Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaosis just as hard as the original game but it is increasingly awesome as it's predecessor. Ryu reprises his role as the main protagonist of the game, and this time he is on a mission to stop an evil emperor named Ashtar, who wants to use the Dark Sword of Chaos to take over the world. This game in Japan is known as Ninja Ryukenden II: Ankoku no Jashinken (忍者龍剣伝 II 暗黒の邪神剣?, lit. "Legend of the Ninja Dragon Sword II: The Demonic Sword of Darkness").
Plot. A year has passed since Ryu Hayabusa defeated the evil Jaquio, and avenged the death of his father Ken. However, in the Realm of Darkness, an evil emperor named Ashtar has been informed of Jaquio's destruction; he then devises a plan to rule the world by opening the Gate of Darkness. A U.S. Army Special Intelligence unit member named Robert T. Sturgeon is sent to find Ryu Hayabusa to take down Ashtar. Robert then informs Ryu that Irene Lew has been captured and must head to the Tower of Lahja to save her. But something much worse is behind all of this.
Power Boosting Items include shurikens, "Windmill Throwing Stars" that move back and forth like a boomerang; "The Art of the Fire Wheel" which hurls fireballs diagonally upwards; "Fire Dragon Balls" which hurls fireballs diagonally downwards; and the "Invincible Fire Wheel" that creates a barrier of three fireballs around Ryu, destroying any enemy that touches them. These items can be found in crystal balls scattered throughout the levels, and they can be switched out by collecting another Power Boosting Item. The amount of ninja power used depends on the type of Power Boosting Item used. Another ability is Ryu being able to split in two, making it a little bit easy to fight even more annoying enemies.
Concept. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is a 2D sidescrolling action platforming game, in which players guide Ryu Hayabusa throughout seven different stages. At the end of each stage, players must fight against a boss in order to progress further until they get to the final showdown against the game's main antagonist, Ashtar.
Design. This game is rendered in 8-bit graphics as in gameplay, characters are rendered in sprites. Also, some scenario sequences are rendered in 8-bit, but the cool thing is like in it's predecessor there are animations and even facial expressions and dialogue. Also, many stages are so well detailed that this game will blow your mind away as much as the cutscenes, including at the game's compelling climax.
Sound and Music. The music is just as catchy as before, and it actually made me feel like fighting and running like a ninja indeed. Sound effects such as picking items are still the same as it's predecessor, but other sounds are really cool.
Rantings. I still have an extreme hatred for the hawks since the first game, especially in the ice stage. Another thing I hated about this game is the fact about one of the stages, where the wind blows, making it quite difficult to cross over. Another thing I hated about this game is that enemies respawn most of the time.
Good Aspects. The story was very well written, and it was almost like watching a movie. That was my initial reaction as well to the first game. Stages are well designed, gameplay is real good, and it's replay value is moderately high. My favorite ability is the splitting Ryu because, I found it cool, and it helped in some stages as well. This game can be purchased on the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.
Overall. For all the fans of ninjas out there, enjoy this game to your hearts content. Ninja Gaiden II: The Sword of Chaos obtains an 8 out of 10.
God Bless and Play Hard Gamers!