Excluding the 8 & 16 bit iterations of the stellar action franchise, Ninja Gaiden has been critically acclaimed by various publications and online gaming outlets abroad. After a lengthy hiatus, the series returned to the Xbox console in an effort to resuscitate a once popular two dimensional series. 2004’s Ninja Gaiden brought with it substantial upgrades in both aesthetics and gameplay in conjunction with an entirely new story arc. The general consensus was three-fold; Ninja Gaiden was plagued by nauseating camera angles, extremely linear gameplay and the labored vicissitudes of difficulty. Regardless of error, each of the aforementioned games was lauded which in and of itself is quite an accomplishment.
For all intents and purposes, the current generation has made great strides improving graphics although there has been no significant deviation from the industry norm insofar as gameplay mechanics and depth of storytelling. With that said, I think it is most appropriate to begin with the visuals. First and foremost, Ninja Gaiden II graphics are without a doubt and unequivocally next generation. They may not be entirely impeccable but the CG’s are gorgeous and the scenery breathtaking. The introductory segue gives a brilliant overhead view of downtown Tokyo with amazing detail to both environment and traditional Japanese pagoda structure. Each scene is reminiscent of Dead or Alive 4 although with much more polish yet still maintaining the vibrance of color. From the streets of New York to the ancient city of Rome, Ryu brings the fight to all who dare impede his mission. The crisp textures and seamless fluidity of CG cinematography manifests spectacularly well while in combat. Weapons, armor and enemy ornamentation appear refined, sharp and trenchant. Although more luminescent, I dare say this is the best looking game I have played on the Xbox 360 since Gears of War. With the exception of the occasional, impenetrable black darkness making it nearly impossible to see, the overall visuals are exceptional.
Ninja Gaiden fans have come to expect many things; some positive while others more detrimental. As with all 3D installments, the most pernicious issue is without question the obnoxious and disorientating camera. I cannot begin to describe how much I have come to detest it. Awkward angles and the inability to alter direction quickly make combat arduous at times. With a fixed angle, enemies have a tendency, by design or not, to skulk out of your line of site allowing them to attack off screen. While engaging multiple fiends, a few manage to abscond from view just to flank you mid-fight. It’s a very frustrating flaw which only exacerbates the “cheap” Ninja Gaiden AI mentality that the franchise is infamous for. However, this is nothing new to the series as Black and Sigma suffered the same insidious shortcoming. Similar to its predecessors, players learn how to adapt otherwise face defeat. Quick dodges, constant shuriken throws (to determine enemy location) and Flying Swallow spams are one way to superficially offset this problem.
Along with the camera, Ninja Gaiden II does have the occasional andante frame rate imbroglio. During combat within confined areas, Ryu goes Max Payne busting out all the slow-mo stops. This is most prevalent (at least for me) during chapter ten. It is great fun to watch but it is also very tough to play under such circumstances. The bottleneck isn’t pervasive although it does exist. It is also apparent the console is running on all cylinders inasmuch that during large combat engagements, the Xbox 360 sounds like a Boeing 757 running at about 3,000 degrees Kelvin.
Ninja Gaiden has never emphasized story; the accentuation and predominate appeal has been the gameplay. NGII is no different although for those who were somewhat intrigued by the plot, Vigoor Mythology is addressed with supplemental books depicting ancient mysticism and the anathematic genesis of the Greater Fiends. Ninja Gaiden has always been straightforward, excluding intricate puzzles and elaborate mini-games requiring excogitative thought; those are saved for Tomb Raider. Conclusively, exigent opponents and bosses alike have always been perceived as a negative liability; a complaint with nearly all Ninja Gaiden games. Now that the truisms have been addressed let’s move on to the main course.
Difficulty is a primary Ninja Gaiden tenet and Itagaki’s “Swan Song” carries on that tradition. For those who lack patience or resiliency, this game may not be a suitable selection. However, Team Ninja included a few additions which help to balance the challenge. Save points are more frequent and most important of all, they will regenerate your health given that all enemy presence has been eliminated. Combined, these debut elements effectuate easier progression. Rather than work your way up the corporate ninja chain, you immediately exchange blades with the archrival Black Spider Clan. Gone are the days of the lesser BSC abecedarians feebly stabbing your shadows. Again, you are delivered from this evil thanks in part to an assortment of serrated weapons at your disposal.
An amalgamation of Black and Sigma armaments are available including the Dragon Sword, Lunar Staff, Vigoorian Flail’s and the Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang (dual wield katana). New additions include the Falcon’s Talons (claws), Tonfa, Kusari-gama and the Eclipse Scythe. The scythe is one bad mother … Well suffice it to say, it is ruthless! Now it may be slow but its hitting power is unrivaled. You can upgrade each weapon in any order to further increase its potency. Because you are not constantly cashing out to purchase vials of health as with Black and considering Muramasa’s shops are around every bend, they are surprisingly easy to upgrade. During my review session every blade was fully upgraded by chapter nine with the exception of the Dragon Blade and Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang as both can obtain fourth level upgrades.
In-game combat is remarkable; it’s fluent and graceful yet difficult to perfect. Do not get me wrong, the contemptuous button-mashers can mix it up as well although you will not get far without mastering the block, counter attack and high hit count combos. The lethality of each weapon becomes evident immediately. Black upped the ante with blatant bloodshed while NGII easily surpasses this gore with complete dismemberment of all limbs. Arms, legs, head and torso are susceptible to being severed. The tenacious determination of your opponent is best demonstrated when they commence their attack while missing limbs you have detached from their body.
The most glorious and entertaining attack is the Ultimate Technique. Each weapon has its own distinct display but each is incredibly vicious and brutal. Unleashing a fully charged UT is a beautiful sight to behold and the carnage has yet to wear thin. I still find myself smiling in iniquitous delight on each occasion even though I’ve done it nearly a thousand times. Obliteration Techniques are similar although they bring about instant death usually by graphic and up-close decapitation. Many NG veterans will be pleased to know enemy re-spawns are, for the most part, nonexistent. I always hated back tracking just to encounter another group of BSC d-bags I had previously annihilated. Additionally, vets will also notice the bosses are slightly easier although similar to DMC4, they become very redundant. You are forced to fight one boss in particular not once, not twice but four insane times!
In summation, Ninja Gaiden II has more action than a Dolemite flick. Its intensity is unrelenting, foes respectively stalwart, appearance is congenial, and it includes beautifully orchestrated macabre combat that would make Quentin Tarantino proud. With fourteen chapters, the length is more than adequate. According to in-game statistics, upon completion I logged over twenty hours in two and a half days. If I were to play using my regular gaming pace, it would have cost me a week, perhaps two to complete which for me is a relatively long time.
Now on to the score which is what the majority seems to care most about these days. I fail to see how Ninja Gaiden II cannot rank in close proximity to Ninja Gaiden and Ninja Gaiden Black. Each contained identical flaws yet both were still well received. Upgraded graphics and improved gameplay solidify it as a legitimate marquee next generation title. For those who are not particularly partial to the hack and slash action genre I would recommend you hold out. Ninja Gaiden fans should purchase Itagaki-san’s last chapter immediately and those who do fancy the genre should do the same. The gamer on the fence should take the regular precautionary measures and rent prior to forking over $60.
