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Ninja Gaiden II

(2008, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated M, Play it on: Xbox 360)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Tough and very violent hack-and-slash adventure.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While Ryu's goal is to save the world, he's also seeking revenge for his clan in Japan.
  • Violence:

    Action is quite brutal. Ryu uses swords, staffs, throwing stars, exploding knives, and scythes to slash through enemies. Expect to see opponents have their heads, arms, or legs chopped off. You may even see chunks of flesh flying after certain attacks. Blood is splattered throughout the floors and walls of the locales. This game is definitely not for the squeamish.
  • Sex:

    Some of the female characters dress provocatively, showing lots of cleavage.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Ninja Gaiden II was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that this intense combat game is extremely violent. The main character uses weapons like swords, staffs, throwing stars, and exploding knives to kill opponents. The attacks are pretty gory, as enemies are often beheaded or maimed. Expect to see chunks of flesh flying and lots of blood.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about the history of the Ninja Gaiden series, which started on the Nintendo Entertainment System. What has made this franchise so successful? Do you prefer the older versions or the series' latest reincarnation? Also, why do you think ninjas are popular figures in movies and other video games?
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More on Ninja Gaiden II

What’s the Story?

Ryu Hayabusa returns to the Xbox in NINJA GAIDEN II, a challenging hack-and-slash adventure for the 360. Ryu's goal in the latest chapter of the long-running series is straightforward: Save the world. He'll accomplish this by defeating a series of demonic fiends scattered across the globe. The game takes players through a variety of locales, from canals in Europe to the metropolises of New York and Tokyo.

Ryu vanquishes enemies -- ranging from ninjas to werewolves -- with a flurry of combos executed by linking together light and heavy attacks. You'll start out with a sword, but can upgrade to staffs, scythes, and "talons" fitted to your hands and feet. Ryu also has a secondary attack in the form of throwing stars, bow and arrows, or exploding knives. If enemies overwhelm Ryu, he can use Ninpo -- magical attacks in the form of fireballs or whirlwind blades -- to thwart his foes. Close

Is It Any Good?

The combat in Ninja Gaiden II is intense, and incredibly violent. It's common to see opponents' heads, arms, and legs chopped off. Blood soaks the landscapes after heavy battles. With certain weapons, chunks of flesh fly as you pummel enemies. Enemies are also relentless. During a couple scenarios, enemies with their legs cut off would crawl toward Ryu, grab him, and deal heavy damage with a suicide blast. The action is dizzying, especially for the camera, which struggles to keep up. After a quick flurry of attacks, the camera settles into an awkward view, leaving you prone to blindside attacks. Fortunately, this setback is easily forgiven when you consider the game's robust combat system and variety of difficult foes. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 06/03/2008, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Mature)

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See all 9 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    this game is very violent and gory but its great :)

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    good for older kids but not for anyone younger than 16

    It's a good game with an interesting plot but extremely gory and containes scenes were there is partial nudity so it shouldn't be played if you can't handle any of that

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

    sweet game!!!!!!!!!!!

    its a sweet game and its really addictings, although its very hard at times! there is tons of blood but i think pretty much anyone can handle it. The only down side to this game is that on chapter 10 you have to fight this girl who is completely naked and you see averything front and back but it is pretty brief. kids could play this game if they are 14 and older and are mature enough to handle seeing a naked women

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    Tough

    I've been playing games since the super nintendo and this game is HARD. I can only beat the game on medium difficulty. Granted, I got far on hard mode but I couldn't beat it. This game is not only very violent but it is very hard.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0

    great!

    this game is very addicting.but the down side is that it is very frustrating and tough as heck.i have to do each boss about 50 times,and then i get stuck again.but other than that,it's great!

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