Gaming Ninja Gaiden: Second Master Ninja Tournament Begins!

[Magnum Apex]

[color=darkblue][font=trebuchet ms]Time to dust off that copy of Ninja Gaiden ([i]again[/i]), as the second Master Ninja Tournament begins August 9th and runs through August 30th. In the new tournament, Ryu will battle new, tougher enemies with a new, controllable camera system and weapons. Time to register is [i]now[/i].

The downloadable content for the second tournament, like the first one, is free. However, downloading the content alone through Xbox Live won't officially register your gamertag in the tourney. You have to register through Xbox.com. Go to the [url="http://www.xbox.com/en-us/ninjagaiden/masterninjatournament.htm?level1=enuslive&level2=eventssbg&level3=masterninjatournament"]main page[/url] of the Second Master Ninja Tournament for more information. Be sure to click on the [url="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/ninjagaiden/roundtwoofficialrules.htm"]official rules[/url] and the [url="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/ninjagaiden/masterninjatournament2-faqs.htm"]FAQ[/url] links located in that page. All gamers under 18 need not apply.


[center][color=red][font=impact][size=10]LET THE TOURNAMENT COMMENCE![/size][/font][/color]

[img]http://www.xbox.com/media/games/ninjagaidentournament/sim-ninjagaiden-03.jpg[/img][/center][/font][/color]

[Charles]

I've downloaded the Hurricane Pack and replayed the first two chapters. I must say, I like what I've seen thus far. The increased difficulty is welcome; I didn't expect changes in item placement to accompany the rearranged enemies (with new attacks to boot). So, that was all nice. Plus, the intercept technique adds significantly to combat. I've yet to upgrade the new staff, but its movements are incredibly fluid and impressive to watch. Most importantly, it's actually useful. One of my major problems with Ninja Gaiden prior to this patch, was that it just wasn't really worth switching from the default Dragon Sword.

The tweaked camera system helped when it came to exploring the environments; it was easier to spot well-hidden items. Of course, it's common knowledge that it doesn't amount to much in combat, but at least it's better than nothing.

All in all, I might actually play through a good portion of the game again to enjoy the adjustments. It's annoying that you have to play online and save before benefitting from the download, but otherwise, it's not too much trouble at all.