Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos

THE GOOD:
Excellent graphics and awesome cinema-style cutscenes. Fast, intense gameplay. Responsive controls. Nice hidden sound test if you can find it.

THE BAD:
Extremely high difficulty level.

SUMMARY:
The sequel to the popular "Ninja Gaiden" game really pushed the NES to new limits with it's graphics and gameplay. The story wasn't half bad either-super ninja Ryu Hayabusa hacks & slashes his way through 7 worlds to find his girlfriend and bring the reborn evil from the first NG title to justice.
The graphics are just awesome-the real attraction are the many movie-style cutscenes that play out throughout the game, complete with music and sound effects. They're possibly among the best the NES ever had. Sounds & music are really good as well-FX are authentic and realistic, like swords slashing and the explosions of the fireballs & clashing noises of throwing stars you use as weapons. Controls are tight and responsive, important because...