Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox 360
Release Date:
Xbox One [Backwards Compatibility] April 16th, 2019
Xbox 360: June 3, 2008
Genre: ActionPrice: $29.99
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital/Physical
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
How does this compare to the original game?
Ninja Gaiden II drops a lot of the platforming seen in the original game and introduces a more linear levels to keep you focused on the combat. The game also introduces a dismemberment system that allows you to instant-kill wounded enemies.
Does my disc or existing digital purchase work for this?
Yes. If you own the game already, either physically or digitally, you can play Ninja Gaiden II on your Xbox One.
X Enhanced?
Yes. Ninja Gaiden II is launching into the backwards compatibility program with "X Enhancements". On an Xbox One X the game should render around ~1755p as the original game ran at 585p. Xbox One base consoles will still run MGII at the original 585p resolution.
Will the game still suffer from performance issues?
While analysis specific to the game will come later there is a precedent of 360 games running better on both the Xbox One X and the base console. Screen-tearing will also be removed when playing on any Xbox One console.
Pre-patch staircase?
Backwards compatible 360 games are based on the current, patched build, so you'll be encountering a less populated stairway.
How does the stair sequence run?
Note: 30fps video
Just played through, not sure if it was "the staircase," but "a staircase" (lol) in Chapter 10 and tried to not kill that many dudes (I just had to Izuna drop a few of them. How could you not?) and just led them around me. Got to the top of one area and did the Wind Blades ninpo and killed them all. Seems to run fine. (I'm not a fan of the "old" staircase so I'm happy with this).
Again though, it's been a long time since I played through this game and part, so I'm not sure if there's a worse area.
How do I play the game?
via a Master Ninja
DLC?
All existing DLC will work with this release. There's a mission mode and additional costumes available for purchase.
Can I buy this with Xbox store credit?
Yes, but only from an Xbox 360 console.
Does my existing progress carry-over to Xbox One?
If you uploaded your 360 save to the cloud on that console, yes.
Why do folk talk up this release in comparison to the Sigma rerelease?
The original release, while missing the extra characters and overpowered weapons, includes more enemies, better performance, additional loading, more blood and additional dismemberment. There were also, poorly received by many fans, balance changes made in Sigma that increased the enemy health and strength to make up for their lowered population.
X gameplay footage?
Metacritic - 81
Destructoid 8/10
https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-ninja-gaiden-ii-87608.phtml#ext
Fans of high-speed action titles can't go wrong; in fact, they'd be foolish to look anywhere else for anything better this generation. It's just disappointing that Ninja Gaiden II -- which is said to be the last in the series -- isn't quite the flawless masterpiece I'd hoped for. But even if it doesn't set a new bar, at least it stands as a fine example of excellent, highly stylized, fast-paced fun.
Gamespy 4.5/5
http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/ninja-gaiden-2/878497p1.html
If you're a fan of action games, then Ninja Gaiden II is an absolute must-have. The gameplay mechanics are phenomenally satisfying, and mastering Ryu's diverse weapon sets can easily entertain you through multiple play-throughs, giving this strictly single-player experience an extended life. You'll see yourself getting better over time, and the results are both gory and fulfilling. This is videogaming in the strictly old-school sense, an interactive experience that's light on storytelling and all about mastering all that's involved until you are skillful enough to defeat one of gaming's few truly capable challenges. Ninja Gaiden II is unrelenting and even unforgiving at times, but mastering the deadly art of Ninjitsu will leave you feeling very satisfied.
Xbox 360 Marketplace Listing
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