# Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES) Introduction ## Overview *Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos*, released in April 1990 in Japan as *Ninja Ryukenden II: Ankoku no Shinwa* and June 1990 in North America by Tecmo, is a 2D action-platformer and sequel to *Ninja Gaiden* (1988, NES). Ryu Hayabusa seeks revenge against Ashtar, leader of the Chaos World, who wields the Dark Sword and plans to unleash demonic forces one year after Jaquio’s defeat. Known for refined controls, cinematic cutscenes, and Shadow Clones, it’s a fan-favorite for its challenge and polish. Critics lauded its gameplay and visuals (*Nintendo Power*: 4.5/5), though its difficulty was divisive (*GamePro*). ## Why Play Ninja Gaiden II? *Ninja Gaiden II* delivers intense NES action across seven acts with 17 levels. Players control Ryu Hayabusa, slashing with the Dragon Sword (B), throwing shuriken (Up+B), and using Ninja Arts like Fire Dragon Balls or Vacuum Wave (A+B with power-ups) against enemies like ninjas and demons. Wall-climbing, Shadow Clones (doubling attacks), and precise jumps navigate castles and icy caverns. The game spans 2-4 hours, with stages lasting 3-5 minutes. Its sharp 8-bit art and epic soundtrack appeal to *Ninja Gaiden (Arcade)* and *Spider-Man: Battle for New York* fans, distinct from *Dragon Warrior Monsters*’ RPG or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG. ## Key Features - Slash through seven acts in a 2-4 hour adventure - 2D platformer with Shadow Clones and Ninja Arts - Battle Ashtar and demonic bosses like Kelbeross - Use Fire Wheel, Windmill Shuriken, and other powers - Cinematic cutscenes and iconic 8-bit soundtrack - Authentic NES challenge on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other Versions - **NES (1990/1991)**: 2D platformer, Shadow Clones, refined mechanics. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden (1988, NES)**: *Ninja Gaiden II* adds clones, smoother controls; *I* has simpler mechanics. - **Compared to Ninja Gaiden (1988, Arcade)**: NES is story-driven platformer; Arcade is a beat ‘em up. - **Compared to Spider-Man: Battle for New York (2006, GBA)**: *Ninja Gaiden II* is 8-bit, ninja-themed; *Spider-Man* is superhero, 16-bit. - **Compared to Dragon Warrior Monsters (1998, GBC)**: Action vs. monster-collecting RPG. - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan)**: Platformer vs. tactical RPG. - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Action vs. racing. - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Ninja vs. soccer RPG. - **Re-releases**: SNES (*Ninja Gaiden Trilogy*, 1995), Wii Virtual Console, Switch Online. ## Play Ninja Gaiden II Online Play *Ninja Gaiden II* (1990, NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Also available on retro gaming platforms with 4.6/5 ratings from 45 votes. Physical copies cost $15-$50 (cart) or $60-$150 (CIB). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Use Shadow Clones for bosses; save Fire Wheel for Ashtar. Cheat: At pause screen, press A, B, A, B, Up, Down, Left, Right for full power-ups. Note: Some emulators may flicker during clone animations. Join Classic Joy Games and wield the Dark Sword now!