Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation takes a katana to Ninja Gaiden 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/zero-punctuation-takes-a-katana-to-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/zero-punctuation-takes-a-katana-to-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/zero-punctuation-takes-a-katana-to-ninja-gaiden-2/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a while since Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee has loosed his venom on an unsuspecting Xbox 360 game. It's been far too long, really. Thankfully, Yahtzee's latest review is for none other than the Xbox 360's would-be premier action game, Ninja Gaiden 2. Expecting the worst, as we tend to do with ZP reviews, it turns out that he actually likes it ... to a degree, citing strengths (gameplay) and weaknesses (glitches and uneven difficulty). Frankly, we think it's a perfectly rational way to feel about the game (except for his preference of the claws, which pale in comparison to the double katanas). Check out the review after the break.

Continue reading Zero Punctuation takes a katana to Ninja Gaiden 2

JoystiqZero Punctuation takes a katana to Ninja Gaiden 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoWed, 06 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: NG2 'Mission Mode' DLC on July 25th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/confirmed-ng2-mission-mode-dlc-on-july-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/confirmed-ng2-mission-mode-dlc-on-july-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/confirmed-ng2-mission-mode-dlc-on-july-25th/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thanks to some Xbox Live Marketplace advertising, we've already known about the latest Ninja Gaiden 2 downloadable content headed our way this month. Well, today Microsoft officially confirmed its existence and some DLC details announcing a new NG2 Mission Mode pack of DLC.

The Mission Mode DLC will release later this month on July 25th and include 25 various mini-challenges where players are tested to stay alive the longest, kill with certain weapons and other tasks. And, of course, all high scores will be tracked via online leaderboards. The new game mode will not come cheap though, as it's slated to release for an "ouch" inducing 800 Microsoft points. Then again, NG2 fanboys should be used to expensive DLC by now anyway.

JoystiqConfirmed: NG2 'Mission Mode' DLC on July 25th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ngiininja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoxblmThu, 10 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Too expensive Ninja Gaiden II costume DLC now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/too-expensive-ninja-gaiden-ii-costume-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/too-expensive-ninja-gaiden-ii-costume-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/too-expensive-ninja-gaiden-ii-costume-dlc-now-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just as was promised a few months back, the Itagaki-less Team Ninja and Microsoft Game Studios have partnered to release three chunks of new Ninja Gaiden II downloadable content to the XBLM. Content that we've previously compared to Oblivion's legendarily overpriced horse armor, because for comparative purposes, that's what it is. The NGII DLC comes in the form of three costume packs that allows you to cloth Ryu in five color variations of either Biometal, Shadow Walker or Fiend Hayabusa duds (all viewable here). The rub, each costume variant will cost you 200 Microsoft points. Ouchy! Ouchy indeed.
  • Biometal Hayabusa Costume Pack - 200
  • Shadow Walker Hayabusa Costume Pack - 200
  • Fiend Hayabusa Costume Pack - 200
[Photo via GameSpot forums]

JoystiqToo expensive Ninja Gaiden II costume DLC now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoxblmWed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag: Win 1600 MS Point codes and Ninja Gaiden 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/fanswag-win-1600-ms-point-codes-and-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/fanswag-win-1600-ms-point-codes-and-ninja-gaiden-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/fanswag-win-1600-ms-point-codes-and-ninja-gaiden-2/#commentsFiled under:


This is the last day of our 3 day Microsoft Point extravaganza. Today we're really upping the ante. Today we have ten 1600 MS Point codes to giveaway and we're also throwing in Ninja Gaiden 2 for our grand prize winner! In honor of Ryu and his ninja skills, we thought it fitting to also giveaway his would-be nemesis, Kung Fu Panda, to our second prize winner (at least it has achievement points, right?). For your shot at one of the ten codes, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Kung Fu Panda, follow the instructions below.
  • Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would buy with 1600 Microsoft Points. We don't care if it's actually on the Marketplace or not.
  • Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 6:00PM Eastern time today, June 20, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Later today, we'll pick 10 winners via a random drawing
  • One grand prize winner will receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points and a copy of Ninja Gaiden 2, worth a total of $80; one second place winner will receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points and a copy of Kung Fu Panda, worth a total of $60; and eight third place winners will each receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points, worth $20 each.
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here

JoystiqFanswag: Win 1600 MS Point codes and Ninja Gaiden 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fanswagkung-fu-pandang2ninja-gaiden-2team-ninjatecmoFri, 20 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sharpen your swords for a Weekend of Vengeance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sharpen-your-swords-for-a-weekend-of-vengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sharpen-your-swords-for-a-weekend-of-vengeance/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sharpen-your-swords-for-a-weekend-of-vengeance/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hopefully you've perfected your ninja skills playing the Ninja Gaiden II demo, because the ninja lessons you've learned will be tested come Friday when Xbox Live hosts a Weekend of Vengeance.

Celebrating the release of Ninja Gaiden II, this Weekend of Vengeance which runs from June 13th through June 15th will feature an Achieve and Win sweepstakes where a few NGII themed Xbox 360s will be up for grabs as well as three XBVM ninja movies (Ninja Hunter, A Life of Ninja and Ninja in the Deadly Trap) will be available for download. For free! Finally, if you haven't been keeping track, all seven Live exclusive Ask a Ninja episodes will be downloadable as well. This weekend, be vengeful, be a ninja and be deadly ...

JoystiqSharpen your swords for a Weekend of Vengeance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoxbox-liveMon, 09 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II demo slashes North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-slashes-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-slashes-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-slashes-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

After one too many broken promises, the previously Japanese exclusive bloody ninja demo goodness has finally made its way overseas and not a moment too soon. Today, U.S. and Canadian Xbox Live members are being treated to a new'ish Ninja Gaiden II demo that's available for download right this ninja-second via the XBLM. You'll also be excited to hear that the demo comes complete with the option to view Japanese or English subtitles! W00t! And, for those of you who'd like to view our take on what the demo has to offer, be sure to check out our Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions video while waiting for your 858MBs to download. Miss you Itagaki ...

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II demo slashes North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoxblmSat, 07 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Ninja Gaiden II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/metareview-ninja-gaiden-ii/#commentsFiled under:


The reviews for Ninja Gaiden II are in and thus far they paint the game as a solid action affair, though it doesn't come without its share of problems (and some . Mentioned in every review we scoured was the camera, which Eurogamer declares "awful - really, speechlessly awful." Still, while the reviews scrape together a pile of negatives -- poor plot, annoying camera, occasionally cheap bosses, steep difficulty -- they all agree that Ninja Gaiden II excels at what it does best, action.

  • IGN (8.7/10): "It's challenging and rewarding. It looks great in motion and it feels great to know you're the one at the helm, directing this bloody dance. It has its foibles and doesn't feel as rich as the last Ninja Gaiden, but this sequel still offers up a great ride.
  • 1UP (B-): "[The camera] drags along behind you like a wounded dog and wanders off on its own when you need it most. When fighting multiple enemies that are more than a sword's length away, it's a chore to constantly pull the right trigger (which forces the camera to face the same way as Ryu). When those enemies come armed with unblockable projectiles, it becomes damn annoying."
  • Eurogamer (7/10): "NG2 doesn't even need a map to guide you around, because the section you're looking for is clearly signposted by the absence of blood, gore and limbless torsos, which are strewn and caked all over everywhere you've been."
  • Team Xbox (9/10): "One thing you won't hear us complain about with Ninja Gaiden II is the difficulty. This is a tough game. Deal with it, or go play Devil May Cry."

JoystiqMetareview: Ninja Gaiden II originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoTue, 03 Jun 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A little bird told us Ninja Gaiden II was coming out today. Actually, that bird was more like a note attached to a shuriken with a flower on it, but the message was all the same. In honor of the series milestone and in memory of the now-former Ninja Gaiden designer Tomonobu Itagaki, we present you with a series retrospective we're affectionately dubbing A History of Violence (hey, we thought it was clever). Click here and be educated.

JoystiqA History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSitagaking2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiPS3team-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/#commentsFiled under:

As we eagerly await our chance to experience the Ninja Gaiden II demo we just caught wind of a VERY juicy announcement coming from Mr. cool shades, Ninja Gaiden creator and Team Ninja member Tomonobu Itagaki. Simply stated, Itagaki is suing Tecmo and just announced plans to leave Team Ninja ... ZOMG!

According to 1UP who received an official letter from one of Itagaki's aids, Itagaki reveals that he is suing Tecmo for 145 million yen due to "unpaid completion bonuses" and because Itagaki claims that there were "unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me" by Tecmo's president Yoshimi Yasuda which caused "significant emotional distress." The letter goes on to say that the lawsuit is based on a "strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd." and that Itagaki will resign from Tecmo effective July 1st. Ending his letter, Itagaki addresses his fans, saying that Ninja Gaiden II "will be the last Ninja Gaiden I will create", mentions that he will never "be able to make Dead or Alive 5" and, for that, Itagaki regrets "the disappointment this will cause" those who have enjoyed his work.

Wow ... we're speechless. Itagaki leaves Team Ninja, leaves behind franchises that he helped bring to life and leaves both his fans and the industry, well ... speechless. We can only assume that Itagaki's battle with Tecmo will be hard fought and is going to get very, very ugly.

JoystiqItagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagaking2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Shiny Xbox prototype in Ninja Gaiden II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/video-shiny-xbox-prototype-in-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/video-shiny-xbox-prototype-in-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/01/video-shiny-xbox-prototype-in-ninja-gaiden-ii/#commentsFiled under: ,


After playing a few hours of his pre-release copy of Ninja Gaiden II (come one Microsoft, where's our love?), Godfree of Gamertag Radio found a shiny Xbox Easter egg. Hidden behind some wood paneling is what looks to be the prototype for the original Xbox, the shiny metallic box that never came into existence and was instead replaced by the big black Xbox we've all come to know and love. And seeing that we were unsuccessful in our attempt to Google for an image of the original Xbox prototype, we'll award +5 fanboy points to anyone who can find and link to a legit shiny Xbox image. Go! Go! Go! Thanks for the image DBoyFlex. You get +5 points!

JoystiqVideo: Shiny Xbox prototype in Ninja Gaiden II originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoSun, 01 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/#commentsFiled under:

Don't ask us how, but we managed to lay our hands on the coveted Ninja Gaiden II demo today. Sure, we could have used it solely for selfish purposes. We could have kept it to ourselves to play over and over again (which, come to think of it, we already have). But no! Rather than hog the demo, we've encapsulated our impressions in a new episode of X3F TV. Check out our impressions in the video above (hint: Ninja Gaiden fans will be pleased).

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impressionsngng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmox3f-impressionsx3f-tvFri, 30 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II demo out today in Japan, rest of the world 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/ninja-gaiden-ii-demo-out-today-in-japan-rest-of-the-world-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,

ninja gaiden ii
A demo for the ultra-violent Ninja Gaiden II is due out today for the approximately 14 people in Japan who own an Xbox 360. Chris Paladino of Micorosft's Gamercore blog confirmed the news via NeoGAF earlier this morning, adding, "Looking for details on rest of world, haven't found anything other than 'soon,'" followed by a colon and a capital P.

Since March, the NGII page on Xbox.com had a message that said, "Get your hands on the free demo coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace in May," but that was quietly removed sometime this week. Ninja Gaiden II will paint the wall with blood in North America and Europe next week.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II demo out today in Japan, rest of the world 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomarketplaceng2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iitecmoxblmXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 30 May 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese XBLM to get NG2 demo on 5/30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/japanese-xblm-to-get-ng2-demo-on-5-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/japanese-xblm-to-get-ng2-demo-on-5-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/japanese-xblm-to-get-ng2-demo-on-5-30/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After the demo news disappeared from the game's official site, many of us were worried that there would be no Ninja Gaiden 2 demo at all. Fortunately the demo does exist, and it should be online shortly. In Japan. Only.

Now we know that the 360 is no big success in the East, so why not just release the demo everywhere at once? No one knows. Posting on NeoGAF, Chris Paladino (Hi Chris!) of Gamerscore blog confirmed that the demo would be hitting in Japan, and that there would be a demo release in the other territories "soon". Whether the demo would have helped sales of the game pre-launch or not is going to be a moot point soon. Microsoft better get it online!

JoystiqJapanese XBLM to get NG2 demo on 5/30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomicrosoftng2ngIIninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaxblxblmThu, 29 May 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryu Hayabusa: Super ninja or lazy employee?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/ryu-hayabusa-super-ninja-or-lazy-employee/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those crazy cats at Gamerscore Blog are at it again. This time they've set their sights on the upcoming Ninja Gaiden II. It seems that Ryu Hayabusa, main character of the Ninja Gaiden series and all-around badass, has given up his ninja way of life in favor of a cushy job at Microsoft. At least, we think he has a job there. The trouble is that no one at the Gamerscore Blog office can seem to find him and believe him to be a lazy bum. Of course, we know Ryu better than that. Looks like they'll have to learn the hard way though. Check out the video to see just how dangerous it is to meddle with a ninja.

JoystiqRyu Hayabusa: Super ninja or lazy employee? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakimgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 29 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free fabric wall scroll with Ninja Gaiden II pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/free-fabric-wall-scroll-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/free-fabric-wall-scroll-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/free-fabric-wall-scroll-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-pre-order/#commentsFiled under:

Good news fanboys! Ninja Gaiden II pre-order offers are super plentiful! Between Circuit City offering a free Legendary Map Pack download code, HMV giving away MS points and Best Buy giving out a ninja wall cling, the pre-order bonuses just can't get any better ... or so we thought.

Behold Walmart's Ninja Gaiden II pre-order goodie, it's a wall scroll! You read correctly, Walmart is giving anyone who is willing to slap down a pre-order on Ninja Gaiden II an exclusive free 22"x32", fabric ninja themed wall scroll. And as any ninja in training knows, if you decorate your gaming sanctuary with a ninja wall scroll, you gain a significant boost to your ninja-cred. Now go, be as sneaky as a sneaky sneaker and get your pre-order on.

[Via SlickDeals, Thanks Krichmar]

JoystiqFree fabric wall scroll with Ninja Gaiden II pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmowalmartThu, 29 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NG2 xbox.com page updated; no more demo?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ng2-xbox-com-page-updated-no-more-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ng2-xbox-com-page-updated-no-more-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ng2-xbox-com-page-updated-no-more-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As the reviews slowly roll in and decisions are made about whether or not to purchase the game, Ninja Gaiden 2's demo has yet to see release to the Marketplace. For some time now, the game's xbox.com page had a message for its readers, telling them to: "Get your hands on the free demo coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace in May."

While it is true that May isn't over until the end of the week, the xbox.com page no longer has the message promising the demo's arrival, and instead points readers to the Ask a Ninja videos. This could mean a host of things really: the demo has been held up, or it's not coming at all, or it's coming but the page has been changed early. In all honesty we hope for the latter, because after getting our hands on it we can't wait to do it again!

JoystiqNG2 xbox.com page updated; no more demo? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodownloadgnIImicrosoftng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iixblmxbox-live-marketplacexbox.comTue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/ninja-gaiden-ii-videos-bring-out-the-demons/#commentsFiled under:

We have yet more glorious Ninja Gaiden II video love for you, kids. Today, it comes to us in the form of four new videos from the fine folks at GameVideos. What's that you say? You want to see more obliteration techniques? Done. You want to see some crazy pink demon things? Sure, we got that. Essence attacks? Yup. How about a big, mean King Kong mutha'ucka? Oh yeah, we've got one of those. Check out all the new hotness after the break.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II videos bring out the demons originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakimgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng-iing2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoTue, 27 May 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/#commentsFiled under:


After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.

In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.

From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.

From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...

Joystiq2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releases2009-releasesalan-wakebanjo-kazooiebanjo-kazooie-3banjo-kazooie-nuts-and-boltsbungiebungie-studioscanceledcancelledcliff-bleszinskicliffybcrypticcryptic-studiosdennis-dyackepic-gamesfable-2featurefrank-o-connorfrankiegears-of-wargears-of-war-2gowgow2halohalo-3halo-warsjoystiqfeaturesmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoft-game-studiosngng2ninja-gaiden-2peter-jacksonpeter-jackson-projectpeter-molyneuxremedysilicon-knightstomonobu-itagakitoo-humanunreal-engine-3viva-pinataviva-pinata-2viva-pinata-trouble-in-paradiseyearbook-08Fri, 23 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Japanese Ninja Gaiden II marketing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/video-japanese-ninja-gaiden-ii-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/video-japanese-ninja-gaiden-ii-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/video-japanese-ninja-gaiden-ii-marketing/#commentsFiled under: ,


Being the rather "meh" Thursday that it is, we couldn't help but share with you a Japanese Ninja Gaiden II commercial that we just came across. A commercial that will make you raise an eyebrow in confusion due to the fact that it does not transcend the cultural void. Just watch the embedded video above and just try to tell yourself that you don't want to play a game that'll make you moan like a moose in heat, distort your face in pain or make you squeal like a sugar high eight year old. Oh yes, Japanese commercials sure are "interesting".

JoystiqVideo: Japanese Ninja Gaiden II marketing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 22 May 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask a Ninja promotes Ninja Gaiden II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ask-a-ninja-promotes-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ask-a-ninja-promotes-ninja-gaiden-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/ask-a-ninja-promotes-ninja-gaiden-ii/#commentsFiled under:

If you're not familiar with the Ask a Ninja podcast, you really should be. As the title implies, the premise is fairly simple: ask the ninja a question, and the ninja answers it. It is the delivery of the answers that makes the podcast so great though. In a genius bit of marketing, someone at Microsoft decided to team up with Ask a Ninja to produces some special episodes of the podcast sponsored by Ninja Gaiden II. The first two episodes are available now on Xbox Live Marketplace, so feel free to download them at your convenience. For even greater convenience, you can watch them right now, as we've taken the liberty of embedding them in this post (how we did this shall remain secret, though we will admit that Ninpo was involved). Find the second episode after the break.

Continue reading Ask a Ninja promotes Ninja Gaiden II

JoystiqAsk a Ninja promotes Ninja Gaiden II originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 15 May 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Loads of new Ninja Gaiden II images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/loads-of-new-ninja-gaiden-ii-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/loads-of-new-ninja-gaiden-ii-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/loads-of-new-ninja-gaiden-ii-images/#commentsFiled under:


click to enlarge

Good lord. So many Ninja Gaiden II images. Adding more the already huge pile of Spring Showcase media, we bring you 40 new images of Ninja Gaiden II. We've got character renders. We've got concept art. We've got new screenshots. Hell, we even have special screenshots with no blood (good thinking on that one Microsoft). Please, dive into the gallery below. Just dive right in. Caress each image lovingly with your eyes. Your eyes work very hard, and they deserve the treat.

JoystiqLoads of new Ninja Gaiden II images originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamers-day-08ng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iispring-showcase-08team-ninjatecmoTue, 13 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden sneakers: we want 'em]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ninja-gaiden-sneakers-we-want-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ninja-gaiden-sneakers-we-want-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/ninja-gaiden-sneakers-we-want-em/#commentsFiled under:


Click to enlargenate

Alas, we cannot have them. No, these were made by the (no doubt very loving) girlfriend of one lucky Ninja Gaiden fan. The shoes are hand painted and feature Ninja Gaiden's star ninja Ryu in front of a rising sun background. They are, as the kids say, "teh awesomez." While you won't be getting your hands on this particular pair, take heart, for creator Kirstentjie says that she's considering selling them locally and "hopefully internationally one day." Oh, let's hope that one day is very, very soon (and that Microsoft and Tecmo's lawyers don't mind).

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden sneakers: we want 'em originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-stuffmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iitecmoWed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Looky! It's a Ninja Gaiden II Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/looky-its-a-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/looky-its-a-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/looky-its-a-ninja-gaiden-ii-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:


The ever watchful folks over at 360Sync recently spotted a new Ninja Gaiden II standee at their local GameStop. At first glance it appears to be nothing more than your typical standee, but look closer and you can see glory. Yes, that is a Ninja Gaiden II Xbox 360 (and it appears to be an Elite at that). GameStop will apparently be giving these consoles away -- how many we don't know -- sometime in the near future. Unfortunately, the URL listed on the standee currently leads to a dead page. Here's hoping it goes live soon, because we have got to get our hands on that sweet console. Just look at it ... sitting there in all its majesty. That thing could probably slay a hundred demons before breakfast.

JoystiqLooky! It's a Ninja Gaiden II Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 24 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II website offers neat extras, new video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ninja-gaiden-ii-website-offers-neat-extras-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ninja-gaiden-ii-website-offers-neat-extras-new-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/ninja-gaiden-ii-website-offers-neat-extras-new-video/#commentsFiled under:


We're not sure how long it's been live, but there is a newly revamped (Game of the Year 2008) Ninja Gaiden II website up on Xbox.com. The website actually offers some very cool extras to fans of the series and, in a refreshing twist, the site offers some actual new information about the game for those who know where to look. Firstly, the website allows users to build their own custom desktop wallpaper using the games various weapons as a backdrop (see our creation above). The cool part -- and this is where the new info come in -- is that you can check out a brief video snippet of each weapon to help you decide which ones to pick. The videos show off weapons that have so far remained under wraps, most notably the kusari-gama (which has an awesome essence attack, the projectile weapons, and a new Ninpo called "Art of the Piercing Void." Another bit of new info: Ryu can now charge his projectile attacks as well as his melee attacks. We have to admit it's pretty cool to watch him hurl multiple incendiary shuriken into a hapless foe.

The website also offers a somewhat bizarre minigame in which players send attacks to other opponents. The strange part is that players have to wait for others to respond. It's sort of like playing chess over the phone, except instead of moving pieces on a board, your killing this with a sword. At any rate, it's a neat site, and all the fanboys slavering over Ninja Gaiden II (that should be all of you) should definitely check it out.

[Thanks, Christan H]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II website offers neat extras, new video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 24 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Ninja Gaiden II footage, yum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/new-ninja-gaiden-ii-footage-yum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/new-ninja-gaiden-ii-footage-yum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/new-ninja-gaiden-ii-footage-yum/#commentsFiled under:


We understand it's possible that you may be getting tired of us posting every scrap of Ninja Gaiden II info we can lay our grubby little hands on. Really, we do. Having said that, it doesn't mean we're about to stop. Oh no, we just wanted to make sure you knew that we understand. Now, on with even more Ninja Gaiden II footage. This time we have Ryu laying waste to the enemy hordes using both his dual katanas (sort of the ancient Japanese equivalent of dual core processing) and his sweet, sweet ninja claws. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading New Ninja Gaiden II footage, yum

JoystiqNew Ninja Gaiden II footage, yum originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ngiininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoThu, 14 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F vs. Tomonobu Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden II difficulty concerns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/x3f-vs-tomonobu-itagaki-ninja-gaiden-ii-difficulty-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/x3f-vs-tomonobu-itagaki-ninja-gaiden-ii-difficulty-concerns/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/x3f-vs-tomonobu-itagaki-ninja-gaiden-ii-difficulty-concerns/#commentsFiled under:


Gamerscore Blog recently extended us the offer to ask Tomonobu Itagaki, the outspoken head of Team Ninja, one question about Ninja Gaiden II. We thought long and hard about the question, and this is what we came up with: some changes have been made to Ninja Gaiden II to make it more accessible to the gaming community at large, most notably the regenerating health system. What do you say to gamers who are worried that Ninja Gaiden II will be less challenging as a result? You may behold the detailed answer to that question (in video form) after the break.

Continue reading X3F vs. Tomonobu Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden II difficulty concerns

JoystiqX3F vs. Tomonobu Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden II difficulty concerns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ng2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakitomonobuitagakiMon, 14 Jan 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden II video madness continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ninja-gaiden-ii-video-madness-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ninja-gaiden-ii-video-madness-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/ninja-gaiden-ii-video-madness-continues/#commentsFiled under:


You know, at this point it seems like we're really being spoiled with direct feed Ninja Gaiden II footage. We're doing our best to feel guilty about it, but it's just not happening. Here, we'll try again ... nope, not guilty. This latest video (which we've seen snippets of before) features everyone's favorite super ninja Ryu laying waste to his foes with two katanas. Think of it as a special episode of "Will It Blend" with ninjas. For the record, yes, ninjas blend. Find the video embedded after the break.

Continue reading Ninja Gaiden II video madness continues

JoystiqNinja Gaiden II video madness continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmoFri, 21 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[4 minutes in Ninja Gaiden II heaven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/4-minutes-in-ninja-gaiden-ii-heaven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/4-minutes-in-ninja-gaiden-ii-heaven/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/4-minutes-in-ninja-gaiden-ii-heaven/#commentsFiled under:


It's no secret that we are gaga for Ninja Gaiden II. In the event that it is a secret, we can assure you that it will not remain so for long. Remember the many calls for us to cease the constant coverage of Halo 3 / Gears of War / etc? You ain't seen nothing yet. We shall cover Ninja Gaiden II for all it is worth and more. With that little tidbit out of the way, on to the purpose of this post: to fill your eyeballs with four minutes of gory ninja goodness. Some of the footage has been seen before, but plenty of the video is new, and all of it is scrumptious. In particular, we like watching one of Ryu's maimed opponents priming a grenade in an attempt to take the super ninja with him. The video also features Ryu's trademark Izuna Drop -- think spinning piledriver on steroids -- which makes us happy fanboys. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading 4 minutes in Ninja Gaiden II heaven

Joystiq4 minutes in Ninja Gaiden II heaven originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiosng2ngiininja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iininjagaideniiteam-ninjatecmoTue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST