Ninja Gaiden II: The Official GAF Thread of Chaos

[Vish]

Just got the game and I am on the 4th chapter now on Path of the Warrior.

This is game is really easy right now, but I am sure that I will be challenged soon enough?

[_dementia]

Just got the game and I am on the 4th chapter now on Path of the Warrior. This is game is really easy right now, but I am sure that I will be challenged soon enough?

Not necessarily. Overall, Path of the Warrior is easier than NGB's Normal.

[Feindflug]

Unlike most who've posted in the last page, I personally NG2 a lot lot more than Black. Black in general is more polished, but overall I didn't have any problems with 2's technical problems here and there. I also found that many of my gripes with the first game (many will disagree) much much improved. The camera didn't get in my way, more or less on par (but it seems to control a little better to me) with Black's. Archery is a lot lot better. I *hated* it in the first game, but here it was even enjoyable at times (charging, jump-shooting, makes it more convenient). Now, granted, you'll need to use it more often in the sequel (again many bosses). Also, I found the water levels a lot less infuriating. Awkward platforming didn't get in the way. Now, in terms of combat itself, NGB I guess is more 'defensive'. You focus on blocking, dodging, and then striking back at opportune times. NG2 seems a lot more focused on the offensive. You get a lot more enemies thrown at you, and you just tear them all to pieces. It's more about identifying threats and knowing who to target first (unlimbed opponents, mages, archers, etc). Of course, just button-mashing and not blocking/dashing will still get you killed. I personally enjoy the combat in NG2 more. Boss-wise, people would argue that Black's were a lot better than 2's. While I won't disagree that 2's bosses weren't anything particularly special, I can't say I found Black's to be that fulfilling, either. They were okay in both games. Overall, I'd easily put NG2 on my GOTY candidate list. There's a demo; try that. (the plot is fine/irrelevant, doesn't get in the way)

This man speaks the truth, Ninja Gaiden 2 is the best action game evar IMO - sure it has flaws and it's not as polished as Black but the gameplay is top-notch.

At this rate, I don't think a patch is ever going to happen.

According to IGN Team Ninja is working on a new patch to fix the freezing problem.

[Teknoman]

Good, because I havent touched NG II in quite sometime now...

Is the patch just going to fix the freeze issue or other things as well?

[Vanish]

wait what exactly causes the problems? i got the game back in june, beat it, and stopped playing until last week when i started beating on mentor difficulty. so far, ive had no problems. right now im up to chapter 13. anything i should be worried about?

[Oh! My Car!]

Unlike most who've posted in the last page, I personally NG2 a lot lot more than Black. Black in general is more polished, but overall I didn't have any problems with 2's technical problems here and there. I also found that many of my gripes with the first game (many will disagree) much much improved. The camera didn't get in my way, more or less on par (but it seems to control a little better to me) with Black's. Archery is a lot lot better. I *hated* it in the first game, but here it was even enjoyable at times (charging, jump-shooting, makes it more convenient). Now, granted, you'll need to use it more often in the sequel (again many bosses). Also, I found the water levels a lot less infuriating. Awkward platforming didn't get in the way. Now, in terms of combat itself, NGB I guess is more 'defensive'. You focus on blocking, dodging, and then striking back at opportune times. NG2 seems a lot more focused on the offensive. You get a lot more enemies thrown at you, and you just tear them all to pieces. It's more about identifying threats and knowing who to target first (unlimbed opponents, mages, archers, etc). Of course, just button-mashing and not blocking/dashing will still get you killed. I personally enjoy the combat in NG2 more. Boss-wise, people would argue that Black's were a lot better than 2's. While I won't disagree that 2's bosses weren't anything particularly special, I can't say I found Black's to be that fulfilling, either. They were okay in both games. Overall, I'd easily put NG2 on my GOTY candidate list. There's a demo; try that. (the plot is fine/irrelevant, doesn't get in the way)

Thanks, that's very informative! I'll give the demo a spin.

[Feindflug]

Good, because I havent touched NG II in quite sometime now... Is the patch just going to fix the freeze issue or other things as well?

The new patch is supposed to fix the freezing problems (in the 10th and 14th levels), I don't know about frame-rate/slowdown fixes...the latest patch which is the second patch at least according to my experience with the game it causes some frame-rate problems that weren't present with the game unpatched (particularly in the second level in the dragon statue "puzzle").

According to some guys here in neogaf the first patch was the best with no freezing problems and also some slowdown fixes/frame-rate improvements.

[Dabookerman]

Right, So i am not alone with this chapter 10 crashing. It's ridiculous. The game is so sweet as well and I can't continue because of stupid cutscene freezes. What's the word on the patch?

[Grimm Fandango]

Right, So i am not alone with this chapter 10 crashing. It's ridiculous. The game is so sweet as well and I can't continue because of stupid cutscene freezes. What's the word on the patch?

Nothing. If you just want to play, clear the cache. I got fed up after a month so I don't mind that my scores won't show up on the leaderboards.

But seriously at this point, we deserve something for this delay. The mission pack should become free and those who bought it should get a refund. Or the costume pack or something. This is just terrible customer service.

[Danielsan]

Nothing. If you just want to play, clear the cache. I got fed up after a month so I don't mind that my scores won't show up on the leaderboards. But seriously at this point, we deserve something for this delay. The mission pack should become free and those who bought it should get a refund. Or the costume pack or something. This is just terrible customer service.

Tecmo died when Itagaki plunged his sword into its belly. I doubt they'll even bother patching the game, heck I doubt the people who could patch the game are still working at Tecmo.

That said, free mission pack + costumes is the least they could do for the troubles.

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

I think we should make a new rule where this thread can't get bumped until a patch is released. Seeing this bumped keeps giving me false hope. :(

[Hellraizer]

NG2 breaks a million

Vengeance Is Served, One Million Times Over, by Ninja Gaiden II TECMO/Team NINJA’s blockbuster action title sells over one million copies worldwide Microsoft and TECMO/Team NINJA are proud to announce that over one million fans have joined Ryu Hayabusa in his epic quest to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race in “Ninja Gaiden II.” In just a little over two months since its release in June 2008, “Ninja Gaiden II” has sold over one million copies worldwide on Xbox 360 and currently enjoys an average critics’ rating of 81 out of 100, according to Metacritic.com. “Ninja Gaiden II” is the latest chapter in the beloved franchise, where players are armed with an assortment of ninja weaponry to skillfully maneuver through a world fraught with peril and danger. “Ninja Gaiden II” features an all-new gameplay engine, a new auto-health regeneration system, levels, adventures, enemies and thrilling combat with an extensive assortment of ninja weaponry, representing a true evolution of the highly popular franchise. “Ninja Gaiden II” is retail priced at $59.99 and is rated “M” for Mature. For more information, please visit www.xbox.com/ng2.

http://www.consolewars.eu/news/21945..._mal_verkauft/

I'm actually surprised.

[_dementia]

NG2 breaks a million http://www.consolewars.eu/news/21945..._mal_verkauft/ I'm actually surprised.

Not bad. NG + NGB did a combined 1.4 Million not including DD sales IIRC.
So I'm not that surprised (regardless of the game's quality being below that of its predecessor).

[RBH]

NG2 breaks a million http://www.consolewars.eu/news/21945..._mal_verkauft/ I'm actually surprised.

And to add to that:

In the US, industry-research firm the NPD Group reports that the game has sold more than 412,000 copies in the US as of July 31, generating nearly $25 million. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6196971...dlines;title;1

Not bad at all.

Now where's that damn patch.... :|

[MCD]

yeah, good job fucking those million users with a fucked up patch.

[Draft]

Those are pretty huge numbers for a game that basically tells the casual gamer to get fucked.

[U K Narayan]

yeah, good job fucking those million users with a fucked up patch.

Or, good job on screwing those million buyers with a shoddy game.

[MCD]

Or, good job on screwing those million buyers with a shoddy game.

you like NGB more, we get it boss.

[raYne]

you like NGB more, we get it boss.

[Teknoman]

Damn we actually had some people come in to my Gamestop and complain that about the freezing. Finally managed to convince them that it was a patch that messed the game up, not the disc.

UGH I want to finish the game >_<

[RBH]

you like NGB more, we get it boss.

[Morph-0]

New patch! seems to have been released today but I don't know what it fixes..

this game badly needs a Sigma job to fix the frame rate, improve camera a little more and remove the cheaps like give enemies a limited number of projectiles and allow Ryu to counter suicide attacks - slit their damn wrists. Add some more cut scenes that would allow the story to flow, maybe introduce a new twist or 2, add new sections..

It is one of the best action games ever hence 1 million but it needs repairs still. Even if Tecmo released a Sigma version on PS3 I would definitely pick it up.

[MCD]

New patch! seems to have been released today but I don't know what it fixes..

for real?

let me load my save before the final boss then...

[U K Narayan]

New patch! seems to have been released today but I don't know what it fixes.. this game badly needs a Sigma job to fix the frame rate, improve camera a little more and remove the cheaps like give enemies a limited number of projectiles and allow Ryu to counter suicide attacks - slit their damn wrists. Add some more cut scenes that would allow the story to flow, maybe introduce a new twist or 2, add new sections.. It is one of the best action games ever hence 1 million but it needs repairs still. Even if Tecmo released a Sigma version on PS3 I would definitely pick it up.

I always thought it was kind of dumb that we didn't get any payoff for what happened in Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword. I wanted to see some of the characters from that in Ninja Gaiden II.

[MCD]

CHAPTER 14 FREEZING FIXED

thanks Morph-0 for informing us.

i can't test other chapters like 12 (no save files) but i am assuming they fixed them as well.

[Morph-0]

CHAPTER 14 FREEZING FIXED thanks Morph-0 for informing us. i can't test other chapters like 12 (no save files) but i am assuming they fixed them as well.

no problem I knew there were people waiting for the fix..

[MCD]

yeah, i was waiting too.

i will do a quick weapon run on acolyte and see if there is any issues left.

[Orellio]

Wow, great stuff. And it only took the better part of a month.

[impactpewpew]

i want a PStripple version :[
never got to finish the game because i sold my 360 before it red ringed.

[goldenpp72]

i want a PStripple version :[ never got to finish the game because i sold my 360 before it red ringed.

Love trolls

[Kingpen]

Awesome.... This will be in the rotation this weekend as I basically bought mission mode and didn't play it because all the wide spread BS related to the freezing.

[a Master Ninja]

CHAPTER 14 FREEZING FIXED thanks Morph-0 for informing us.

FINALLY

[Llyranor]

Does Mission Mode allow you to choose difficulty levels?

[goldenpp72]

yes.

[MCD]

Does Mission Mode allow you to choose difficulty levels?

yes, you need to beat acolyte to unlock normal and so on.

[Llyranor]

Yeah, found it. I was wondering why I was plowing through the enemies like butter.

[fernoca]

Woohoo!!
Someone bumped because of the patch!!
I'll download it now..and see if I can finish it tonight!..finally! :)

[burgerdog]

Oh god, I hope it's true. I recently patched this without knowing it would fuck up my game and I couldn't play it anymore(I had already beat it so I wasn't too bummed). Hope this patch truly fixes that.

[Grimm Fandango]

Now we wait for our free mission mode/refund!

....


....


...

[Mxylptlk]

For the record, this fixes the level 10 cutscene crash as well. I can finally play again!

The stairs weren't as epic as this thread had me believe, so I guess I'll need to clear out the patch when I'm done and try it as it was intended.

[sennin]

Time to give this its much deserved 2nd chance!

[USD]

So it's fixed? Finally. I held off on buying Mission Mode until they sorted everything out. Guess I'll dive in now.

[Brannon]

Now to continue playing this sweet piece of ass.

Also, this.

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/445123

[fernoca]

Yep..everything works ..the way it was intended..hehehe..

Noticed that everything is smoother..transitions from gameplay to cutscenes are faster too..well, at least compared to the previous patch; which sometimes made the visuals sloppy..jumpy and even crashed the game during cutscenes.

I still suck..still on the last freaking bosss..

[MCD]

i am playing as fast as i can, chapter 7 and still no freezing.

[MCD]

CHAPTER 10 and 12 FREEZING FIXED AS WELL


yup, game is working 100% no freezing issues at all.

[Pachinko]

Fernoca do you mean the cockroach of death or the uber demon ? Both are kind of a pain in the ass but for the cockroach, DO NOT AIM THE BOW IN FIRST PERSON, it makes that fight SOOOO much easier, just aim and double charge in 3rd person at the head, then at the orb.

As for the uber demon, there is no strategy there, just luck, you can continue at that fight so hopefully you have a talisman of ressurectin leftover by then and idono, I beat it by using the scythe and just wailing away at it's feat while it hovered aimlessly nearby. It's kind of a shitty boss.

[raYne]

Fernoca do you mean the cockroach of death or the uber demon ? Both are kind of a pain in the ass but for the cockroach, DO NOT AIM THE BOW IN FIRST PERSON, it makes that fight SOOOO much easier, just aim and double charge in 3rd person at the head, then at the orb. As for the uber demon, there is no strategy there, just luck, you can continue at that fight so hopefully you have a talisman of ressurectin leftover by then and idono, I beat it by using the scythe and just wailing away at it's feat while it hovered aimlessly nearby. It's kind of a shitty boss.

Completely wrong..

The first version is easy enough, so no explanation needed there.

On the second version (Defense):
-If he's flying in the background launching fireballs, you just run left/right and jump to dodge.
-If he charges the lightning attack, just jump at the last second before he fires it.
-If he does the flying dash attack from one of the sides, you just dash dodge out the way right before it hits.

To take him out:
-If he's clinging to the edge, you just stay really close to the left (his right) and he can't grab you. Then you just wail away until he starts charging the beam attack. Making sure not to go too crazy with the combos because you'll be left open when it's time to...
-Hold block and dash through the beam itself (to the right) taking no damage.
-Slice him to pieces while he's walking around like an idiot.

Repeat process. Done and done.

[sennin]

Finished it on Warrior, first run. My thoughts....

I love this game, despite certain recycled elements being used liberally from the first NG and the technical faults it comes packed with. NG2 has enough new offerings to keep things fresh. Team Ninja was ambitious, and their hunger to surpass themselves might end up being a double-edged sword. NG2's biggest difference is found in its combat. Every fight now seems to have at least 10 enemies, and the notorious chapter 10's stairway boasts upwards of at least 8~10* more. It coerces the player to use Ryu aggressively in lieu of turtling, and this is a welcome change.

On the subject of difficulty, the pendulum has swung in further extremes. Here's the list of things that made NG2 easier:

- every save point restores Ryu to full hp once
- life of the gods/Thousand Gods restore Ryu to full hp upon usage
- similar to NG: Dragon Sword, Ryu's life bar automatically restores itself after every fight, with only a marginal portion being set aside as permanent damage
- if the player misses something (stat boosting items or weapons), the shop will sell it in the next chapter. I welcome this actually :p I hate to reload a previous save if I missed something, rpg makers should take note.

To compensate, the enemies are faster, and like Hurricane Pack/Black, they will throw you more often to discourage abuse of blocks. The first 4 chapters felt easy due to the dev's generous manner of giving the player so much HP to play with, but as soon as the werewolves show up, it was clear that the tutorials were over. I just have to kill that much faster to keep Ryu's health in the pink for boss fights.

The camera gives me some problems at times, it is frustrating to be hit by a fireball from off the screen during the bow's manual aim. The solution? Why, use auto-aim of course! It works both ways but the annoyance here is that the player does not get to see those winged beasts being struck by arrows but you definitely know you scored a hit due to 2 cues: the audio cue of a sharp hiss, and your karma meter shows UT 3000 for every kill. This is a poor design choice, when the lovely artworks and attack animations are being looked over in favor of efficiency.

About the latest patch, here are my observations (take note that I did not buy a single DLC for NG2):

- chapter 10 and 14's cutscenes are fine. I cleared them in one shot, without any freezing incidients.
- chapter 10's stairway with an estimated 100 ninjas appearing in groups of 10 each will definitely slow the entire screen down to about 5 fps. This has yet to be addressed.
- when attempting to kill ninjas in chapter 2 for Rod of Trials, if Ryu moves from the shrine to the stairs, "now loading" will appear often. I suspect this is because there are 2 areas there, and the stairs serve as a border. Crossing from one border to the next will ask for data from the disc, and hence the mid-loading in combat occurs.
- freezing is still present in the earlier chapters.... I didn't really take note of where and how, but I think prior to chapter 7, I had a few random freezes. Thankfully I didn't experience one single freeze after clearing ToVs 5 and 6. :p

It will be nice if Team Ninja is given more time to iron out these issues, but as it stands I don't think they will commit more resources into bugs fixing as the 2 freeze points commonly experienced by fans is patched. If a director's cut of NG2 is in the works, with content rivaling that of NG:Black with more optimization and retailing at a budget price, I might just come for the next party.

[Skilotonn]

Awesome news to hear that everything is completely fixed so that I can hop right into my Action Game Of The Year 2008...

I just have to wait on my 360 to get back, which will be sometime this week... sigh...