When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ninja. 
 
Since I have a strong aversion to wearing pajamas in public, playing the Ninja Gaiden video game series on the Nintendo Entertainment System was the closest I ever got to it.  Making the game’s hero Ryu Hayabusa do precise backflips, sword slashes and screen-filling magic spells was one of my fondest childhood video game memories. 
 
Certainly, the popularity of ninjas has fallen prey to the pirate craze of the last few years, but after you play Microsoft’s and Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden II for the Xbox 360, a prequel to the NES series and a sequel to the update on the original Xbox, the debate over which group is cooler will finally be put to rest.
 
I’ll be the first to admit that Ninja Gaiden on the Xbox was one of the toughest games of all time with a maddeningly frustrating story mode.  Thankfully, four difficulty levels have been added to the sequel in order to level the playing field for longtime fans and newbies alike.
 
In order to progress through the levels, players must master Ryu’s many acrobatic moves including wall running and swinging from poles.  But what’s a ninja without cool weapons? 
 
Fans of graphic video game violence will eat this one up as Ryu uses a variety of unique weapons including his legendary Dragon Sword and Lunar Staff, bladed tonfas, shuriken and a bow to both dismember and destroy his numerous foes.  Magic spells called ninpos are also available but not using them during stages actually results in a better overall score.

With intricate environments and compelling character designs, Ninja Gaiden II is one of the most visually exciting games released so far for the Xbox 360. 

$59.99 MSRP.

WEB | http://www.ninjagaidengame.com