Ninja Gaiden II (generally known as Shadow Warrior II elsewhere) is a critically acclaimed NES sequel. Launched in 1990 (arguably peak NES in North America), it needed to compete with a plethora of 8-bit finest sellers, together with fellow platforming sequels like Mega Man III, and slightly recreation referred to as Tremendous Mario Bros. 3. Whereas the industrial success couldn’t match the vital acclaim, this title is fondly remembered by a sure technology of avid gamers. Now, because of Hamster’s new Console Archives line, Swap 2 gamers can expertise the motion. How has it aged?
The unique Ninja Gaiden is out there on Nintendo Swap On-line (in a few variations), so avid gamers might need to dabble with that first earlier than taking up this sequel. It continues the adventures of Ryu one yr later, and the sequence’ excessive degree of hack-and-slash problem. Fortunately, the standard can be fairly excessive for probably the most half, so decided gamers ought to see regular progress, probably older ones extra conversant in “NES laborious” video games. What number of shall be compelled to grasp it? That relies upon closely in your tolerance for collision-detection quirks.
Ryu’s dealing with of the sword will quickly offer you pause (figuratively talking) as you begin seeing it undergo enemies with injury not registering. The hit field to your weapon is smaller than the weapon sprite. I particularly discover it when making an attempt to take down spawning birds and bats. Some say the primary recreation was too beneficiant on this regard. Maybe so, however speedier swordplay that allow you to fly by way of enemies was entertaining. If it is a case of the sequel making an attempt to appropriate course, Tecmo went a lot too far within the different route. I heard the third entry (The Historical Ship of Doom) could be the very best of each worlds. Make it occur, Hamster.
An extra problem stems from Ryu’s motion. Swift kicking to spring off partitions is an admittedly tough approach, one you’ll have to familiarize yourself with to have a lot success. Why can’t Ryu simply full the climb over partitions? Who is aware of? Limber although he’s, his power is in his legs, not his arms, evidently. At the very least he can now assault from the partitions, a pleasant enchancment over this recreation’s extra restricted predecessor.
Lastly, be ready for some environmental threats. Wind in a platformer makes me consider Mega Man 4’s Toad Man, which isn’t a superb factor. It makes already-pinpoint leaping even more durable, necessitating a stop-and-go method. For those who minimize your tooth on different NES motion platformers like Batman and Contra, Ninja Gaiden II’s leaping will really feel a smidge off, and edges really feel a bit shorter. It’s maybe much more noticeable on Swap 2, though it could simply be my muscle reminiscence for the unique NES controller. However at the least the impact of the blowing rain seems good. And I credit score the sport for letting me fall off a shifting prepare with out breaking stride. That’s eye sweet that enhances the gameplay.
And, not that graphics alone can do the heavy lifting, however the recreation seems nice generally. Ninja Gaiden II was a superb graphical showcase for the NES to kick off the ‘90s. The animations, backgrounds, and lighting are all sizable steps up from the primary recreation. The sport is loaded with engaging cutscenes, too, making it really feel even larger than it’s should you don’t skip them. Whereas the clichéd plot is nothing particular, these scenes are likable, enjoyable to look at, and supply a breather between every action-filled act.
Moreover, the music is compelling, with becoming motion melodies driving the participant ahead. It additionally options applicable cutscene tunes. It’s a disgrace the in-game music participant is barely accessible through a code.
Aesthetically pleasing, Ninja Gaiden II brings excessive problem that’s a product of its time. With no two-player mode, solo avid gamers might in the end develop pissed off as the issue ramps up and small quirks begin to accumulate. If that’s the case, possibly escape your previous Nintendo Gamers information. Any inconsistencies shouldn’t be deal breakers, although they could possibly be for some when taken collectively. And whereas sure parts undoubtedly might’ve used one ultimate coat of polish, the sport (on the entire) is top quality, age however. Plus, not solely are continues limitless, however you may rewind (hopefully sparsely) and save with out having to replay the identical early stretches.
Ninja Gaiden II stays a memorable and well-made recreation (nice in respects). But it surely’s displaying its age, even amongst a few of its 8-bit contemporaries. This launch is really useful for NES followers, particularly those that grew up with it, and might higher tolerate its gathered quirks. Others might take into account ready for a sale, except you need to help Console Archives from the outset, for the reason that recreation can be obtainable on Nintendo Swap On-line.
