Ninja Gaiden

I was finally able to play the demo version of this much-anticipated and long-awaited ninja action game from Tecmo, thanks to the latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine. Basically, the game puts you in the tabi boots of Ryu Hayabusa, part-time Dead or Alive competitor and full-time ninja hero. This time, he trades in wrestling with Kasumi and the DOA girls to battle hordes of evil ninja, demons and other mystical adversaries in his own title.
Anyway, the demo only has one level, and has Ryu entering a ninja fortress. The controls are pretty awesome, with really responsive controls and quite impressive acrobatics and moves you can accomplish with your ninja avatar. The attacks and swordplay/weapon use is quite flashy and the gameplay rocks. My only gripe is that the camera can often get you into trouble, though a simple tap at the camera trigger should remedy it.
Looks great, and the graphics and gameplay are up to Team Ninja's standards.

Ninja Gaiden is set for a March release, though delays are anticipated. This game may just live up to the hype. We'll see soon once we get our own copy.