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. PabloT
    May 26, 2008
    9
    Ninja Gaiden is a master piece of action game, but, the problems of last NG continues like cam and a bad story, just that for my rating 9, cuz another things has add to new game like bloooood yaa, limbs etc etc about corpses and weapons variety! This is Ninja Gaiden, thank u Itagaki-San!
  2. 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:)
  3. 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
  4. RonS
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Seriously, you Gaystation fanboys can stop rating this game so low just because you're jealous. It's pretty weak.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. GeorgeK.
    Sep 2, 2008
    9
    Despite its enraging difficulty. ninja gaiden 2 is an incredible eye-candy. I've dissed quite a few games before but i can't do this with ninja gaiden. Incredible graphics, unbelievable AI and interesting storyline. IF the cameras didn't suck SO much I'd give it a perfect 10. Now I'll stay with a 9 and i'll name it my favourite 360 game till now.
  8. TimC.
    Oct 10, 2008
    10
    Probably the best action game to date. Hard as nails and rewardingly stressful. This title is all I play.
  9. ThomasL.
    Oct 21, 2008
    8
    Very fun game! I wouldn't rate it 10 because this game has big camera issues, complicated levels of difficulty, and inconsistent framerate. Environments of Ninja Gaiden II are not pretty, but it's still a great game. Very gory, awesome animation, and great new weapons.
  10. MarcH.
    May 27, 2008
    9
    This game is going to be awesome and thin coming from team ninja always is, the only people that hate ninja gaiden games are the ones that suck at them Itagaki is right games now adays hand themselves to the player and anything that doesnt people instantly write off as bad tomonobo Itagaki is the man
  11. BDub
    Jun 6, 2008
    9
    Seriously underrated game. I don't think i've ever been more at odds with reviews before. There are professional reviewers giving this game a 6? Anyways to any fans of previous NG's, Devil May Cry, or just awesome hack and slash this is a must have. This is definitely the most fun i've had playing a game of the genre, and i'm a senior gamer. Movie and video game Seriously underrated game. I don't think i've ever been more at odds with reviews before. There are professional reviewers giving this game a 6? Anyways to any fans of previous NG's, Devil May Cry, or just awesome hack and slash this is a must have. This is definitely the most fun i've had playing a game of the genre, and i'm a senior gamer. Movie and video game reviewers have gotten rediculous over just the last 5 years. Why can't movies and games that are just fun be well rated anymore? It seems that every movie has to be oscar material and every video game has to be ground breaking or be able to have an endless supply of content in able to receive a decent review. I guess the only weak spots i can think of for this game is plot and difficulty. But honestly i've had just a difficult time on some of the campaign boards of COD4. And this is not a plot driven game, it is an action driven game with a plot that is there just to give some kind of flow to the game for one setting to another. I think it was with Bioshock that i realized that there is a huge divide between what i like and what reviewers like. I don't play video games for deep stories, i play them for action and fun. I watch movies for stories or read books. If i can get both, great (COD4). But in my opinion it should be only the level of fun that gives a game its score. The fact that this game scored so much lower than DMC4 is laughable and almost conspiracy like. I liked DMC4 too, but not as much.… Expand
  12. AaronB.
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    This is the mother of all ninja games. After playing through it 2 1/2 times in a week (original on Warrior, halfway on Mentor which is very hard, and then finishing a quick run through on Warrior New+ game) I'm totally hooked on this game and will continue to play it for some time. The graphics are superb, the weapons are fantastic and the enemies are numerous. The camera is largely This is the mother of all ninja games. After playing through it 2 1/2 times in a week (original on Warrior, halfway on Mentor which is very hard, and then finishing a quick run through on Warrior New+ game) I'm totally hooked on this game and will continue to play it for some time. The graphics are superb, the weapons are fantastic and the enemies are numerous. The camera is largely the same as in NG1/NG:B, which is to say troubled but not a serious problem. In my many play throughs of NG1 I never had a problem with it after the first game, and I don't currently with NG2. At first you will not be sure if its an upgrade from NG1 because its so different, honestly I questioned it at first as well, but after really getting to know the game well it is most definitely a large upgrade. I love it, this is one of the best games I've ever played and is currently the absolute peak of action gaming, nothing comes close.… Expand
  13. JasonP
    Jun 10, 2008
    9
    If you have a problem with the camera in this game, Return it...you don't know how to play. Awesome Action, Awesome Gore, the most challenging boss battles ever! Well since NG1!
  14. TommasoT.
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    The God of the action games; it's a perfect game by gameplay and artistic game and level design, and after all they are the most important things for an action videogame. Killer application, for me it's the best game (only for) on Xbox360.
  15. StevenG.
    Jun 2, 2008
    10
    True gamers only!
  16. BenD.
    Jun 3, 2008
    10
    Don't know why this game has a low meta :( its a great platformer better than devel maycry and maybe even that gods of war even tho its only gaming mechanic seems to be the fighting thats what it should be and the blood is BLOODY brilliant! :-) play the demo!
  17. DanA.
    Jun 3, 2008
    8
    Giving this game anything under an 8 (Which represents being above average, yet not amazing) is ridiculous. 1up comes in with a 67? That's moronic. Games like 50 Cent Bulletproof are 67 material. Ninja Gaiden II is a smooth, fluid, sweet action game with good platforming elements. It's not as well done as the first (which is a 10), but it's certainly not some standard game Giving this game anything under an 8 (Which represents being above average, yet not amazing) is ridiculous. 1up comes in with a 67? That's moronic. Games like 50 Cent Bulletproof are 67 material. Ninja Gaiden II is a smooth, fluid, sweet action game with good platforming elements. It's not as well done as the first (which is a 10), but it's certainly not some standard game worthy of anything below an 8.… Expand
  18. JT
    Jun 4, 2008
    9
    Ok, first thing about the camera that every single review is killing NG2 about -- did any of you people play the first NG??? The camera is EXACTLY the same. I mean exactly. Surely it is a bit quirky as always, but it works. And sure enemies try to attack you as you walk around corners before you really see them, but after the first time if you just expect it you can always avoid those Ok, first thing about the camera that every single review is killing NG2 about -- did any of you people play the first NG??? The camera is EXACTLY the same. I mean exactly. Surely it is a bit quirky as always, but it works. And sure enemies try to attack you as you walk around corners before you really see them, but after the first time if you just expect it you can always avoid those sneak attacks. Everything looks better from the gore to the ultimate techniques to the ninpo to the enemies. The new weapons are all fun to use (I never used anything besides the sword in NG1). The bow is way better. The new stuff like the falcons talons and the ability to run on top of water is awesome. The obliteration techniques are cool-looking and really useful. Nothing seems cheap to me after the first three chapters. Now, the first time I fought Alma in NG1 and didn't even hit her once for the first two or three tries, that was cheap. This game is awesome. If you loved NG1, you will love this game too. If you're new to NG, just play the entire game once. I hated NG1 the first time because it was so difficult, but before the game was even finished I was saying it was one of my favorite games ever.… Expand
  19. JamesF.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    Wow and I thought the first one was hard. This entry into they series wont revolutionise anything but it is a faster paced game. The weapons and moves little lone the enemies make it insane. That aside the difficulty and akward camera means this game isnt for every one but if you liked the first one you will most likely enjoy Ryu continuing adventure.
  20. RobertC.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    This game is pure carnage! If you're a fan of fast,furious and bloody battles then this is a must play. Not to mention the enormous boss battles. I've played through chapter 8 and for me the game is actually improving over time. The story is pretty straight forwar so far. Some disillusioned poor saps are trying to resurect a beast called the "ARCH FEIND" so they can i guess This game is pure carnage! If you're a fan of fast,furious and bloody battles then this is a must play. Not to mention the enormous boss battles. I've played through chapter 8 and for me the game is actually improving over time. The story is pretty straight forwar so far. Some disillusioned poor saps are trying to resurect a beast called the "ARCH FEIND" so they can i guess share in world domination. So all you do is chase these said foes arround to try and stop the resurection from taking place.Verry simple but effective.I kinda like the simple story telling here,it gives way to the more important brutal action that takes place at a blistering mind numbing pace.Action fans check this out and begin obliterating at once. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  21. IanC.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    The much anticipated sequel for the ninja gaiden franchise didn't dissapiont it's fans: the hardcore gamers. The game is just simply brutally beautiful. the game's combat mechanics raised the bar on todays action games. Ryu Hayabusa has never moved so fluid as he did in this sequel. For Ninja Gaiden, you can never complain about it's diffuclty for that is one reason The much anticipated sequel for the ninja gaiden franchise didn't dissapiont it's fans: the hardcore gamers. The game is just simply brutally beautiful. the game's combat mechanics raised the bar on todays action games. Ryu Hayabusa has never moved so fluid as he did in this sequel. For Ninja Gaiden, you can never complain about it's diffuclty for that is one reason why hardcore gamers like I love this game so much. The camera will honestly be difficult for casual gamers and begginers but Gaiden fans have mastered the use of the pesky camera. If you've played the first ninja gaiden on xbox, mastering the camera will be easy for you on this one. The graphics? not that good nor bad either it's for me just a few notches better than it's previous xbox predecesors. But the point is, why look around while you have these monsters waiting for you to kill (or for them to kill you). The graphics for me is just fine. Ninja Gaiden 2 may have a few flaws on it but no one can deny that it's the best action game around today. The difficult bosses, the smooth action, the blood and gore, and the whole experience had kept me smiling through out the day. A warm thanks to you Itagaki-san!… Expand
  22. DidierL.
    Jun 5, 2008
    9
    GOD-awesome game. I would have given it a ten but the level design (small walkways and awkward platforms) and the freakin' terrible camera it's just too much. I mean the game is hard, of course but it is the camera that gets me more damage than my actual skills. I just wished the camera was better and the player was given a larger area to fight. Other than that, I love this GOD-awesome game. I would have given it a ten but the level design (small walkways and awkward platforms) and the freakin' terrible camera it's just too much. I mean the game is hard, of course but it is the camera that gets me more damage than my actual skills. I just wished the camera was better and the player was given a larger area to fight. Other than that, I love this game. Oh, yeah, the story makes no freakin' sense!!… Expand
  23. Shaun
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    Game is sex, hands down. While the camera needs a bit of work and the framerate jacks up from time to time, all in all this game is what all action games should strive to be. It made me forget about GTA IV and probably will for a long while from now. A great last act from Itakgi.
  24. TrevorC.
    Jun 6, 2008
    9
    This is exactly the game I wanted - lack of a 10 is due to the camera not being improved, but it never once killed me and is being pretty exaggerated by people.
  25. MarkW.
    Jun 8, 2008
    9
    My only grievances lie in the graphics--which could easily have been accomplished on the original Xbox. The play mechanics are much improved, a more fluid and balanced feel, and despite a sense of redundancy I never feel bored while making mincemeat out of my unworthy adversaries. A fine and worthy addition to the ongoing "Ninja Gaiden" legacy.
  26. VivekM.
    Jun 8, 2008
    9
    Fantastic game! If people like mashing people with maces and scythes or what have you, this game will keep you busy for a while. The camera was a bit hard to control, hence the -1, but other than that...Unbelievable.
  27. AbdulM.
    Aug 19, 2008
    10
    An awesome sequel to an awesome game. Everything you would need from a hack and slash.
  28. PhilG
    Mar 6, 2009
    9
    Ninja Gaiden 2 can be a punishingly hard wake up call for gamers pampered by some modern games which have become really too easy. But if you work at it and be patient, you'll discover one of the greatest action experiences this console generation and Microsoft's answer to God of War. Those looking for story are clearly thinking of some other game and should look elsewhere. If Ninja Gaiden 2 can be a punishingly hard wake up call for gamers pampered by some modern games which have become really too easy. But if you work at it and be patient, you'll discover one of the greatest action experiences this console generation and Microsoft's answer to God of War. Those looking for story are clearly thinking of some other game and should look elsewhere. If you aren't here for ninja action and brutal violence, you've got the wrong mindset going in. Please note any scores below maybe a 7 are just from people too noobish to handle any game harder than the Sims though I will admit it doesn't have so much a difficulty curve as a difficulty level which it stays at beyond the first level.… Expand
  29. DingleberryJones
    May 26, 2008
    10
    Stays true to the original. BADASS.
  30. DannyT.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Managed to spend some time with this game when my roommate got a copy. Although the difficulty is right up there with the best of em, the style, fun, and badassness is undeniable. A must get for the Xbox 360.
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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.
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  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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