a must for action/platform fans, and even if you’ve never played one of the games in the series this is probably the best place to start. You won’t find many action games of this calibre, and the game definitely has to be experienced at least once for your life to be considered complete.
1. Bass X0
30 May 2007, 00:11 GMT
The third game wasn't released in Europe originally was it? I'm guessing either it won't be released at all in Europe on the Virtual Console or it will keep the Ninja Gaiden name.
2. michinmuri
27 Aug 2007, 19:43 GMT
Best of the three game NES series. Absolutely one of the best ninja games ever. This game will keep you busy for a while. Although this is a bit easier than the first, you will still have to earn the right to see the credits scroll. If you like the first NG, you HAVE to get this one!
3. morphballer
15 Oct 2007, 15:22 GMT
I approve of this game. I still have the Nintendo Power poster back from when it first came out on the NES.
4. Fred
15 Oct 2007, 19:30 GMT
Awesome game! Great action, gameplay, very challenging (although still possible to finish with patience) and gotta love those cutscenes! Impressive considering we're talking of a NES game.
5. Delay
15 Oct 2007, 20:56 GMT
I seriously hope this game doesn't take as loang as the first Ninja Gaiden to get over to Europe.
6. PoisonRamune
15 Oct 2007, 23:11 GMT
This is some welcome news. I can't wait for my shift to end... I'm going to immediately d/l when I get home.
7. PolyGone
16 Oct 2007, 04:52 GMT
the music in this game is some of the best on the NES
8. jackaroo
22 Oct 2007, 19:00 GMT
This game looks awesome. Im definatly getting it when it comes out. Although the first game is insanely difficult IMO but thats what makes it fun. Cant wait for this to be released.
9. MetalFreak
28 Nov 2007, 03:44 GMT
should i get this or the first Ninja Gaiden?...what is an OVERALL better game?
10. Mip
28 Nov 2007, 17:03 GMT
I'd say get the first one. It really doesn't matter, if u buy one of the games you WILL buy the other too. They are just that freaking awesome!!
11. Sharecrow
09 Dec 2007, 19:48 GMT
Cool....
But I want to beat 1 first!!! I'll sure continue to try anyway...
12. learn japanese ds
10 Jan 2008, 01:49 GMT
this game frightens me. The original consumed my life. This one will too, but Ninja Gaiden is a hard habit to kick.
13. agent_lime 27 Jan 2008, 01:35 GMT
Really awesome, really challenging
14. Slionr
08 Feb 2008, 23:40 GMT
Loved this game on the original NES ^^ WHEN WILL IT COME HERE IN EUROPE?
15. Rossi
17 Feb 2008, 20:40 GMT
I dont know if to get NG, NGII or NGIII when they come out in EU? I am not the hardcore retro gamer and wont a simple game to play? Any help?
16. Adamant
18 Feb 2008, 06:26 GMT
Ninja Gaiden 2 is the best one, though it's not out in Europe yet. NG3 was never released there, so it's doubtful if it'll appear on the VC.
17. Rossi
19 Feb 2008, 21:54 GMT
Oh my, i wounder why? Its not like these days that they dont release a sequal to a big gaming franchise in certain countrys..
18. Marvel_Maniac
22 Feb 2008, 23:47 GMT
Bought this the other day. Man is it tough. I hate those freaking birds that swoop down! Anyway, I'm at the last boss as I write this, and I had forgotten that you have to go through the entire last level, then fight two bosses all on the same bar of health! The fact that you can continue from anywhere else in the game actually makes the game a little more managable, but boy, the last boss(es) are super tough!
19. zelda freak
23 Feb 2008, 00:23 GMT
I played this one way back as a little one. even today I can't really beat even the begining levels. This game isn't for me.
20. agent_lime 06 Apr 2008, 05:40 GMT
I take back the really awesome comment i made before, this game is bad, the challenge just seems unfair all the time, and its not fun. I regret spending my points on this.
21. CopyofCopyX
25 Apr 2008, 15:27 GMT
Will it ever come to Europe?
Maybe in the next Hanabi Festival...
22. Adamant
07 May 2008, 06:56 GMT
Hanabi festival? The game WAS released in Europe (though not right away, we had to wait until '93-'94, when a slew of NES games got released for budget prices), so we should get it as a normal game.
As for the final gauntlet, there's three bosses, actually, though I'm pretty sure your life meter is refilled between battles. Anyway, two doppelgangers and the Windmill Shuriken really help in these battles. Remember, once you kill one of the bosses, you'll never have to fight that boss again even if you die it a later one. It's not THAT hard.
23. g10tto
14 May 2008, 20:07 GMT
Very hard. Fun to pick up every once in a while to see how long you'll last. Never played the later Xbox versions, but this is still pretty fun.
24. CopyofCopyX
17 May 2008, 13:48 GMT
I know it was released in Europe.
But the first Ninja Gaiden was released in the first Hanabi Festval.
Then it was my guess, that Tecmo/Nintendo will release the second one in the next Hanabi Festval. That didn't happen, instead we have got a lot of Shmups.
25. nlegg008
05 Jul 2008, 07:17 GMT
I have liked what i have seen and read so i think i will give it a try.
26. JJ Markelis
23 Jul 2008, 18:33 GMT
I remember this game being very frustrating as a kid, and it still is pretty tough today. However, it's a classic that I felt was essential to my VC library and I love playing it. It's definitely reccomended for download; especially as such a cheap price.
27. Stijnco
27 Jul 2008, 10:48 GMT
I really enjoyed the first Ninja Gaiden on the NES, I hope this game will be released in Europe some day...
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