Guide Note:

Immediately following the release of the action-adventure title Ninja Gaiden 2 on June 3, 2008, the Mahalo.com video games team will be playing through the game and streaming the live video. Participate in the chat and watch Ryu Hayabusa take down the Black Spider Ninja Clan.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Team Ninja
2. Release Date: June 3, 2008
3. Platform: Xbox 360
4. Genre: Action-adventure
5. Series is adapted from the original 1980s versions for the NES, Sega Genesis and Arcade.

The combat in Ninja Gaiden II has been overhauled to display yet more blood and graphic violence than its predecessor, 2004's Ninja Gaiden. Additionally Ryu Hayabusa has been given several new weapons, such as the Falcons Talons (which resemble Wolverine-type claws), and the Kusari-gama, a large chain weapon with a blade on one side and a blunt end on the other. Overall, the most notable difference to the combat and weapons system in Ninja Gaiden 2 is speed: the game is decidedly more fast-paced than its predecessor, and uses a auto-regeneration system for health in order to compensate for the more frantic nature of its combat.