The Legend of Kage 2

 DS
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    72
    The gameplay gets a bit repetitive, but there are incentives for exploring every nook and cranny of the game.
  2. GamingTrend
    71
    I enjoyed The Legend of Kage 2 despite its flaws. I was willing to overlook its deficiencies, and it was an entertaining diversion.
  3. GamePro
    70
    While it's not terribly original or striking in any way, The Legend of Kage 2 is a fun game that comes at a price which makes recommendation pretty easy.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    70
    Despite a couple of unusual tweaks, Legend of Kage 2 is an unabashedly conventional action game, the kind that we don't often see anymore. Fans of the original Ninja Gaiden titles will adore this less difficult throwback.
  6. D+PAD Magazine
    70
    The Legend of Kage 2 pays homage to its 22 year old father extremely well, with a traditional feel that should really excite fans of the side-scrolling genre.
  7. Thunderbolt
    70
    The Legend of Kage 2 may have missed its mark, but we can always hope for something better next time.
  8. SpazioGames
    70
    The Legend of Kage 2 starts at the point the first game left us 24 years ago. The choice of sticking to the origins of series could convince new users to try the game, but old time players could be disappointed. It's fun, but you have to be a real fan of two-dimensional-action game to decide to buy it.
  9. 1UP
    67
    A bit more ambition could've made this a true classic (how about some Wi-Fi co-op?), but as it stands, it's the next best thing to cramming GBA cult classic "Ninja Five-O" into your DS.
  10. Gaming Nexus
    67
    The Legend of Kage 2 may not be the perfect 16-bit revival, but it's definitely worth checking out for those who love fast-paced ninja platforming action!
  11. Modojo
    60
    It's ugly, but Kage feels like a Shinobi clone and that's not a bad thing. We just want a little more from today's releases, even ones priced $19.99. But for what it is, Kage 2's blade is sharp enough to cut into our game time.
  12. IGN
    58
    It doesn't look great or sound great, but ultimately Legend of Kage 2 doesn't play that hot either. It's good for a quick romp but it's certainly nothing special.
  13. Level7.nu
    50
    This unexpected sequel still maintains the cool feeling of being a ninja, but all too simplistic levels and monotonous gameplay hampers the experience. The presentation can often be a bit busy, making it difficult for the player in hectic situations. There is basically no replay value at all so our advice is to wait until this title ends up in the bargain bin.
  14. PALGN
    50
    The Legend of Kage 2 is a weak, bland and uninspiring 2D ninja action game.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best DS Game of 2008
55
#55 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
51
#51 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 4, 2023
    6
    Reboot of a prehistoric NES game that's nicely presented but very old fashioned - it has virtually the same gameplay mechanics as Revenge OfReboot of a prehistoric NES game that's nicely presented but very old fashioned - it has virtually the same gameplay mechanics as Revenge Of Shinobi on the Genesis. An inoffensive little diversion but there's not much meat to it.… Full Review »
  2. Patbumbo
    Sep 9, 2017
    9
    I disagree with a lot of the reviews for this game, and I believe it to be one of the most underrated DS games I have seen. I find the game toI disagree with a lot of the reviews for this game, and I believe it to be one of the most underrated DS games I have seen. I find the game to be fairly challenging at first, but once you learn the mechanics and timing of your actions, things begin to make sense. The :flow" of the game was very smooth and the actions of the characters and bosses were dynamic and looked great. The music was very nice and made helped illustrate the world this game takes place in. The design and format of the bosses are so creative and unique that it brings the game to life. It did not need hyper-dynamic characters or stunning dialogue. The game levels and mechanics, along with the creative design are what drives it. People don't play Mario games for the story or for the characters, but many of those games are critically acclaimed. What makes Mario games fun is what makes the Legend of Kage 2 fun as well. I remember being fascinated by the boss designs and the art of the game. (I mean, the game even has unlockable concept art). This game also has the option of playing as a different character with different mechanics, making the experience different and even more challenging. The game can be found for a very cheap price, and I would highly recommend this game to anyone who is still interested in DS games. I love this game. I wish more 2D platformers were like this one. This is one of few 2D platformers that I actually wanted to finish and complete. I give this game a 9/10.… Full Review »
  3. cliffdsixx
    Mar 26, 2016
    0
    Who has been paying these reviewers? I tried so hard to find something to like in this game. There is nothing. Soundtrack is boring.Who has been paying these reviewers? I tried so hard to find something to like in this game. There is nothing. Soundtrack is boring. Characters are about as dynamic as a sheet of cardboard. They somehow even managed to make the better-than-you-rival character bad--still not sure if that's embarrassing or impressive. Bosses are idiotic and try to hit you out of their range, while they're still in yours. Others willingly back themselves into corners. Final boss phase 1's battle strategy is so random and unexplained. Phase 2 is the single most un-fun, dry, boring, and straight up painful game experience I have sat through. I don't get what it is with this game and vertical boss battles, but they are awful. Minions are easily avoidable and hardly worth stopping to fight in general, minus a few that lock progress for reasons unknown. Higher level jumping become erratic because you can't see as high as you'll go. The female character's range weapon is objectively inferior, leaving her pointless to use except for a slightly more interesting story--as if more interesting than dog sh*t counts. The special powers weren't even that useful. Overall, this is the worst experience I have had playing a game since Mega Man X7 and only second to Star Fox Adventures, and I wish we could give this the E.T. treatment. TL;DR, awful.… Full Review »
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