Author: Crossfire

XBOX 360
Tecmo Games

Get ready to have your tender little bum cheeks handed to you on a paper plate. Ninja Gaiden 2 is one of the most difficult video games i have ever, ever played. Chances are that many of you will have stopped reading already, but for those curious little button bashing rascals who are still with me, sit back and i’ll tell you exactly why.If you’ve started the game on Warrior mode – NG2’s ‘normal’ setting – you’ll die at least ten times in the opening level. There are therefore a few things you’ll need if you intend on seeing this hugely anticipated sequel through to its conclusion – dexterity, perserverance, patience, and a desire to be challenged.

The ninjas and creatures lurking within the disc know you know what Ninja Gaiden is all about, and they’re here to put your cocky nuances to the test. As a measure of its delicately implemented difficulty curve, the game unnoticeably ups the ante until its closing stages; which will see you regularly outnumbered and overpowered by large groups of vicious enemies, many of whom could pass as bosses in their own right. Many of the game’s actual end-of-chapter guardians are near insurmountable – you will quickly learn to dread the large open arenas which precede them – and feature occasionally cheap attacks which canleave your life bar in tatters after a few seconds of battle. The camera system is fiddly; whether it’s obscuring off screen enemies, hugging Ryu like a long-lost Australian grandson, or getting caught behind walls.

There’s more – the developers have seen fit to include a few ‘surprises’ – most notably an exploding boss, but hidden explosives, surprise attacks and unexpected instant death moments all make themselves apparent at various points throughout the game. The enemies know all your little tricks – standing and blocking is no longer an option. You’ll need to combine blocks with constant movement, gauging enemy distances, numbers and strengths with cat-like efficiency. Save points are often positioned long after a heated battle, making backtracking a particularly gruelling affair. Enemies with projectiles will hit you nearly every time. You’ll be sliced, diced, pounded, grabbed, bitten, slashed, dashed, and thrashed around the levelslike a rag doll if you’re not up to the task; the temptation to slide the cursor over to ‘NO’ following another game over becoming all too intense.

All that said, Ninja Gaiden 2 is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying videogame if you’re prepared to overlook the flaws. The combat system is at stark odds with the kind of free form expression offered by the likes of Devil May Cry or God Hand, but still offers a considerable move set and a shed load of attractive weaponry. Although there is a temptation to spam the most powerful attacks and charges when in a tight spot, the more accomplished players will want to delve into each weapon and entice out the strengths and weaknesses of each – there’s certainly ample room to do so.

The game’s enhanced graphics mean there’s more reason to do so as well, with each weapon capable of doling out numerous ‘execution’ attacks which occur when Ryu attacks a dismembered enemy. Blood spurts out of every enemy orifice, coating the walls, floor and ceiling. The sight of Ryu flicking the gore off his claws or sword after a bloodbath is a marvellous touch,and representative of the general quality of the animation on offer. The environments are varied and occasionally awe inspiring – there is some great use of lighting and texture on display – and the bosses are typically well presented.

Critically, Team Ninja’s anticipated sequel will not disappoint those who have been waiting. It’s not suitable for everyone – despite what it says on the back of the box- and has to be one of the most exhausting, stressful, high-octane and downright cruel videogames ever created. Chances are you know that anyway, and have already finished the game twice over. For those who have yet to dive in, however – Ninja Gaiden 2 is sitting on shelves across the country, beckoning you over with a blood stained claw. I think it just called your Mum a slag.

Jon Beach
7/10

PLAYSTATION 3
Konami

There’s something undeniably special about hearing the tobacco ravaged vocal chords of Solid Snake rasp his opening monologue on PS3. War may have changed, Snake – and so may you have – but our love for you hasn’t. Metal Gear Solid 4 is here to put that love to the test. This is the supposed conclusion to the franchise, and while it’s worth noting that series mastermind Hideo Kojima has been putting nails in Snake’s coffin since Sons of Liberty, Guns of the Patriots feels funereal from start to finish. By the time you’ve completed your first run through, you’ll have seen how war has changed. You’ll see how Solid Snake has changed. You’ll see how the series has changed, how Kojima has changed, even how gaming has changed. You’ll see how YOU have changed.

There’s no doubt that a reasonable knowledge of the series fictional background is needed to fully appreciate all this change, however – the infamous cut scenes are back with a vengeance, exploring occurrences and themes from every corner of the franchise and everything in between. Those among you who consider the ‘Patriots’ to be those idiots who hang moronic flags from their car aerials, or the ‘La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo’ to be a vocal exercise need not apply. That is, at least, if you intend to gain from Guns of the Patriots exactly what it has to offer. Whilst the game can certainly be enjoyed as a Metal Gear virgin, the majority of its cut scenes will leave you feeling like a toddler who’s lost his Mum in ASDA.

For those in the know, however, MGS 4 brings plenty of treats to the table. It would be borderline satanic of this reviewer to give anything away, but rest assured there are some profound moments of nostalgia throughout the game, someheart stopping twists, character comebacks and sly nods to previous titles – you may find it impossible to contain yourself. Guns of the Patriots is game for those who have been with Snake since the beginning, and anyone willing to embark on his final mission should dig out copies of past instalments in order to truly appreciate the magic that leaks through every aspect of the title’s make up.Metal Gear Solid 4 is wonderfully varied in terms of gameplay. Whilst it’s undoubtedly the most action orientated game in the series history, the balance between ballsy gunplay and cardboard box antics has never been more perfectly realised.

The combat is fluid and intuitive – you’ll find it much easier to blast your way out of trouble should you see the dreaded ‘!’. In addition,there is an extensive weapons library to be acquired thanks to superb new character (and Simon Phoenix lookalike) Drebin which should satisfy completists, and a whole new gameplay mechanic offered by the MK.2. Snake’s newest contraptions also include the Solid Eye which lends him instant night vision capability as well being able to tell which enemies are fighting for which side; in case you feel like doing a bit of shit stirring, the intracies of which will become clear as you make your way through the game. Camouflage also returns to play a vital role in proceedings,but Kojima has done away with the faffy menus of Snake Eater and equipped Snake with a handy Octocamo suit, which mimics his surroundings after a second or so of rest.

Enemy soldiers are as ruthless as they ever have been, using their radios to full effect in order to bring Old Snake to his knees, but you can be sure that if they don’t catch him, the bloodthirsty reptile/machine hybrid Gekkou will. These new enemies are stunningly captured, leaping over rooftops with a grace entirely unsuited to their terrifying demeanour. As for the game’s bosses, they really are best experienced first hand.

Typically for the series, they are absolutely fantastic.Let’s wind this up before i start blabbing. I’d love to tell you about the time Metal Gear Solid 4 reduced me to tears after a particularly affecting cut scene, about that moment with the microwaves, the emotional return to Shadow Moses or the sublime boss battles, but they genuinely are all moments which you need to experience for yourself, and I just can’t. I’d love to tell you why the game has been given the score at the bottom of this page, but i can’t. I’d love to tell you how war has changed, Snake has changed, Otacon has changed, Kojima has changed, gaming itself has changed, and why you will change. Honestly though, i simply can’t.

Jon Beach
10/10