With its unfortunate release date, this game didn't have the privilege of being reviewed by the GB staff. It also happened to be before I started playing xbox seriously again, so I missed all (if any) of the hype around it. 
 
It's pretty cheap, and I'm a fan of big sword wielding games with few qualifiers (I like everything from FF to Kingdom of Paradise on the PSP) but I don't really trust IGN reviews (8.7, for the record) or Metacritic. (Again, 81, for the record.) 
 
So, since the GB staff is silent on the game, what does the GB community say? 
 
EDIT: Although I was pretty sure it's obvious, a friend brought to my attention that this is the 360 version, not the original NES game. Thank you.

Ninja Gaiden II is pretty great. I have the PS3-enhanced Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 but i spent some time with Ninja Gaiden II. it's not bad at all, but it has it's share of problems. the camera is horrible and for new players, the game will be very punishing. the Ninja Gaiden series is known for it's difficulty and it doesn't hold back in this game (though i did not find it too difficult after going through Ninja Gaiden Sigma).  
 
besides that, it's a solid, bloody ninja game. if you have a PS3 though, go for Sigma 2. it's pretty cheap, so even if you don't like it, it's not like you paid full price for it. 

" It's really fucking hard and I bought it for 20 bucks and have no regrets. "

I really enjoyed it. I didn't get past the second boss, I think, but it was still a lot of fun! I'm not usually into action games but I am totally happy I played it.

" @chstupid said:

" It's really fucking hard and I bought it for 20 bucks and have no regrets. "

I say it is easy, but that's because the first one taught me how to play and taught me what real difficulty is. "

yeah go for the game if you're really into hard games. Though its not as hard as the 1st one when it comes to the normal difficulties but entering the Master Ninja difficulty (the hardest and most punishing) is the real way to play the game.  
 
Sadly I also only settled to have the PS3 version Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 since I dont have an x360, which is sort of a toned down version of the x360 version in terms of violence and some boss fights. Nevertheless its still hard and even when your done with the campaign in the x360 you can always test your skills in the single mission modes which was also sadly gutted in the PS3 version where its a forced coop mission mode which can be only fun if you have a very good net connection.

It's awesome, first clear warrior, then clear mentor, then clear master ninja, then clear the vicious DLC, and you'll realise what it actually is to be a console gamer, and then have a cry when you realise how much other games hold your hand throughout and suck these days.