Before I get into the main review, I would like to give a quick overview of what a lighting review is. Basically, I don't always have the time to write a full review and when I do it is usually when I have beaten the game. Well, a lighting review is either a shorter review, or a review based off as much as the game I feel needs to be played to understand it fully. Now that's out of the way, so let the review begin!
When Ninja Gaiden came out for the Xbox, it was seen as a return to the past. It was super difficult, had little story, and was packed with action all the way through. At the time it was also one of the best looking games on the system and was a huge technical leap in the genre. The problem is that Ninja Gaiden 2 is not only a small leap in innovation, but barely anything changed from the first game at all.
The combat is as good as ever, but it is now the sole reason that Ninja Gaiden 2 is a good game. The graphics, while nice looking, are not even close to other games on the system. While the game runs at 60 FPS most of the time, there are dips that can really screw up your timing in a tough fight. Not only that, but every once in a while the game will actually load while in a fight.
The camera is terrible especially compared to other games in the genre, such as Devil May Cry 4, that did such a good job of making sure that the camera was just controlled enough that it never really frustrated you. The camera, coupled with annoying enemies that you may sometimes think know of these camera problem and will attack you from off screen, make for a somewhat frustrating game experience.
At its best, NG 2 is a fun game. You get to cut up enemies in a bunch of different ways, there is a large variety of weapons to use, and for the most part the game is technically solid. But once you start looking for something deeper, you find there really is nothing to do but slice and dice. The shallow story, bad camera, and lack of reason to go through the game again (outside of achievements) really destroys any reason to play it again. If you are a fan of action games, I would suggest to rent first, and only buy if you really like it.
Verdict: C+
by Nicolas Perez
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