Graphics: 10
Ninja Gaiden 2 (or NG2) improved from its predecessor. Now there are moving objects in the background. Not only that, now the backgrounds are detailed: they're not a bunch of image pieces put together that form a confusing pattern. NG2 does an excellent job in providing better graphics while still avoiding that 2D look: the ground that Ninja Ryu walks on is similar to action-type games. The scenes also improved, well sort of. The characters look smoother, but it's upsetting to see that no one could ever talk the way Walter Smith did.

Sound: 8
The sound decreased! Don't get me wrong, the SFX is much similar to that of the first one with improvements. But the songs DURING the scenes aren't as well as Ninja Gaiden; the ones I dislike the most are ""Ryu Fights Back"" & ""To The Rescue."" Others still stir up emotion, but are quite repetetive. This is all a matter of opinion, actually. The music during the action compares the same to Ninja Gaiden, with one improvement: The ""Pause"" feature. The ""Battlefield"" has improved and is called ""Battlefield II"" and ""Twist Of Fate"" is slightly different.

Gameplay: 9
Here's the other great part of the NG2, the gameplay. NG2 contains about the same amount of stages as Ninja Gaiden, except with an extra Act. A sudden twist occurs in this part of the game, that has fairly bad creativity, and Ninja Ryu must take on this extra challenge.

Now the controls; NG2 is qutie similar to its predecessor. NG2 relieves you of a little annoyance by adding a wall climb. Now wall jumping is used when you cannot possibly climb to the top, so it still keeps its original feel.

Along with extra stages and a wall climb, NG2 adds more abilities, the best being the shadow ninjas. Now the time freeze can be used more than once, allowing you to save it when you need it most. The fire wheel can also be used more than once, and it's great if you have a shadow ninja with you. Just about all of the original items are back in this sequel.

Overall: 9
The replay value of NG2 is about the same as Ninja Gaiden: High. The story is great but not quite as goose bumping as the first, but compared to other NES games, it blows away the competition. The bosses are still big, of course, and the game also brings back Kelbeross, a twin boss that is fought in the original Ninja Gaiden!

Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword Of Chaos outnumbers its predecessor & sequel in the following attributes: Overall Graphics and Gameplay. The second game of the Ninja Gaiden series ranks second in the series.

To access the soundtrack, at the title screen, hold Up/Left + Select + A + B + press START, release the buttons.

To see Irene during the Sound Test, let the title screen fade to black, then press Start to make it reappear. Then, hold Up/Left + Select + A + B + press START, release the buttons.

To access a special sound test, let the title fade to black two times.

Graphics: 9
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, in my opinion, supports some of the finest graphics ever seen on the good old NES. Awesome lighting effects (such as the lightning in stage 3-1), kick butt backround animation (like the fire in stage 4-1), and the scrolling backrounds (stage 2-1) are candy to your eyes. The story scenes also glow with gorgeous graphics, and make the characters come to life. Overall a great improvement from the last game

Sound: 10
The sound is where Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos really shines. The musical score is nothing less than perfect, for it keeps the player in tune with the action on screen, and the music during the story scenes really gets you into the game's plot. Tecmo also fixed the annoying bug from the first Ninja Gaiden, where the music resets every time you pause and unpause the game. Kudos to Tecmo!

Gameplay: 8
Not much has changed from the last Ninja Gaiden game, except now Ryu can now climb up walls (yesssss!) and the addition of some cool new power ups (like the ninja shadows that follow you around and mimic you every move) are excellent. However, the game has a steep learning curve some parts are very hard unless you know EXACTLY what to do), and sometimes the game can screw you over. But hey, nothings perfect!

Overall: 9
Overall, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is without a doubt the gimmering gem in the entire Ninja Gaiden series. Better graphics than the prevoius installment in the series, a killer story that will having you playing over, and over again, and characters that come to life, Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is without a doubt a classic piece of video game history.

Do your self a favor and give it a try, you won't reget it. It's the Nintendo at its finest.