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Fanswag: Win 1600 MS Point codes and Ninja Gaiden 2
This is the last day of our 3 day Microsoft Point extravaganza. Today we're really upping the ante. Today we have ten 1600 MS Point codes to giveaway and we're also throwing in Ninja Gaiden 2 for our grand prize winner! In honor of Ryu and his ninja skills, we thought it fitting to also giveaway his would-be nemesis, Kung Fu Panda, to our second prize winner (at least it has achievement points, right?). For your shot at one of the ten codes, Ninja Gaiden 2 and Kung Fu Panda, follow the instructions below. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would buy with 1600 Microsoft Points. We don't care if it's actually on the Marketplace or not. Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 6:00PM Eastern time today, June 20, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). Later today, we'll pick 10 winners via a random drawing One grand prize winner will receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points and a copy of Ninja Gaiden 2, worth a total of $80; one second place winner will receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points and a copy of Kung Fu Panda, worth a total of $60; and eight third place winners will each receive a redemption code for 1600 Microsoft Points, worth $20 each. Complete giveaway rules can be found here
X3F TV -- Points>Life: Lazy Ninja Technique
Each week, X3F tips gamers to the tricks of the trade of Achievement hording in Points>Life. Every week a new achievement is unlocked to help you continue your unhealthy obsession with the Xbox 360 meta-game.In honor of our brand new Ninja Gaiden II page, Points>Life is tackling an achievement from Xbox 360's Summer mega-action release, Ninja Gaiden II. Having difficulties landing a 100-hit combo? That wonky camera got you down? Just want 20 random points? You've come to the right place!Check out the video above for a few helpful tips and if you have any tricks of your own, make sure to leave them in the comments!Also, make sure to check out our retrospective features on Tomonobu Itagaki and the Ninja Gaiden Series itself.Music: "Ninja Gaiden" by minibosses[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[MP4] Download the MP4 directly.
Introducing the Ninja Gaiden II page
Ladies and gentlmen, fanboys and girls, Xbox 360 Fanboy presents the Ninja Gaiden II page. This is our first page dedicated to a single game (you may have seen similar pages on Joystiq). On the page you will find all the major Ninja Gaiden II news stories, every Ninja Gaiden II screenshot, and all the Ninja Gaiden II features compiled into a single, bookmark-friendly page. The page will be updated as time goes on to include other features and stories as well (including an upcoming episode of Points>Life). This is only the first dedicated game page on X3F. Expect more to show up in the future. With major 360 exclusives right around the corner (Gears of War 2, Fable 2), there's plenty to cover.For all things Ninja Gaiden II, check out the page right now.
Sharpen your swords for a Weekend of Vengeance
Hopefully you've perfected your ninja skills playing the Ninja Gaiden II demo, because the ninja lessons you've learned will be tested come Friday when Xbox Live hosts a Weekend of Vengeance.Celebrating the release of Ninja Gaiden II, this Weekend of Vengeance which runs from June 13th through June 15th will feature an Achieve and Win sweepstakes where a few NGII themed Xbox 360s will be up for grabs as well as three XBVM ninja movies (Ninja Hunter, A Life of Ninja and Ninja in the Deadly Trap) will be available for download. For free! Finally, if you haven't been keeping track, all seven Live exclusive Ask a Ninja episodes will be downloadable as well. This weekend, be vengeful, be a ninja and be deadly ...
Give Dad the gift of gaming with Xbox 360
Hey Canadians, thinking about getting your father into gaming? While our dads can barely program the VCR, yours may possess the keen insight to pull off a 100-hit combo in Ninja Gaiden II. Best Buy and FutureShop have a few special promotion bundles available just in time for Father's Day that you may want to take a look at.At Best Buy, purchasing an Xbox 360 Elite package will allow you to choose from four pre-selected bundles that groups such titles as Grand Theft Auto IV with Tomb Raider Anniversary or Lego Indiana Jones with Lego Star Wars: The Original Trilogy to name a few for $449.99 CND.Purchasing either the Premium ($349.99 CND) or Elite ($449.99) consoles at FutureShop will net you your choice of GTAIV, Ninja Gaiden II, Lego Indiana Jones or The Bourne Conspiracy.Full details on Best Buy's offer and a clipping from the FutureShop bundle after the jump.
Ninja Gaiden II demo sneaks into North America
Ever since the passing of controversial anti-Ninja legislation, importing Japan's deadliest natural resource into the States is a near-impossible process. Luckily, the Federal Trade Commission has recognized that Ninja Gaiden II is not an actual ninja, but instead, a circular platter of polycarbonate encapsulated in a decorated box and an irritating plastic sheath. They also noted that the ninja on the cover is an illustrated ninja, who poses little to no risk of flipping out and killing you in your sleep. Thus, Ninja Gaiden II was cleared to launch in North America just in time for its June 3 release date -- though it took Team Ninja much longer to convince the FTC that the game's demo was not some sort of digital assassin, sent to kill the internets. Luckily, that bit of confusion was resolved today, and the Ninja Gaiden II demo is now available on Xbox Live. Conveniently enough, we can think of no better way of venting our anger over the demo's North American delay than to dismember some minions with frightening bladed weaponry.
Ninja Gaiden II demo slashes North America
After one too many broken promises, the previously Japanese exclusive bloody ninja demo goodness has finally made its way overseas and not a moment too soon. Today, U.S. and Canadian Xbox Live members are being treated to a new'ish Ninja Gaiden II demo that's available for download right this ninja-second via the XBLM. You'll also be excited to hear that the demo comes complete with the option to view Japanese or English subtitles! W00t! And, for those of you who'd like to view our take on what the demo has to offer, be sure to check out our Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions video while waiting for your 858MBs to download. Miss you Itagaki ...
Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Tomonobu_Itagaki_A_Blood_Splattered_History'; Now that Ninja Gaiden 2 developer Tomonobu Itagaki has departed from Tecmo and Team Ninja (and left a lawsuit in his stead), our friends at X3F have compiled a retrospective on Itagaki's career with the company. From his beginnings as a programmer for Tecmo Bowl, through Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden and all the way to his departure, everything is covered. Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki. Click here, get educated.
Tecmo: Team Ninja still 'intact' after Itagaki's departure
Following the resignation of outspoken game designer, Tomonobu Itagaki, and his subsequent lawsuit against his former employer, Tecmo has assured fans that its Team Ninja development studio remains "intact" and involved in "several new projects." In a statement issued to 1UP, the Tokyo-based publisher notes that, due to the legal complaint, it had "no choice" but to accept Itagaki's resignation, effective July 1, 2008.The lawsuit is said to be tied to an outstanding incentive bonus for a past project, one which the parties could not amicably resolve. Tecmo states that it will let the court settle things and bring about a "true, fair, and quick resolution." As for the Team Ninja studio, it remains "committed to producing compelling and cutting edge games in order to maintain its reputation as a high quality developer and to continue to receive the support of its loyal fans."While it's obvious that Tomonobu Itagaki didn't make games like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden by himself, we wonder if another star developer will emerge to give Team Ninja an incendiary pass to the presses. Is this Itsygaki's time to shine?[Thanks, Fattycop]
Would You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition
In our continuing effort to bring you fresh and interesting content, X3F presents Would You Rather ... a weekly feature that asks you the hard questions. The point? If you had to choose one or the other, which would you go for?With his recent departure from Tecmo (well, technically he still works there until July 1), Tomonobu Itagaki has created the last Ninja Gaiden title of his career. It now appears to be obvious that his talk of Ninja Gaiden 2 being the last in the series stemmed from the knowledge of his future plans (aka quitting and suing parent company Tecmo). So, another Ninja Gaiden title is probably going to happen because franchises that make money don't disappear. The question is, do you think the folks at Team Ninja can do it without Itagaki?We're sure they can, but ... would you want them to? So this week in WUR--a new Ninja Gaiden hits stores without Itagaki. What do you do soldier? What do you do? (Shooting a hostage is not an option). Feel free to share the reasons for your vote in the comments. We'll share the results of the poll during the next edition of Would You Rather ... which hits X3F every Wednesday.Last weeks WUR results can be find after the jump ... come in and check it out for free!
Metareview: Ninja Gaiden II
The reviews for Ninja Gaiden II are in and thus far they paint the game as a solid action affair, though it doesn't come without its share of problems (and some . Mentioned in every review we scoured was the camera, which Eurogamer declares "awful - really, speechlessly awful." Still, while the reviews scrape together a pile of negatives -- poor plot, annoying camera, occasionally cheap bosses, steep difficulty -- they all agree that Ninja Gaiden II excels at what it does best, action. IGN (8.7/10): "It's challenging and rewarding. It looks great in motion and it feels great to know you're the one at the helm, directing this bloody dance. It has its foibles and doesn't feel as rich as the last Ninja Gaiden, but this sequel still offers up a great ride. 1UP (B-): "[The camera] drags along behind you like a wounded dog and wanders off on its own when you need it most. When fighting multiple enemies that are more than a sword's length away, it's a chore to constantly pull the right trigger (which forces the camera to face the same way as Ryu). When those enemies come armed with unblockable projectiles, it becomes damn annoying." Eurogamer (7/10): "NG2 doesn't even need a map to guide you around, because the section you're looking for is clearly signposted by the absence of blood, gore and limbless torsos, which are strewn and caked all over everywhere you've been." Team Xbox (9/10): "One thing you won't hear us complain about with Ninja Gaiden II is the difficulty. This is a tough game. Deal with it, or go play Devil May Cry." %Gallery-22757%
A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/A_History_of_Violence_A_Ninja_Gaiden_Retrospective'; A little bird told us Ninja Gaiden II was coming out today. Actually, that bird was more like a note attached to a shuriken with a flower on it, but the message was all the same. In honor of the series milestone and in memory of the now-former Ninja Gaiden designer Tomonobu Itagaki, we present you with a series retrospective we're affectionately dubbing A History of Violence (hey, we thought it was clever). Click here and be educated.
Itagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja
As we eagerly await our chance to experience the Ninja Gaiden II demo we just caught wind of a VERY juicy announcement coming from Mr. cool shades, Ninja Gaiden creator and Team Ninja member Tomonobu Itagaki. Simply stated, Itagaki is suing Tecmo and just announced plans to leave Team Ninja ... ZOMG!According to 1UP who received an official letter from one of Itagaki's aids, Itagaki reveals that he is suing Tecmo for 145 million yen due to "unpaid completion bonuses" and because Itagaki claims that there were "unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me" by Tecmo's president Yoshimi Yasuda which caused "significant emotional distress." The letter goes on to say that the lawsuit is based on a "strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd." and that Itagaki will resign from Tecmo effective July 1st. Ending his letter, Itagaki addresses his fans, saying that Ninja Gaiden II "will be the last Ninja Gaiden I will create", mentions that he will never "be able to make Dead or Alive 5" and, for that, Itagaki regrets "the disappointment this will cause" those who have enjoyed his work.Wow ... we're speechless. Itagaki leaves Team Ninja, leaves behind franchises that he helped bring to life and leaves both his fans and the industry, well ... speechless. We can only assume that Itagaki's battle with Tecmo will be hard fought and is going to get very, very ugly.
Ninja Gaiden 2 demo finally flips out of Japan tomorrow, not to US or Canada [Update]
Put down that Dragon Sword and peel off that ninja mask; despite a heretofore unexplained absence of the Ninja Gaiden 2 demo outside of Japan, you won't be forced to make do with your own ninja action. Xbox Live gatekeeper Major Nelson gives us a demonstration of real ultimate power by cracking enough skulls to get to the bottom of the mystery: the Ninja Gaiden 2 demo will be released worldwide (except Germany, verzeihung) at 5am tomorrow, Joystiq Time. Until then, let X3F take you on a tour of the Japanese demo to satisfy your ninja-fueled bloodlust, okay?Update: Major Nelson has updated with an apology and a note: the demo will be available everywhere except India, Germany, US or Canada. (Via X3F)
Ninja Gaiden II demo hits Xbox Live tomorrow [Update]
Update: OK, so don't shoot the messenger. Major Nelson, apologetically updated his post regarding the Ninja Gaiden II demo for all regions. Originally the demo was to be available to all Xbox Live regions excluding Germany and India but now it turns out that you can add Canada and the US to that list. So, no Ninja Gaiden II demo tomorrow for Canadians or Americans. Major still suspects a demo will drop some time this late this week. Also, he promises to talk to a few people about the mix up. Somebody's gonna get-a hurt reeeeal bad (some NSFW Russell Peters love for you in this time of mourning).Gamers outside of Japan eagerly anticipating a hands-on experience with Ninja Gaiden II only have a few hours to go. According to Major Nelson the demo for the upcoming action title will hit all Xbox Live regions (excluding Germany and India) at 0200 PT tomorrow.Our fearless leader has already had a few days with the demo and expressed his love for it in the X3F TV Demo Impressions video late last week. Anyone on the fence about picking up the game should try out the demo when it launches tomorrow along side the retail release.[Thanks, Glitch W again]
Shipping this week: Real Ultimate Power edition
It's finally here kids. Yes, it's the granddaddy of all ninja simulators, Ninja Gaiden. This particular entry in the series is somewhat anachronistically titled Ninja Gaiden II. We can tell you unreservedly (and from experience) that it is glorious in execution. It's also goriest in executions. Eviscerations abound as gamers take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, the superest of all super ninjas. But wait, what's that? There are more games shipping this week and they don't all suck? Whoa. Imagine our surprise. Behold this week's list: Ninja Gaiden II GRID LEGO Indiana Jones Robert Ludlum's: The Bourne Conspiracy Kung Fu Panda Incredible Hulk Which of these will grace your 360's DVD drive?[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-22757%
Video: Shiny Xbox prototype in Ninja Gaiden II
After playing a few hours of his pre-release copy of Ninja Gaiden II (come one Microsoft, where's our love?), Godfree of Gamertag Radio found a shiny Xbox Easter egg. Hidden behind some wood paneling is what looks to be the prototype for the original Xbox, the shiny metallic box that never came into existence and was instead replaced by the big black Xbox we've all come to know and love. And seeing that we were unsuccessful in our attempt to Google for an image of the original Xbox prototype, we'll award +5 fanboy points to anyone who can find and link to a legit shiny Xbox image. Go! Go! Go! Thanks for the image DBoyFlex. You get +5 points!
360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/X3F_TV_X3F_Impressions_Ninja_Gaiden_II_demo'; We can think of a lot of great things to sell our souls for, such as telekinesis, a swimming pool full of hundred dollar bills, or a seventh season of Mr. Belvedere. However, Xbox 360 Fanboy's Richard Mitchell (or as we like to call him around the office, Rich Mitch) recently showed his undying love for scarved ninjas by dealing with Beelzebub to get his hands on an early copy of the Ninja Gaiden II demo. Judging by the tone of his impressions as he plays the first seven minutes of the preview, it was totally worth it.We strongly advise watching the above video -- not only will it get you totally pumped for the quickly approaching June 3 release date for the title, but you can also witness Rich Mitch's incredible proclivity for ninja flipping and henchman dismemberment.
Ninja Gaiden II NA demo by 'the end of next week'
For those of you patient enough to wait, Major Nelson tipped gamers off to news that the Ninja Gaiden II demo should be hitting Xbox Live Marketplace by the end of next week. "Looking for the NG 2 Demo? I am told that it will be available by the end of next week," reads Major's Twitter page.The demo, which was released today on the Japanese Marketplace, features two levels one section from the upcoming game and showcases some of the various ways players will be able to cut dudes into bits-n-pieces.Until then make sure to check out X3F TV where we dissect, no pun intended, the demo for the anticipated action title.Update: The demo is actually the same as the Japanese release and features only one section, not two levels.
X3F TV -- X3F Impressions: Ninja Gaiden II demo
var digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/x3f-tv-x3f-impressions-ninja-gaiden-ii-demo/'; Don't ask us how, but we managed to lay our hands on the coveted Ninja Gaiden II demo today. Sure, we could have used it solely for selfish purposes. We could have kept it to ourselves to play over and over again (which, come to think of it, we already have). But no! Rather than hog the demo, we've encapsulated our impressions in a new episode of X3F TV. Check out our impressions in the video above (hint: Ninja Gaiden fans will be pleased).[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.
