Ninja Gaiden II

Play.tm (95 out of 100)

There are some camera difficulties, but they're infrequent and hardly major. The difficulty is pure; there is no "cheap" in this game and there is no luck, it's all fair play and it's all beatable by calculation and reaction. NG2 is the perfect fighting-action game, it is the ultimate gaming challenge for 2008, and it's one of the best looking 'gore games' ever created. If you want to know why Master Ninja level NG players give no respect to anyone who hasn't achieved this level of action-gaming perfection, you must become one yourself.

Vgames (92 out of 100)

הכמות והגיוון של המהלכים והנשקים פשוט עצומה, ומלבד בעיות טכניות מזעריות וזוויות מצלמה מעצבנות, מדובר במשחק כמעט מושלם בז'אנר שלו. הוא כיפי, מאתגר, קצבי, מגוון, יפה ומושקע. לא צריך יותר מזה.

Power Unlimited (92 out of 100)

Ik ben Team Ninja erg dankbaar voor zowel het originele avontuur als de kans om nu wederom die ongeëvenaarde actie te beleven in een gloednieuw avontuur.

Gaming Age (A-)

All together, I really enjoyed the time I've spent so far with Ninja Gaiden 2, and I absolutely look forward to going thru the harder difficulties. It's a game that has an addictive quality to it that ends up being a bit hard to define, but there's a great satisfaction to climbing the leaderboards and pulling of the higher rankings on various levels. I personally have a long way to go before I end up coming close the upper echelon of skill that other players possess, but I look forward to improving. So despite it's technical flaws, it's a game that is absolutely worth playing for 360 owners, and while it could have used a bit more time in the virtual oven, I'm happy with the overall experience it provides.

FileFactory Games / Gameworld Network (90 out of 100)

Ninja Gaiden 2 may not be for everyone, but regardless of that it is still one of the deepest and most rewarding pure action games to be found on this current generation of consoles.

MS Xbox World (9 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden 2 is a lot more accessible than its predecessors, although is still going to be a little too hard and vague in places for newcomers. The new easy difficulty is most certainly a welcome addition, because more experienced players can feel like god and treat it as a practice mode, and newer players will not die as often and get pad throwing levels of frustration. In my experience of playing, there's a distinct classy quality here, yet this is somewhat marred by some cheap moments and of course the non dynamic camera which hasn't evolved from previous games. That said, if you are looking for an action game that is fast paced and hugely rewarding to play, then look no further as Ninja Gaiden 2 certainly delivers a well rounded package. Ninja Gaiden 2 has improved from its predecessors and is a welcome addition to the Xbox 360 library of games.

Video Games Daily (9 out of 10)

Had I personally been the guy to review Ninja Gaiden on Xbox 1 for us, I would have probably gone for a 10. Ninja Gaiden II is not perfect but it's one of the best action games since the original and an absolute joy to play. You owe it to yourself to play through both. Ninja Gaiden II, despite some relatively minor flaws and quibbles, is another heart-pounding masterpiece of a game from Team Ninja. It doesn't do much that's new, but it does improve and tweak in enough areas to be considered a proper success and a worthy sequel.

GamingHeaven / DriverHeaven (90 out of 100)

As an overall game experience Ninja Gaiden II is a success and it is one of the most fun and enjoyable action games on the Xbox 360 to date. The combat has plenty of depth and remains an exciting experience right until the end which is no mean feat. This time around the game is certainly more focused on action combat which will be a positive feature for most people. That said, there is nothing new being brought to the table and those wanting a fresh new experience might be disappointed. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed the game and I feel fans of the original will feel the same, therefore it comes highly recommended.

GameSpy ( )

If you're a fan of action games, then Ninja Gaiden II is an absolute must-have. The gameplay mechanics are phenomenally satisfying, and mastering Ryu's diverse weapon sets can easily entertain you through multiple play-throughs, giving this strictly single-player experience an extended life. You'll see yourself getting better over time, and the results are both gory and fulfilling. This is videogaming in the strictly old-school sense, an interactive experience that's light on storytelling and all about mastering all that's involved until you are skillful enough to defeat one of gaming's few truly capable challenges. Ninja Gaiden II is unrelenting and even unforgiving at times, but mastering the deadly art of Ninjitsu will leave you feeling very satisfied.

360 LIVE (8.9 out of 10)

Die wohl augenscheinlichste Neuerung ist der nach oben geschraubte Gewaltgrad. Die Körperteile fliegen nur so durch die Luft, selbst verstümmelte Gegner blasen noch zum verzweifelten Endangriff. Das Geschehen wirkt zwar comichaft überzeichnet, aber trotzdem extrem heftig. Schade drum, denn das überzeugende Gameplay hätte eine solche Zurschaustellung von Blut und Splatter eigentlich nicht nötig. Dennoch führt genau das nun dazu, dass die USK eine Jugendfreigabe verweigert und Microsoft auf einen offiziellen Deutschland-Release verzichtet. Jedem Fan des Vorgängers oder von schneller Schnetzel-Action sei daher dringend ein Besuch im deutschsprachigen Ausland oder beim Fachhändler des Vertrauens ans Herz gelegt. Der kann das Teil besorgen.

Middle East Gamers (MEgamers) (8.9 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden 2 is easily one of the best action games available only to Xbox owners and it should not be missed by fans of the previous games. Also the more approachable difficulty of this game has made it accessible to a bigger number of players who were not patient enough to play the game after getting killed for the 10th time in 1 minute!

Atomic Gamer (89 out of 100)

Whether you’ve been slaying fiends for years or are just learning the power of Ninpo, it doesn’t matter; Ninja Gaiden 2 is a game all action fans should spin in their 360s. Be prepared for gore like you’ve never seen; blood flows like an over-active geyser and limbs fly like fleshy confetti. The difficulty is also nuts—you will toss your controller…several times. But, if these elements don’t dissuade you, don’t let our earlier complaints keep you away either. It doesn’t pack the knock-your-socks-off punch of the original, and some of the design feels dated, but despite these flaws, NG2 is still an amazing ride.

JustPressPlay (8.9 out of 10)

Aside from the occasional cheap enemy, shoddy frame rate and a camera that actually became worse; the game is great. If you don’t mind firing off curses in rapid succession and find enjoyment in being humiliated by a game then this is a definite purchase.

Planet Xbox 360 (8.8 out of 10)

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.

GameZone (8.8 out of 10)

Aside from the aforementioned changes, most players will be convinced that this is another Ninja Gaiden born from the first game’s concept. That’s not a bad thing, at least not in this case. This series had room to grow within the current spectrum, as proven by the tweaks and additions made here. Enhancements, jaw-dropping battles and a near-seamless combat system are a part of Ninja Gaiden II. But if you were blown away by the Xbox original, you may only be very impressed with the sequel.

Gamers.at (88 out of 100)

Ninja Gaiden II bietet euch durchgehend (wenn leider viel zu lineare) blitzschnelle, fesselnde, blutige und über all dem wirklich stylische Action. Bloß leider wird der extreme Schwierigkeitsgrad all jene Gamer, die sich vom Gameplay nicht beeindrucken lassen, weit abschrecken, bis hin in die farbenfrohen Tiefen von Viva Pinata selbst - NGII wurde immerhin nicht ohne Grund mit einem 18+ von PEGI bedacht. Die Grafik ist nicht wirklich top, bleibt aber trotzdem beeindruckend. Die Story ist relativ nebensächlich, jedoch lasse ich mir gerne einreden, dass sie das auch sein darf, wenn die Action im Vordergrund steht. Denn als Actionspiel ist Ninja Gaiden II nicht zu übertreffen, dem verhassten Schwierigkeitsgrad zum Trotz. Holt es euch!

Game Informer Magazine (8.75 out of 10)

If you are willing to put up with those few annoyances, Ninja Gaiden will show you a great time, but let's hope Team Ninja adds a few new flavors to the mix next time it stirs this pot.

IGN (8.7 out of 10)

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.

Fragland.net (86 out of 100)

In the end Ninja Gaiden II is a success. It's not as ground shaking or surprising as what we've seen before, but it's still one of the best action games you can find, both for old-school ninjas as for new apprentices. The only reason why you shouldn't buy this game, is if you can't handle losing. Then again, who likes being called a wuss?

GBase - The Gamer's Base (8.5 out of 10)

Ihr mögt schnelle Action und schreckt auch vor einem hohen Gewaltgrad nicht zurück? Ausserdem besitzt ihr viel Ausdauer und Nerven wie Drahtseile? Dann ist Ninja Gaiden 2 euer Spiel. Zwar ist der Schwierigkeitsgrad nicht mehr ganz so hoch wie jener des Vorgängers, trotzdem dürften sich Anfänger angesichts der knallharten Bosskämpfe und der ziemlich gewöhnungsbedürftigen Kameraführung doch etwas überfordert fühlen. Wer sich davon allerdings nicht abschrecken lässt, wird mit einer erstklassigen Grafik, einem treibenden Soundtrack und vielen spannend inszenierten Zwischensequenzen belohnt. Des Weiteren erwarten euch jede Menge abwechslungsreiche Gegner und Levels sowie eine Reihe spektakulärer Kombos und Waffen. Heisse Action ist also garantiert. Eine Genrerevolution ist Ninja Gaiden 2 allerdings dennoch nicht. Trotzdem sollten sich Fans und solche, die es werden wollen, das Spiel auf keinen Fall entgehen lassen.

GamesCollection (8.5 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II ce lo saremmo aspettato diverso, forse con la stessa dose di "wow" che accompagnò il primo, black e il Sigma (nonostante sia in definitiva Ninja Gaiden 1). Alcune problematiche fanno pensare che il titolo sia stato sviluppato frettolosamente, senza badare più di tanto a stupidi errori che potevano trovare una soluzione con un attento lavoro. In primis su tutti, la telecamera: sarà la nostra peggior nemica, forzandoci a cambiare costantemente il punto di vista per poter vedere meglio l'azione. Oltre a qualche rallentamento occasionale, dovuto solo in presenza di assurde quantità di oggetti e nemici (a me è accaduto due volte in tutto il gioco, percui non calcolatelo neanche), il gioco si dimostra bello, ricco di azione e specialmente non fallisce nel consegnare l'ultimo baluardo videoludico per il ninja provetto.

Kombo.com (8.5 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II doesn't provide the same kind of leap forward for the action genre that its predecessor did, but it's still one of the best action games on the Xbox 360. The combat is deep and stylish, and the sense of satisfaction gained from successfully making it through a particularly challenging enemy encounter is an addictive high. Good thing too, because physiological dependency is just about the only thing powerful enough to push new players through the initial learning curve and veteran players through some of the game's cheap shots. As a merely great follow-up to a modern classic, Ninja Gaiden II can't help but feel just a little disappointing.

V2.fi (85 out of 100)

Ninja Gaiden on edelleen peli heille, jotka tahtovat ohjelmoida kontrollit selkäytimeensä, optimoida keskushermostonsa toimimaan tuplanopeudella ja vajota nirvanaan suoriutuessaan mahdottomasta rutinoituneesti kuin balettitanssija Joutsenlammesta. Taiteensa voi nauhoittaa videoiksi, ja Liven tuloslistojen kovimpien kukkojen kivekset sen kuin kasvavat, kun huippusuoritukset kelpaavat yleiseenkin jakoon. Eunukkien puolestapuhujana kiitän Team Ninjaa vielä kerran siitä, ettei kovien pelaajien puheita uskovien tavistenkaan tarvitse itkeä, vaikka peli marketin kassalle eksyisikin. Myös ilokseen pelaaville Ninja Gaiden II on keskitasoa kovempi ja komeampi napinpaukutusspektaakkeli, joka tyydyttää sen tietyn nälän.

games xtreme (8.5 out of 10)

With the AI quibbles, some graphical slowdowns and the annoying camera it feels as if the shiny new graphics, blood and dismemberment aren't quite enough to lift this game into the halls of greatness. It's one that you should at least play to sample the incredibly satisfying combat system, try out the new weapons and see where the story goes in the series. It lacks anything else to make it replayable however, and whilst it unlocks more difficulties when you finish it...most gamers probably never will due to the leapfrogging difficulty and rock hard boss fights in places.

Game Informer Magazine (8.5 out of 10)

Despite some luster, the battles are still packed with excellent action and entertaining mechanics that everyone can enjoy, from the lowliest ninja dog to the most exalted master ninja.

ActionTrip (8.5 out of 10)

In the end, it's a matter of opinion. Of course, you can always try out the demo first, which is available on Xbox Live (for US and Canadian gamers - and now in Europe, as well). As for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I find it to be one of the most entertaining games I've ever played on the Xbox 360. Even casual gamers should try it. It makes a nice change from today's choice of generic shooters and action games.

Gamezoom (84 out of 100)

Die ausgesprochen Hübsche Kulisse, die geschmeidigen Kampfhandlungen und der flüssige Ablauf sorgen für höchstes Spielvergnügen, was nur durch die verkrampfte Kameraführung in engen Passagen oder kleinen Räumen zu Frustmomenten führen kann. Action vom Feinsten!

Cheat Code Central (4.2 out of 5)

Bottom line, Ninja Gaiden II is a very good action title that has a repetitive yet satisfying combat mechanic. It doesn't look or feel quite like the masterpiece Itagaki stated it was, but it will provide you with several hours of a bloody good time.

Gameswelt (81 out of 100)

Irgendwie altmodisch, irgendwie frustrierend, irgendwie aber auch (trotzdem) verdammt spaßig und richtig gut aussehend. ’Ninja Gaiden 2’ erinnert in vielerlei Aspekten an den Vorgänger. Und genau wie dieser wird das neue Abenteuer von Ryu Hayabusa die Spielergemeinde entzweien. Während hartgesottene Actionfans das tolle Kampfsystem bejubeln, werfen andere User schon nach wenigen Levels das Drachenschwert ins Korn. An die Klasse des Vorgängers kommt das Sequel trotz größerer Move-Vielfalt allerdings nicht heran, was an einigen schwächelnden Leveldesign-Entscheidungen und vor allem an schlicht unfairen Stellen liegt. Wer sich vor vielen frustigen Momenten nicht fürchtet und ein richtiges Actionspiel der alten Schule sucht, sollte ’Ninja Gaiden 2’ aber auf jeden Fall eine Chance geben.

Hooked Gamers (8 out of 10)

This game is perfect for players wanting to play something different from Devil May Cry or for those looking for something to play during the summer gaming lull that occurs from June to the end of August. Just don't expect this one to stay on your shelf for very long though.

Deaf Gamers (8 out of 10)

Even with these issues to contend with however, Ninja Gaiden II is still an impressive game and when you're not being hindered by the game's issues, it's an exhilarating experience that hardly any other action game on the Xbox 360 could hope to match.

Jeuxvideo.com (16 out of 20)

Gigantesque défouloir, immense pourvoyeur de tripaille, Ninja Gaiden II ne trahit en rien son illustre prédécesseur pas plus qu'il n'améliore la solide formule de la Team Ninja. Le jeu se fait tout simplement l'esclave du plus : plus nerveux, plus gore, plus épique aux dépends probablement, de la magie et de la lisibilité de l'action. Reste l'un des softs les plus sauvages de ces dernières années, à consommer sans la moindre modération, si toutefois vous en avez le courage.

Gamer 2.0 (8 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II is a fun, brutal and violent game. The slick and stylish battles coupled with the insane boss battles make this one thrilling and exciting game to venture through. While there are a few instances of graphical glitches and repetitive objectives, Ninja Gaiden II still offers up enough action to make it one of the best games of the year, and a must-own title for any Xbox 360 owner.

IGN Australia (8 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II is not quite the sequel we were hoping for. It’s very good, and it’s still built for those with an iron constitution (aka those prepared to replay sections over and over again until they get them right), but it’s also lazily designed and far cheaper than the original game. Still, it’s hard to deny the sheer visceral impact of the game – it’s a spectacle in the true sense, a glorious homage to bloodletting that at its best has an energy that you can’t get anywhere else. Sadly, it’s not always at its best.

Extreme Gamer (8 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II has been adapted to the casual gamer market making Ninja Gaiden II more enjoyable across the board. For the hardcore Ninja fans, Ninja Gaiden II still offers up a strong challenge when the difficulty is increased. Ninja Gaiden II is faster, refined, and a bloody triumph for gamers who want non-stop action. Ninja Gaiden II might not reach the acclaim of its first remake from the old NES days, but it’s still a great game that you find enjoyment from. Ninja Gadien II is a definate buy for combat action fans.

Factornews (8 out of 10)

Itagaki est un amoureux de la Xbox et il lui a rendu le plus bel hommage qu’on puisse faire en réalisant un beat’em all solide, prenant, très nerveux et techniquement impeccable. Complètement à l’opposé de la mentalité casual gaming, Ninja Gaiden 2 puise ses racines dans une époque révolue des jeux vidéo pleine de plaisirs simples où la dextérité est le seul allié du joueur.

GamePro (US) ( )

You might feel a weighty sense of accomplishment for enduring these uneven trials, and you'll undoubtedly enjoy the rich combat system and gorgeous visuals along the way, but by the end you're more likely to breathe a sigh of relief and move on than venture back for an even less forgiving encore. Ninja Gaiden II is a slick and thrill packed action game but it's nowhere near the masterpiece that fans have been clamoring for. It's worth playing through and you'll have plenty of fun but finicky camera and uneven difficulty definitely cuts into the fun.

Gamereactor (Finland) (8 out of 10)

Osa puutteista on samoja kuin jo ensimmäisessä osassa, mutta silti se tuntui täyteläisemmältä kuin Ninja Gaiden 2. Se johtuu ehkä siitä, ettei uudessa 20-tuntisessa toimintaseikkailussa itse asiassa seikkailla juuri lainkaan. Ensimmäisessä Ninja Gaidenissa sai suunnistaa kartan kanssa ympäriinsä, mutta jatko-osa koostuu vain nipusta suoraviivaisia kenttiä. Mantereelta toiselle hypitään sen suuremmitta selityksittä. Ympäristöissä on nyt enemmän vaihtelua, mutta peli kulminoituu voimakkaammin pelkän toiminnan ympärille. Pulmanratkonnalle tai tutkiskelulle ei ole annettu tilaa. Se on pois pelin rytmityksestä. Kun lopputekstit viimein rullaavat, syvä hengenveto on paikallaan; näin intensiivistä toimintapeliä ei ihan joka viikonloppu viitsisi koluta. Mutta ainakin kerran se on koettava.

UOL Jogos ( )

"Ninja Gaiden II" traz exatamente aquilo que poderíamos esperar da continuação do excelente jogo para o Xbox original: ação visceral incrivelmente veloz e divertida, que se mantém sempre interessante devido a profusão de armas e golpes, cenários vistosos e batalhas contra chefes desafiantes. Ele pode não reinventar a série como o primeiro jogo fez, motivo deste não causar tanto impacto, mas mantém o nível de polidez e qualidade do original, apresentando uma experiência de jogo incrivelmante satisfatória - pelo menos para o público mais "hardcore".

Gamereactor (Sweden) (8 out of 10)

Annars är mycket sig likt och för den som vill ha ett bra ninjaspel fyllt av alla ninjaklyschor som finns har hittat rätt. Men även om Ninja Gaiden II är ett riktigt grymt actionspel med följsam och smidig spelkontroll, lagom utmaning, coola bossfighter och riktigt högt tempo så kan jag inte låta bli att känna mig lite besviken. Ninja Gaiden var ett av mina absoluta favoritspel genom alla tider, medan Ninja Gaiden II "bara" är ett mycket bra spel. Mitt slutomdöme blir ändå en rejäl köprekommendation, men förvänta dig inget nytt mästerverk.

Thunderbolt Games (8 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II does have its faults, but the combat is good enough to keep the game entertaining and engaging, providing one of the best action titles on the 360. It’s a fitting send off for a man who created the Ninja Gaiden series just because he wanted a violent game. He has certainly succeeded in his mission.

Xbox World Australia (XWA) (79 out of 100)

A man of faith might say it lacks the first games soul and spirit; a man of science would simply say that the competition is just a lot tougher, and the sequel never really rises to the challenge. Nevertheless, Ninja Gaiden 2 is a solid, often enjoyable game marred by a clumsy camera and lack of drive. Fans of the original will probably love it, newcomers will probably divided, but either way it's a faithful sequel to one of the Xbox's favourite sons.

XboxAchievements (79 out of 100)

Don’t get me wrong, Ninja Gaiden 2 is a title that I truly enjoyed playing. However, it was a frustrating ride with difficulty levels, luck and that damned camera not helping matters, but I would encourage everyone to experience the game, if only for a while. It does have its “just one more stage” periods and that is always the sign of something great. It will be the best game ever for Ninja Gaiden fans, for others, it will be collecting dust within a matter of weeks or in my case... Days.

AusGamers (7.8 out of 10)

The adventures of Ryu Hayabusa will always be remembered and revered by fans of his work, but his latest shows many of his actions and presentations are now quite out-of-date. But if you like blood and reasonably simple stories to ingest, there’s plenty to swallow here, just don’t go expecting an Earth-shattering tale of the most epic proportions lest you leave your quarters utterly disappointed.

JagoGame.com (7.7 out of 10)

Secara garis besar, game ini seru banged dan sangat adiktif. Dijamin bakal puas ngebantai ratusan musuh dengan sadis hingga pagi. Ninja Gaiden 2 menjadi game penutup franchise ini, soalnya Itagaki sudah meninggalkan Tecmo dan tidak berniat meneruskan game ini lagi. Kalau engga sampai menyicip game ini, beneran rugi deh. Gameplay yang adiktif, grafis indah, framerate yag stabil di 60 fps, Ninja Gaiden II. cocok banged menjadi game yang menghibur dan menghilangkan stress. Bacok sana-sini meski sadis banged, tapi sangat seru…

Game Revolution (B)

With so many elements pushing you to switch down to the lower difficulty, it’s hard not taking the easier course. No bones about it, this game is incredibly hard, and it will frustrate you to no end. The thing is, the game’s at its best when it’s pushing you to play it on expert. Ninja Gaiden 2 on easy is a bland experience by comparison, and sucks the life out of the title: It’s a chili dog without the chili; a martini without vermouth. Sometimes making a game accessible to the masses strips all of its power away, and that just doesn’t suit Ryu’s tastes. Now pass the wasabi.

Worth Playing (7.5 out of 10)

It says something about the original Ninja Gaiden that Ninja Gaiden II being a merely good action game is such a letdown. Ninja Gaiden II's graphics are fantastic and the action flawless, but this perfection is marred by a jerky, awkward and terrible camera and a difficulty level that's the product of the camera and enemy positioning, rather than an actual challenge. Unfortunately, Ninja Gaiden II is not as good a game as its predecessor, although it most certainly isn't a bad game. Even with all of its issues, it's still a fun and incredible-looking game, but the flaws weigh far heavier on Ninja Gaiden II than they did on Ryu's last journey, and as the franchise's swan song, it feels tragically lackluster. If you're willing to work past the problems, Ninja Gaiden II is a fine game that you'll have a lot of fun with, but no matter what Tomonobu Itagaki tries to claim, it isn't a masterpiece.

Game Positive (7.2 out of 10)

At the standard MSRP, Ninja Gaiden II feels like too little for the average gamer's money. While replay value is certainly there with regards to four levels of difficulty and the promise of future downloadable content, there haven't been many strides made toward evolving the series. By not making enough basic improvements to usher NGII onto the current generation of consoles, only hardcore fans will appreciate the "more of the same" approach, while average game buyers will likely trade it back in for something more rewarding. Still, flaws and all, Ninja Gaiden II provides nearly sixteen hours of unabated mayhem and bloodshed, so are there are definitely worse ways to spend your time and money.

Peliplaneetta.net (71 out of 100)

Kaiken tämän vuodatuksen keskellä voi tuntua siltä, että Ninja Gaiden II olisi surkea peli. Se ei ole. Sitä kyllä pelaa ihan mielellään, haastetta piisaa ja kontrollit toimivat, mutta erinomaisen ykkösosan jälkeen odotukset olivat vain todella korkealla. Peli siis kärsii hieman samasta ongelmasta kuin Devil May Cry 4. Se yrittää uudistaa tuttua ja ihastuttanutta reseptiä tavalla, joka kääntyy loppujen lopuksi sitä itseään vastaan.

Softpedia (7 out of 10)

Overall, with a story that’s unfit to support the gameplay and a camera control that’s ridiculously impossible to fully control, the entire gameplay experience rests entirely on the shoulders of the slashing and body slicing abilities of Ryu and the variety of hellaciously vicious monsters that relentlessly want to take you apart.

Games TM (7 out of 10)

It doesn't have the same 'wow' factor that Ninja Gaiden provided when it arrived on the Xbox. Things haven't progressed enough and, it has to be said, Devil May Cry 4 is the better game.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)

None of which is to say that you shouldn't go out and buy the most balletic, explosive combat game we've seen in years - especially if you were a fan of the last one. Just don't expect it to be as good as its predecessor, allow for the fact that sometimes you're going to have to grit your teeth and accept that some bits just aren't fun - and always remember, if you have to throw a controller, your sofa's cushions make a better target than your TV.

PlayDevil ( )

If you liked the original rebirth of Ninja Gaiden then this gory sequel, "Ninja Gaiden 2" shouldn't disappoint you, being so similar to its predecessor. The camera may have difficulties keeping up pace with the action, although the combat is so good that it's almost enough to forgive the game for its failings. I'm just not one to easily forgive and forget though. I'd tell the naughty camera to go into the corner and face the wall like the bad boy that it is, although it doesn't actually need any telling as it's already stuck in the damn corner.

Gamekult (7 out of 10)

Ninja Gaiden II offre sans doute aujourd'hui le meilleur système de combat jamais mis au point pour un jeu d'action, une sorte de conflagration fatale où violence visuelle et finesse du gameplay s'entrechoquent sans relâche. Noyé sous les geysers de sang à chaque impact, le joueur ne sortira pas indemne d'une telle initiation au dépeçage virtuel. Et pas d'exclus cette fois, grâce à un nouveau dosage de la difficulté qui pense aussi aux joueurs moins habiles, sans pour autant faire de trop lourdes concessions. Dommage que l'armature du jeu ne soit pas à la hauteur d'une telle réussite. En sacrifiant le design des niveaux pour se focaliser presque uniquement sur les combats, Ninja Gaiden II oublie la cohérence et le sentiment d'exploration qui faisaient de lui un jeu d'action autrement plus ambitieux. Incapable de masquer sa linéarité flagrante, Ninja Gaiden II est enfin victime de nombreux errements techniques, certains inédits depuis le passage de la série à la 3D.

Level (Sweden) (7 out of 10)

Trots att det bygger på en av tidernas bästa actionspelsmotorer lever Ninja Gaiden II aldrig helt upp till sin potential. Det är trist, eftersom Team Ninja verkligen ansträngt sig för att förbättra saker som plattformspartierna och inventorysystemet. Nu lär Ninja Gaiden II istället bli ihågkommet för att det fick Postal 2 att kännas som en My Little Pony-licens.

1UP (B-)

But chances are, you're not playing it for the story. Or the platforming. Or any of that other jazz. It's just dismaying that these elements are simply brushed aside under the assumption that the combat can support the weight of the entire experience. When things click, it most certainly does: The Airship stage is easily the best slice of the entire game -- a perfectly paced, adrenaline-packed adventure through an environment that simply works (even the camera behaves). But NG2's an otherwise inconsistent package with almost as many frustrations as satisfactions. This is a game for Ninja Gaiden fans, who will play it on the toughest difficulties and upload their best playthrough videos online. For those purposes, it excels; for less devoted action-adventure fans, it's more of a violent curiosity than something to get invested in.

EL33TONLINE ( )

While there is much to bemoan in Ninja Gaiden II, there is also quite a bit to love, and there is no doubt that many gamers will find much to enjoy here, provided they can get past the flaws. But there’s no getting around the fact that it’s a disappointing game, and what should have been a Game of the Year contender has turned out to be merely reasonably good, and occasionally bad. In a year that has already seen at least two superior action games in Devil May Cry 4 and the superb God of War: Chains of Olympus, Ninja Gaiden II just doesn’t quite make the cut. Gamers who have not yet indulged in the series are encouraged to rather check out Ninja Gaiden Black or Sigma instead. It’s everything that this game should’ve been.

DarkZero (6 out of 10)

So, in the end the game is best described as an acceptable update in terms of presentation, but regretfully somewhat lacking in the new gameplay features the move to a new generation should demand. Regretfully, it is far from the spectacular game many hoped it would be when it was first announced. It grasps on too tightly to what came before, refusing to give gamers the freedom other games in this generation have offered. In addition, the game is just far too inconsistent to considered a classic as the Xbox version was, and you always seem to get the feeling it’s a game that could have offered so much more.

Brutal Gamer (6 out of 10)

In my opinion this is one of the best Ninja Gaiden games to date, it’s a lot friendlier to the people playing the game, however don’t get me wrong the game is still a pain in the ass. The game easily could have been improved in different areas and some patch’s to fix the bugs in the game will definitely make it a lot better and more fun. If you are even slightly interested in this game I do highly suggest you at least rent the game, you will most likely love it you have to be patient with it though!

Immoral Gamers (5 out of 10)

Some people will like NG2, claiming that those who can meet the challenge it provides will already know who they are: they get a letter down the chimney, or something. For everyone else, have a barbecue and listen to the noise that ice cubes make when you swirl a gin and tonic in the glass; watch the sun filter through the leaves of a tree; read a book.

GamesAreFun.com (GAF) (5 out of 10)

By now, some readers may be saying some variation of, "But you should just know about the unpredictable attacks! You should've just seen them coming!" or "Just kill all thirty of those enemies in the two seconds before they hit you with their completely unblockable and dominating attacks!" etc. Cycle those lines around in your head for a moment. Is there a fundamental flaw to these statements? If you answered no, then go out and buy Ninja Gaiden II immediately. If you answered yes, then avoid this game like the plague.