Ninja Gaiden (Xbox)

Reading the reviews some people have left here, I am puzzled at whether or not we were playing the same game. Ninja Gaiden is Harder than average, but not 'insanely difficult', certainly not on normal mode. The control system is fine, and flows like liquid, I wouldn't have it any other way. The camera is so essentially simple, look around in first person, or centre in third person behind your character, nuff said. The first two levels and their bosses, believe it or not, actually do 'ease you in' compared to later levels and bosses, and the plot at first is not completely apparent, such is the beuty of its development.

The gameplay is a mix of platform, which can be difficult the first time, fighting with Soul Calibur style combo's and different weapons, and levels and 'temples and dungeons' like Zelda: Ocarina of time (N64), though thankfully without the childish side.

The A.I in the game's enemies and bosses, is probably among the best in any X-box title, you couldn't use the same techniques over and over again, or sometimes even the same weapon, very challenging, but probably the cause of many people's frustration, also sometimes you must be patient, wait for the precise time to strike, not just hack away wildly.

I enjoyed this game emensely, and felt refreshed with a game that actually takes 20-25 hours to complete, on normal, the thing that draws you on in the game is hard to describe. But by the end of this game you will be spraing your ankles trying to wall run or bird flip on your garage wall, and you'll be weilding that old plastic sword you had when you were 5. A must have for any accomplished platfrom gamer with an X-box, but not for kids.

The original Ninja Gaiden series was known for being extremely hard, and that's certainly something this latest version takes to heart - if you don't like replaying levels numerous times, then I wouldn't suggest playing this game. You will almost certainly die frequently, but rarely will it be down to anything but human error.

The game is extremely well crafted, and the controls are tight and responsive, reminiscent at times of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The graphics are detailed, if a little bland in some places, punctuated with some very lavish FMV sequences.

Also a nice touch is the inclusion of the original NES Ninja Gaiden trilogy, unlockable under certain circumstances. The Xbox Live features are also a nice extra, allowing you to enter tournaments and download new weapons and such.

There are a few places in the game where the camera will cost you your life due to focusing on the wrong area. This undeniably can become extremely irritating, though it is a rare occurrence. The previously mentioned Xbox Live downloads include a new camera mode where you can manipulate your view with the right thumbstick, which goes some way to solving the problem.

The game is lengthy and does have good replay value, but is in no way forgiving - this game is limited by the fact that many will find it inaccessible. If you don't like to be frequently beaten, sliced, burned, electrocuted, chewed or swallowed, then perhaps this isn't the game for you. However, if you laugh in the face of defeat and enjoy a solid challenge, then it's certainly worth a look.

Gameplay: The gameplay is so smooth and rewarding. As soon as you kill a boss you feel very relieved!! The amount of combos is almost limitless and all the attacks are so fluid.The only bad point about the overall gameplay is that the English version has had the violence minimised quite a bit in comparison to the NTSC version. Yes there is blood but not the decapitation and other extreme scenes that can be found in the other version. I would fine this perfectly reasonable if games such as Soldier of Fortune 2 were banned or toned down in this country. But they are not!!! Plus Soldier of Fortune 2 is far more violent. I am confused!!
9/10

Sound: The sound is brilliant. All the different interactive items make perfectly realistic sounds such as the wooden crates and when your sword bangs off metal. The only drawback is no in game speech.
9/10

Graphics: Outstanding!! Best on any game yet. There are tons of varied environments such as old villages to airships. Everything is brilliantly polished and runs fluidly. Really uses the Xbox power.
10/10

Difficulty: From reading other peoples reviews they are all complaining about this and saying it is a bad point. Well its not a bad thing!! You will definitely get your £40 worth. The difficulty is not frustrating difficult as the game is so fun. All you need to do is find effective attacks for each type of enemy. For example the first boss Murai will not be beaten by walking straight upto him and trying to go head to head. It just wont work. Aerial attacks are a definite win against him, it makes it a breeze. People who are doubting over whether to get this game due to its difficulty should stop worrying about it. I promise that this game will be worth your money. Don't be put off by difficulty!

Overall: This game is honestly the best game I own and I know that other people feel the same. Yes the game is harder than most games but not frustrating. Those worried about this should rent it first just to see how enjoyable it is to play. So overall, this game is worth the money and I promise that you will not be disappointed.

10/10

Just play it and you will see what I am talking about.