Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (Virtual Console)
What Is It?
Stop me if this sounds familiar: When it comes to the Ninja Gaiden trilogy on the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System, the games started with an amazing game, had a solid sequel and then finished off with a disappointing finale. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is, you guessed it, the solid sequel that does everything the original did. This is still a cinema-driven action game where you play the combat prone Ryu Hayabusa as he tries to solve the mysteries and save his lovely girlfriend. Not to editorialize or anything, but if your job involves you going on some of the toughest adventures of all time and being hunted by pissed off soldiers and ninja hating eagles, then maybe you should leave the dating to all of those schmucks that aren't going to put their girlfriends in unneeded danger. I'm just saying. Regardless of the silly plot, Ninja Gaiden II features more of the same 2D combat we came to know and love in the original game, plus adds a few welcome new items (including Ninja Ghosts, which is something they ripped off wholesale from the superior Ninja Spirit). The best thing about this game isn't that it's more of the same action for Ryu, but rather that it's actually a lot easier than the first game. Unfortunately that's a relative statement, getting a perfect score on your SATs is an easier task than the original Ninja Gaiden. But if the original was unfairly frustrating, then Ninja Gaiden II is fairly frustrating. You'll still want to throw your control at your television set, but at least this time you'll have a smile on your face.
Does It Still Hold Up?
The game holds up about as well as the original game, which is to say that it's still a solid 2D action game with solid controls. A lot of the same problems apply with this game, though. While it may be easier, you are still going to have to put up with annoying gameplay decisions that make no sense in this 21st century world. You'll also find that the game's enemies can be so blood thirsty that they take some of the fun out of the platforming. You'll still get a kick out of the completely ridiculous story, but some of the fun of this game has been muted by the familiar nature of the game.
Is It Worth The Money?
Sure these games are hard, but they are also fulfilling when (or if) you actually beat them. Thankfully this one is a little more doable, thanks to the slightly better level designs and improved combat. Still, the game is only $5 so it's hard to say no to a game that many consider to be an 8-bit classic. I would have liked to have seen more done with this sequel, but complaining about that now is like saying that Gerald Ford should have done more with his presidency.
This Week in GameTap
Every week I plan on taking a look at the classic games being uploaded on the
GameTap service. Regardless of whether it's part of their free or premium service,
GameTap offers a wide variety of old school games that is worth checking out. Here are the most recent games uploaded to their server, keep in mind that all of these games are free to play starting today:
Ghouls 'N Ghosts (Arcade) -
If you've been reading this section for the past few weeks then chances are you already know that I'm in love with the Ghouls 'N Ghosts series. A few weeks ago GameTap decided to upload the original Ghosts 'N Goblins, an arcade game that, while fun, is definitely showing its age. This week we get the much-improved sequel, Ghouls 'N Ghosts. Without quest, Ghouls 'N Ghosts is one of my favorite platforming games of all time. This is a solid action game with plenty of cool weapons, a few interesting bosses, some exciting level designs, and a difficulty that is about twelve notches past unfair. But who cares if you can't beat it, Ghouls 'N Ghosts is still one of the best 2D arcade games of all time, and now is your chance to see why I love it so much.
Vampire Savior: Lord of Vampires (Arcade) -
Released ten years ago, Vampire Savior is the third installment in the Darkstalkers trilogy. While the main look and gameplay hasn't changed much, this installment does feature a number of worthwhile new additions, namely Jedah (a weird bat-like character with terrible fashion sense), Lilith (a cute bat-like girl with terrible fashion sense), Q-Bee (a homely bee-like girl with bad fashion sense), and B.B. Hood (the greatest Darkstalkers character of all time). The game itself plays almost exactly like the other two games; you are still locked in a one-on-one battle between different monster characters. The original Darkstalkers has been available on GameTap for some time now, so isn't it about time you upgraded to this third installment? This is easily the best version of the game, even if they have taken out a few fan favorites (like Donovan, Huitzil and Pyron). Definitely give this one a play, especially if you're sick of seeing the same levels in the other two Darkstalker titles.
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