Ninja Gaiden II

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Jun 3, 2008
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 374 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 283 out of 374
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 374
  3. Negative: 42 out of 374
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  1. SpajASE
    Sep 10, 2023
    9
    One of best hack and slash games ever and one of most heaviest ones. Xbox exclusivity back than was really interesting.
  2. EalyLiu
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    It's great. It's the best game I've ever seen. The picture is exquisite, the movement is smooth, and the design is exquisite.
  3. shenkenhigh
    Feb 14, 2023
    9
    It's great, but not 10, solid 9 or even 8,5. Nice sequel but not more than that
  4. Havik_destroyer
    May 13, 2022
    10
    ninja gaiden 2 on xbox is the best game ever exist, combat is more than perfect it is really gory and fun
  5. HavikSatan
    May 12, 2022
    10
    best slasher or hack n slash game ever made and gory visual looks very well, really perfect game.
  6. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    Ninja Gaiden II plays like Devil May Cry on steroids. It's a lightning-fast, gore-filled action/fighting game that pushes the Xbox 360 beyond its limits. Unfortunately, the game is not a masterpiece like the Xbox's "Ninja Gaiden". It also features occasional slowdown due to the chaotic on-screen activity. Despite its shortcomings, this is an action game like no other. It constantly testsNinja Gaiden II plays like Devil May Cry on steroids. It's a lightning-fast, gore-filled action/fighting game that pushes the Xbox 360 beyond its limits. Unfortunately, the game is not a masterpiece like the Xbox's "Ninja Gaiden". It also features occasional slowdown due to the chaotic on-screen activity. Despite its shortcomings, this is an action game like no other. It constantly tests your skill with a variety of enemies that will decimate you in a matter of seconds. Thankfully, you're given a generous amount of badass weapons that make you feel like Bruce Lee. It's just too bad the camera is a hindrance since it hardly keeps up with the fast action. Also, there are times when you'll be bombarded with arrows being thrown off-screen. Overall, "Ninja Gaiden II" is a good game. It might disappoint some since it doesn't measure up to its predecessor. But for those who are just looking for a fast-paced action title, NG II delivers in spades. I would rate it with an 8.1 out of 10.… Expand
  7. ECB19
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    good game, fast, fun and good difficulty. if you haven't played any ninja gaiden, I think both the sigma version or this one won't disappoint you.
  8. Silverboltakina
    May 17, 2021
    10
    I may be biased, but this is my favourite game of all time for a reason. The game has an outstanding amount of variety and skill in battle, and bosses, while frustrating, are highly skill based and can be beaten with knowledge. The music, while a downgrade, still fits the game.
  9. Hungry_insect
    Jun 24, 2020
    10
    Excelente jogo, merecia um novo game nessa nova geração, no PlayStation 5 .
  10. noblescion
    May 9, 2020
    10
    Never again a sword cutting through the flesh felt that good. The greatest action game this medium has ever seen is the brutal, uncompromising, obscure and not perfect, but at the same it reaches so high striving for the absolute that almost achieves it. & time, the absolute judge of everything, hasn’t touched it at all.
  11. Saldanamoreno
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    Ninja Gaiden 2 (a mini review ) A descent into madness...and on the way down you might encounter some alien demon spider-bots and chainsaw wielding zombie demons with cannons for arms, in fact I’m sure of it. It would be an understatement to say that this game is brimming with creativity and wild video game goodness. Sure the camera mechanics are outdated and the difficulty spikesNinja Gaiden 2 (a mini review ) A descent into madness...and on the way down you might encounter some alien demon spider-bots and chainsaw wielding zombie demons with cannons for arms, in fact I’m sure of it. It would be an understatement to say that this game is brimming with creativity and wild video game goodness. Sure the camera mechanics are outdated and the difficulty spikes make it downright unfair at times, sure it stuffs almost every Sci-Fi Fantasy trope at you in under 20-30 hours and takes itself way too seriously doing it. Even with all it’s 2008 faults I’d be lying if I said I didn’t play this game the whole time with a wide Cheshire Cat smile the whole time. The combat is so satisfying. Ryu Hyabusa moves the way you would think a ninja would move in a videogame devoid of all real world physical laws. Obliteration and Ultimate techniques are the finishing moves and when done correctly catapult your television screen into an explosion of extreme blood, gore, and chaos. The game was designed from the ground up for the Xbox 360 and floods you with a wealth of enemies who show up silently with no flourish to announce their presence to keep you on your toes the whole time and test the extent of your mortal reflexes. I played this game in the Xbox OneX and got to experience it in near 4K resolution at a locked 60fps (the way the game was meant to be played in). Sure there is a PS3 and vita version and I’m sure those versions could be fun too but they omit some of the elements that would grab you off your seat and shake the gamer soul out of you! If you have the chance to play this on the Xbox one x please do so. If you are a fan of action games like Devil May Cry and like the challenge of Dark Souls it’s definitely worth your time and attention. Peace!… Expand
  12. Abraham1993
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    El rey del hack and slash junto con ninja gaiden black. Jugabilidad perfecta y gráficos brutales para la época. Retrocompatible en xbox one!!!
  13. shootingstars99
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    A neat sequel to the now classic Ninja Gaiden on the original Xbox. The combat seems to have the same depth and learning curve as the original, with some new mechanics thrown in to make the game a little more accessible to others just getting into the series, such as obliteration techniques. The game has a myriad of weapons to find, upgrade and master, and a plethora of enemies and bossesA neat sequel to the now classic Ninja Gaiden on the original Xbox. The combat seems to have the same depth and learning curve as the original, with some new mechanics thrown in to make the game a little more accessible to others just getting into the series, such as obliteration techniques. The game has a myriad of weapons to find, upgrade and master, and a plethora of enemies and bosses to test your skills and best in combat. A few minor gripes would be that controlling the camera during combat seems to be a skill of its own, and makes for some slightly irritating moments when surrounded, as well as some frame drops when there are large amounts of foes on the screen at once. Everything else is great, the story is simple, but doesn't pretend to be anything aside from that, which makes it just plain fun. The combat is the main draw here, and will have you learning something new every time you turn it on or try a new weapon!… Expand
  14. h3x
    Aug 10, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A masterpiece - the combat system is deep and satisfying. My review is mostly about my experience overall across the difficulties and I will primarily talk about the game's hardest difficulty mode: Path of the Master Ninja. First up, you're probably not going to like this game if:

    1. Aren't willing to invest serious time into learning the combat system and enemy attack patterns. Button mashing and holding block all the time will get you killed.

    2. If you are turned off by steep (but fair) difficulty and learning curves.

    3. People who want a deep story - this takes a back seat in (modern) Ninja Gaiden games and makes little sense.

    This game has difficulty done right in my opinion:

    1. Enemy spawns on higher difficulties change, introducing harder enemies in place of regular variants that would normally appear on Acolyte/Warrior difficulty. Most bosses also get grunts to assist them in battle.

    2. Enemy numbers increase - this doesn't feel cheap. It forces you to properly learn the mechanics of the game. Yes you can spam ultimate techniques, but the game is perfectly doable on Master Ninja mode without said method.

    3. Enemies/bosses do more damage and bosses are more resistant to damage, but not to the cheap levels in Master Ninja mode of the PS3 Sigma 2 version.

    4. The gore - it is so fun to listen to the enemies get dismembered and explode from combos, UTs and projectiles. Very satisfying.

    5. Chapter scoring is based on the karma system and is unlike games such as Devil May Cry where the aim is also to be stylish in order to score more points. Points here are rewarded for ultimate techniques and fast/efficient kills.

    Highly recommend this game if you're into fast pace action games that don't require mindless button mashing in order to get through or that doesn't turn everything into damage sponges on higher difficulties. You will die a lot though, but it's part of the fun and learning experience. The DLC mission mode is also excellent and adds hours more of fun and challenge, especially in the survival missions. A number of reviews too may mention freezes and crashes - I only experienced this when I had the shadow walker costume DLC installed. Uninstalling this fixed all freezing issues.    … Expand
  15. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    8
    Очень скоростной, крайне жестокий, очень стильный и красивый слешер.
  16. x-billy
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    What a genius Itagaki is! Maybe Ninja Gaiden (Black) Is a little better but still Ninja Gaiden 2 is a masterpiece. Sigma games by Hayashi (what a mediocrity he is!) are pieces of crap compared to NGB and NGII. Can't wait to play a new game by Tomonobu Itagaki!
  17. mastergamesbrhu
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    o jogo e muito dificil e isso e um elogio jogo tem que ter disafio parabens o jogo e foda de dificil que bom que tem disafio que foi perdida nos jogos hoje em dia
  18. Shadow1
    Apr 18, 2016
    10
    The best Ninja Gaiden of all time , but Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 3 good too . In Ninja Gaiden 2 amazing storyline and awesome gameplay and graphics normal too . Ninja Gaiden 2 better than Dark Souls 2 . Very good game . Very Poor Nine of Ten .
  19. DanMaximo
    Apr 14, 2016
    9
    Violence, blood, dismemberment are some elements found. The game is incredibly fluid fast is tactical, and the animation is very natural. It is the best option that exists in this genre.
  20. EmblinGaming
    Jul 19, 2014
    9
    This game is a fantastic experience to play through. The game-play is quick, visceral and bloody, introducing a new feature called an "Obliteration Technique", allowing for brilliant finishing moves. Combat is fast, and the different weapons and the ability to level them up adds so many layers and variety to fighting. Graphics are still good, even when made in 2008, and there is moreThis game is a fantastic experience to play through. The game-play is quick, visceral and bloody, introducing a new feature called an "Obliteration Technique", allowing for brilliant finishing moves. Combat is fast, and the different weapons and the ability to level them up adds so many layers and variety to fighting. Graphics are still good, even when made in 2008, and there is more lip-syncing here then some games coming out nowadays. Great enemies and simply awesome boss fights, varying environments, from South American forests to Venetian canals. There really aren't many problems with this game, apart from the rather non-existent storyline and the slightly annoying camera. But the core game is so good you'll forgive all it's mistakes. A must-have for all action lovers.… Expand
  21. Basem101
    Aug 25, 2013
    9
    another hack n slash masterpiece first the graphics of this game are just amazing one of the best the game play is flexible and never fell repetitive a true masterpiece
  22. OmnipotentGamer
    Aug 5, 2013
    8
    A very solid action game, high difficulty makes it very rewarding to beat bosses and the base gameplay of fighting minions is incredibly fin, graphics are great game has a couple technical hiccups like the camera and such that hurt the experience, but not to the point where I would not recommend picking this game up.
  23. drlowdon
    Jun 10, 2013
    8
    Upon its release in 2004 the first in the revamped Ninja Gaiden series quickly established itself as the best action game of its generation. This follow up may not be a huge leap forward but it certainly refines the graphics, gameplay and controls for a new audience to appreciate.

    As the last of his clan Ryu Hayabusa must defeat the Black Spider Ninja Clan and all manner of supernatural    Upon its release in 2004 the first in the revamped Ninja Gaiden series quickly established itself as the best action game of its generation. This follow up may not be a huge leap forward but it certainly refines the graphics, gameplay and controls for a new audience to appreciate.

    As the last of his clan Ryu Hayabusa must defeat the Black Spider Ninja Clan and all manner of supernatural fiends in order to prevent the resurrection of the archfiend. To be honest the story actually makes little sense but that is not really the point of the Ninja Gaiden series. Few games, if any, can match the sheer excitement of its combat as weapons clash and limbs are severed. A better learning curve this time around makes it easier to pick up the complexities of its controls and putting together combos will soon become second nature. Despite this the game remains a challenge even on the easiest difficulty setting. Unless you are a gaming pro you will certainly perish a number of times and patience is a must if you are to complete the game.

    The only minor niggle in an otherwise faultless game is the camera which doesn't always provide the player with the best angle to see oncoming attacks by default. The camera can be manipulated by the player but doing so in the heat of battle takes a little practice. This rarely detracts from the player’s enjoyment of the game however in what is one of the best action game available on any console.    … Expand
  24. WyattTheAwesome
    May 30, 2013
    9
    This is a great action game for the Xbox 360 and definitely sticks out of the crowd. With all sorts of weaponry and skills, killing ninjas and demons has never been as fun as it has in Ninja Gaiden. Plenty of gore and challenge for this game and I've spent hours on it. Only problem: the camera. Other than that, it's fantastic. I wouldn't miss up on this gem.
  25. Caestus
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    Its follows the first Ninja Gaiden. Many combos, brutal, fast paced and rewarding.
  26. Watermelon789
    Nov 7, 2012
    8
    " Japan is dead " that's what many western videogame companies and designers may say , and let's be clear , Japan made many of the best known videogames out there but of course , they have lost a little of that glamour that made them stand in top for a long time . So for anyone skeptical of Ninja Gaiden II no need to worry , because the game plays fantastic and it really leaves you with a" Japan is dead " that's what many western videogame companies and designers may say , and let's be clear , Japan made many of the best known videogames out there but of course , they have lost a little of that glamour that made them stand in top for a long time . So for anyone skeptical of Ninja Gaiden II no need to worry , because the game plays fantastic and it really leaves you with a lot of pleasure killing, slicing and dismembering enemy's with a tone of dread that will make The Joker cry by how exaggerated Ninja Gaiden is . There's also a variety of weapons making every murder pleasant and jaw-dropping .… Expand
  27. wafelkill
    Jun 20, 2011
    10
    THE BEST ACTION GAME ON XBOX 360!!
    60+ houers and still playing!
    Blood,Fast Action,Many Wepons,Massive Combos,Story is **** but its not story you want from that kind of games.
    PURE FUN:)
  28. oldboy
    Nov 9, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the best ninja game ;)… Expand
  29. Anti-Fanboi
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    As a hardcore player of ninja gaiden 1 i gotta say this has some really good improvements,in graphics,new weapons,new moves enemies etc..

    Only thing i didn't like is that some of the places are really small to fight while there are 6 enemies around you and a camera that avoids you from seeing them or the player,but this rarely happens so overall i think it's a great game.
  30. AnonymousMC
    Sep 13, 2009
    9
    There are few action games this generation superior to NG2. Even if you're new to the franchise, the game doesn't have chapters of backstory for you to understand what's going on - you are not playing this game for the story, it's just an excuse for you to kill monsters.

    Combat is fast and responsive, and unlike oh so many other games, the removal of enemy limbs does    There are few action games this generation superior to NG2. Even if you're new to the franchise, the game doesn't have chapters of backstory for you to understand what's going on - you are not playing this game for the story, it's just an excuse for you to kill monsters.

    Combat is fast and responsive, and unlike oh so many other games, the removal of enemy limbs does not feel like a gimmick, and genuinely adds to the gameplay. On a whole the gameplay is tight, difficulty is not a problem. From the outset, you can select "Path of the Warrior", which offers you an easy route through the game, whilst the harder difficulty settings ramp up to extreme levels of difficulty, it is nothing that can't be beat by patience.

    The graphics, whilst not amazing, are pleasing for the most part, and the level design is brilliant, spanning from the heights of Neo-Tokyo to the depths of the Underworld, not to mention the lush rainforests of South America, a beautiful city that may or may not be inspired by Venice and much more. Every level has a distinct style to it, and there is very little backtracking.

    Audio is decent, the voice acting is generally strong (if a little cheesy at times) and the music is good, ranging from gentle ambient tunes to heavy rock'n'roll style medleys.
    Most of the complaints raised stem from people who simply lack the motivation to learn the game. If you are expecting a walk in the park, this isn't the game for you. If you're a real gamer who likes a challenge, then pick it up.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
15
#15 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
33
#33 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 74
  3. Negative: 0 out of 74
  1. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    77
    For the die-hards who take their games like they take their women – angry, violent, unforgiving, underdeveloped and occasionally gratifying – Ninja Gaiden 2 is a fine follow-up, especially with its punishing achievements and four difficulty settings (Very Hard, Insane, Chuck Norris, Double Chuck Norris). For everyone else Ninja Gaiden 2 is an exercise in futility that’s just not as polished, balanced or enjoyable as its predecessor.
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  2. Game Over Online
    80
    The point here is despite all its flaws, Ninja Gaiden 2 was still able to deliver some excitement and thrills and every now and then it exhibits some of the pure kung-fu insanity that placed its predecessor on the mantle of genre-defining action titles.
    Read full review
  3. Xbox World Australia
    79
    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.
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