Joystiq

Rumor: Ninja Gaiden II receiving Mission Mode July 25

Alexander Sliwinski — 2008-07-03T10:27:00+00:00

Ninja Gaiden 2 will receive Mission Mode as DLC on July 25, according to a post on NeoGAF. Mission Mode, if similar to the original iteration introduced in Ninja Gaiden Black, drops Ryu into an arena setting and lets him go on a flippin' awesome ninja killin' spree. There is currently no price attached to the new Mission Mode DLC.

The possibility of a Mission Mode should come as good news to NG II players who don't find dressing up Ryu like a Ken doll a worthwhile activity. But, let's be honest, if it's anything like the original Mission Mode, shouldn't it have been shipped with the game or, and we're hoping this is the case, at least be free?

[Via X3F]

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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Ninja Gaiden 2 'horse armor' now on sale

James Ransom-Wiley — 2008-07-02T17:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Let's face it, we hardcore gamers are always looking for an excuse to play ninja dress-up. After obliterating tens of thousands of nameless, demonic foes, what greater satisfaction could there be than in donning a leopard print bodysuit and doing it all over again? That's the thing, palette swaps used to be bonuses for our hard-earned mileage; easter eggs buried at the end of the playing field. Not premium DLC.

In the real world, buying a sassy lil' getup can be a cathartic release. In virtual land you just feel like a chump. So Tecmo, Team Ninja, Microsoft, whoever, take your Ninja Gaiden "horse armor" and shove it!

... Still reading? You're not actually interested in -- boy, this is awkward ... Okay, here ya go fella:

Update your "in-game look" with these new Ninja Gaiden 2 costume packs (200 Microsoft Points each):

Biometal Hayabusa Costume is "organically forged to the body with liquid cooled channels and reinforced armor"
Shadow Walker Hayabusa Costume is a "futuristic interpretation of classic cloth ninja garb, reinforced in all the right areas" (wink, wink)
Fiend Hayabusa Costume is "inspired by the Hayabusa namesake, the falcon; this demonic costume mirrors the intensity of Ryu's vengeance and fury" (when he's not wearing a tutu)

Did you know? Each costume pack comes with 5 (five!) color variations!

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Ninja Gaiden II demo sneaks into North America

Griffin McElroy — 2008-06-07T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Ever since the passing of controversial anti-Ninja legislation, importing Japan's deadliest natural resource into the States is a near-impossible process. Luckily, the Federal Trade Commission has recognized that Ninja Gaiden II is not an actual ninja, but instead, a circular platter of polycarbonate encapsulated in a decorated box and an irritating plastic sheath. They also noted that the ninja on the cover is an illustrated ninja, who poses little to no risk of flipping out and killing you in your sleep.

Thus, Ninja Gaiden II was cleared to launch in North America just in time for its June 3 release date -- though it took Team Ninja much longer to convince the FTC that the game's demo was not some sort of digital assassin, sent to kill the internets. Luckily, that bit of confusion was resolved today, and the Ninja Gaiden II demo is now available on Xbox Live. Conveniently enough, we can think of no better way of venting our anger over the demo's North American delay than to dismember some minions with frightening bladed weaponry.

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Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History

Ross Miller — 2008-06-05T16:25:00+00:00

Filed under: Retro, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Business, Galleries

Now that Ninja Gaiden 2 developer Tomonobu Itagaki has departed from Tecmo and Team Ninja (and left a lawsuit in his stead), our friends at X3F have compiled a retrospective on Itagaki's career with the company. From his beginnings as a programmer for Tecmo Bowl, through Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden and all the way to his departure, everything is covered.

Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki. Click here, get educated.

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Tecmo: Team Ninja still 'intact' after Itagaki's departure

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-06-04T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Culture, Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

Following the resignation of outspoken game designer, Tomonobu Itagaki, and his subsequent lawsuit against his former employer, Tecmo has assured fans that its Team Ninja development studio remains "intact" and involved in "several new projects." In a statement issued to 1UP, the Tokyo-based publisher notes that, due to the legal complaint, it had "no choice" but to accept Itagaki's resignation, effective July 1, 2008.

The lawsuit is said to be tied to an outstanding incentive bonus for a past project, one which the parties could not amicably resolve. Tecmo states that it will let the court settle things and bring about a "true, fair, and quick resolution." As for the Team Ninja studio, it remains "committed to producing compelling and cutting edge games in order to maintain its reputation as a high quality developer and to continue to receive the support of its loyal fans."

While it's obvious that Tomonobu Itagaki didn't make games like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden by himself, we wonder if another star developer will emerge to give Team Ninja an incendiary pass to the presses. Is this Itsygaki's time to shine?

[Thanks, Fattycop]

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A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective

Ross Miller — 2008-06-03T15:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Retro, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure

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.

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Ninja Gaiden 2 demo finally flips out of Japan tomorrow, not to US or Canada [Update]

Christopher Grant — 2008-06-02T22:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Put down that Dragon Sword and peel off that ninja mask; despite a heretofore unexplained absence of the Ninja Gaiden 2 demo outside of Japan, you won't be forced to make do with your own ninja action. Xbox Live gatekeeper Major Nelson gives us a demonstration of real ultimate power by cracking enough skulls to get to the bottom of the mystery: the Ninja Gaiden 2 demo will be released worldwide (except Germany, verzeihung) at 5am tomorrow, Joystiq Time. Until then, let X3F take you on a tour of the Japanese demo to satisfy your ninja-fueled bloodlust, okay?

Update: Major Nelson has updated with an apology and a note: the demo will be available everywhere except India, Germany, US or Canada. (Via X3F)

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360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions

Griffin McElroy — 2008-05-31T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

We can think of a lot of great things to sell our souls for, such as telekinesis, a swimming pool full of hundred dollar bills, or a seventh season of Mr. Belvedere. However, Xbox 360 Fanboy's Richard Mitchell (or as we like to call him around the office, Rich Mitch) recently showed his undying love for scarved ninjas by dealing with Beelzebub to get his hands on an early copy of the Ninja Gaiden II demo. Judging by the tone of his impressions as he plays the first seven minutes of the preview, it was totally worth it.

We strongly advise watching the above video -- not only will it get you totally pumped for the quickly approaching June 3 release date for the title, but you can also witness Rich Mitch's incredible proclivity for ninja flipping and henchman dismemberment.

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Ninja Gaiden II demo out today in Japan, rest of the world 'soon'

Ross Miller — 2008-05-30T11:25:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

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]

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Metareview -- Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)

Christopher Grant — 2008-05-27T18:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Metareviews

Though you won't be able to get your hands on Ninja Gaiden II until next week, the reviews for Tomonobu Itagaki's latest ninjastic action game couldn't be contained so easily. They leapt out of their embargoes, sliced a path straight onto the internet, and didn't stop until they reached you here, at this metareview. Oh, but these reviews won't stick around long; they're stopping just long enough for you to quickly peruse some excerpts before tossing a smoke bomb on the ground, leaping onto a nearby rooftop, and silently disappearing.

GameDaily (90/100) is willing to overlook some of the bad for the heftier good, writing: "Ninja Gaiden II isn't perfect, but it's an incredible attempt. Lame English dialogue, a somewhat limp story and awkward camera angles aren't nearly enough to derail the splendid gameplay and eye-popping visuals."
IGN (87/100) enjoyed NGII, but was left wanting something more than what's been previously offered in the series: "Even with a technical hiccup here or there, Ninja Gaiden II is a sight to behold and a great deal of fun to master. And yet, the game doesn't feel as special as Ninja Gaiden did. Let's face it, Ninja Gaiden Black left us a bit spoiled as far as the complete package goes. In terms of straight action and stylish, deep gameplay, Ninja Gaiden II succeeds on nearly every front. What it lacks is the fat -- that extra something on the meat to give it flavor."
Eurogamer (70/100) was more upset by the technical shortcomings pointed out in most of the game's reviews, and was particularly disappointed with the game's at-times frustrating difficulty: "It's beautiful, cinematic and full of fantastically detailed enemies, gorgeous animations and incredibly fast, exciting combat. But while it's good, it's not quite great. It's marred by technical problems and Team Ninja's previously perfect balancing act just isn't in evidence in major sections."

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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'Defense is important' in Ninja Gaiden II

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-05-26T19:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

See? It's not just about flipping out and killing people and slashing enemies into the air and tossing shurikens into their faces and lopping off limbs and doing totally sweet combos like that one where you kick the guy in the head before chopping him into pieces and then running up the wall because you're the ultimate unstoppable mammal. Sometimes you just have to calm down and defend yourself. If the sage advice conveyed by the above video isn't enough, you have until June 3rd to view the clips after the break and get educated on the ways of the ninja.

Remember: Ninjas fight ALL the time.

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Microsoft Game Studios' 2008 in Gaming: A Yearbook

Ross Miller — 2008-05-23T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Interested in seeing what you'll be playing on your Xbox 360 in the coming months? X3F has compiled the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook for you, a list of this year's exclusive graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.

The 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook chronicles the graduates, like the soon-to-be released Ninja Gaiden II, and the titles that didn't make it to grad, like Alan Wake. Yep, he had to be held back for a semester or two. Or maybe three, we just don't know yet.

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

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Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good'

Justin McElroy — 2008-05-21T17:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action

We thought Ninja Gaiden Sigma was pretty good. You know, nothing revolutionary, but at least worth a spin for PS3 owners, especially those who hadn't played through Ninja Gaiden. But we've just received word (via CVG) from Ninja Gaiden I and II developer Tomonobu Itagaki that we're wrong, wrong, totally wrong.

When asked about the game, Itagaki said simply, "It was no good." Apparently not into the whole brevity thing, CVG continued the line of questioning, prompting Itagaki to add, "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden." You think that's pretty rough, right? Well get this: That guy was sitting next to him. And he was making Itagaki a fancy birthday cake. No, that stuff isn't true. But it's still fairly icy.

Oh, and he dropped a preemptive burn, saying that a PS3 port of Ninja Gaiden II "would be a loss of face for everyone involved." ... So, yeah. Remind us not to cut him off in traffic.

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Xbox 360 Spring Showcase impressions roundup

Ross Miller — 2008-05-14T19:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Our friends at Xbox 360 Fanboy are having a ball at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, sending word of their hands-on experiences with the console's upcoming lineup. (Update: Now with more Human.) Check out their impressions below:

	Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II It's unapologetically hardcore, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
	Impressions: Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts There is good reason that Rare did not decide to title the game Banjo Threeie. It's something new.
	Impressions: Penny Arcade Adventures On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Turns out the game is a meld of Japanese RPG and old-school adventure.

	Impressions: Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise With so much added to the formula, it's hard to see downsides to Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, and that's because they're mostly endemic.
	Impressions: Too Human If you're in the market for a slower paced action experience and enjoy (or don't mind) the leveling up and tweaking of your character then Too Human could be for you.

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Itagaki on Ninja Gaiden II dismemberment, difficulty and DLC

Christopher Grant — 2008-05-14T15:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Interviews

After spending about 30 minutes with a final build (awaiting certification) of Ninja Gaiden II at the Xbox 360 Spring Showcase, we had a chance to sit down with designer Tomonobu Itakagi, along with a handful of other game journalists. Staring out at us through dark shades, as an assistant translated his responses, the Team Ninja front man spoke on the "Deadly Ds," as we like to call them: dismemberment, difficulty (as in, tweaking the design philosophy to make us feel less like wusses for playing on easy) and Down-Loadable Costumes. Actually, there was another "D" addressed here too -- the one that ends with "-rinking on the job," or rather, the lack thereof. Yes, this was a new, sobered Itagaki, folks. Hard to believe given the swirl of emotions surrounding the realization that this could be his last *gasp* Ninja Gaiden.

Joystiq: We noticed the name of the casual mode in Ninja Gaiden II is "Path of the Acolyte" and not "Ninja Dog." Are you trying to remove the stigma of playing on the easy setting?

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Xbox 360 Spring Showcase screenshot roundup

James Ransom-Wiley — 2008-05-13T18:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox, Galleries

If a picture's worth a thousand words, we'll spare you the copious blabber and lead your eyeballs right to the trailhead (just hop past the break to get started!). Be warned though, the path through Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring Showcase is a long one (but thankfully smooth and well lit). Be sure to sit a few feet from the screen, rest your eyes between galleries and drink lots of water! Enjoy.

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New Ninja Gaiden II screens are bloody, marvelous

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-05-13T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

click to enlarge

Marking the return of one of gaming's most agile assassins, Ninja Gaiden II seems poised to satisfy our increasingly alarming desire for a good, old-fashioned lopping of limbs. It's true that series protagonist and demon antagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, isn't the most subtle of ninjas -- his technique is about as stealthy as a piano rolling down a flight of stairs -- but he gets the job done.

On a related note, Microsoft has announced that the game will be receiving its first batch of gamerpics (100 MS points per pack) and themes (150 MS points per pack) today. Perhaps we'll be able to collect all the severed in-game arms and legs and use them as payment?

Ninja Gaiden II is out in the US on June 3rd.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden II

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Tecmo returning to E3 this year

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-05-09T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: E3

Last year's smaller and considerably more inconvenient E3 marked quite a dramatic change from the glitz and glare we had grown accustomed to. Gone was the inescapable nexus of pulsating lights and the deafening roar of booths competing to be the loudest, instead replaced by warmly lit hotel rooms and, of course, tastefully dressed women. No wonder Tecmo didn't bother to show up.

Jokes aside, the publisher has confirmed to Joystiq that it will be attending the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles this July, though it's unclear which games will be shown off. With Microsoft-published Ninja Gaiden II out of the way in June, we'll likely see more of Tecmo Bowl Kickoff, Rygar: The Battle of Argus and possibly some game about ninja babes slapping each other on the beach.

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Ninja Gaiden II to get three costume packs in July

Justin McElroy — 2008-05-09T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Ninja Gaiden II hasn't even been released yet and we're already bored of Ryu Hayabusa's costumes. Why? Our attention spans are just that sho-- oh crap, look, it's a ladybug! ... What were we saying? Oh, right, ninjas. As we're already deep in the clutches of boredom you can imagine our relief to hear that three new costume packs for the game would be released this July for 200 points (that's $2.50) a piece. You can see a full-sized version one of the offerings right here.

The strangest part? You actually have to jump through some hoops to be able to buy the first one, seen above. According to the Gamerscore Blog, the armor "will be exclusively available in selected countries to 39,000 gamers on launch day as part of pre-sale or launch promotions," whatever that means. We'd love to sit here and be incensed about the whole thing, but we've got a ladybug to track down. Seriously, it was right here.

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Ninja Gaiden II demo coming in May

Ludwig Kietzmann — 2008-03-27T06:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Action

Ever since the announcement of Ninja Gaiden II's June 3rd release, we've become increasingly annoyed with the months of April and May. As is the case with those insolent, slow-moving people who bunch up in front of you at the supermarket, we really just want to ram them out of the way so that we may fill our cart to the brim with candy as quickly as possible. Having turned around and spotted our menacing glares, May has at least shown some decency by offering us a sampler -- a Ninja Gaiden II demo to be precise (and free of rambling allegories).

According to Microsoft's Ninja Gaiden II website, those eager to decapitate demons, mangle monsters and otherwise alliteratively assault archfiends can expect to download a demon-stration from Xbox Live Marketplace in May. The page also advises to look for "exclusive" content from April 15th, no doubt referring to things like gamerpics, themes and videos pretending to be demos. Wait, we're not falling for that one again, are we?

Gallery: GDC08: Ninja Gaiden II

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