Team Ninja once again shows us that they know their graphics. The graphics of Gaiden rival other games CG movies. The level of detail given in every level is every bit as intricate as the attention to the character models. Impressive bursts of energy are given off as Ryu slashes through a foe, blood comes off the area you cut, and explosions have never looked better.

The controls are spot on. An intricate combat system is used and every bit as easy to control as it is fun. Need to jump from a cliff, onto a pole and swing up to the ledge above? With the slick controls of Gaiden this is a snap. Every button does something, and is placed in such a manner that access to each command will become second nature just a few minutes into the game. There are some minor issues when in multiple combat situations (By Gaiden terms, Multiple means about fifteen or more) but in no way hampers down the game.

The game isn't as impressive aurally as the background music is rather bland and generic but the music fits the game just fine. Just don't expect music on a Final Fantasy level. The voiceovers could've been done better, but this game is all about the action. The story really plays a back seat so dialogue isn't much of an issue.

Speaking of the storyline, there's not much here beyond the time-honored "Ninja has his clan destroyed, seeks revenge" story that has it's own charm. But, again this game is 90% game play, 10% storyline. There's a love interest, an evil sister and even Ayane from Dead Or Alive fame makes an appearance in this game, but you'll be hard pressed to remember the story of this game a month after finishing it.

The game consists of 16-levels - rather impressive. And, as is the norm for most action games, beating it on a higher difficulty level unlocks a few new things to play through for fun. The levels spread out from a small village to a complex military base, and from the degree of detail put into everything from houses to tanks, you can really see Team Ninja did their homework. The aquatic level is rather uninspiring and drawn out, but other places like temple ruins are a blast to play through. You're given the ability (and a lot of the times required) to use Ryu's vast arsenal of acrobatic moves on the levels; everything from leaping wall-to-wall, and running along walls can be done and pulled off quite well. Devout gamers will be able to beat the game on the highest difficulty to unlock another suit or armor or sword. The game is rather fun to play through again just to be able to level up different weapons and basically just to kick ass.

Going into this game I expected to have fun, but be left wanting more from the combat system (as I've experienced in many action adventure games) but I was blown away by Gaiden's impressive combo system. Simply put, Ryu has an arsenal of moves that put most fighting games to shame. Having over ten weapons, each with their own list of moves, you'll find it difficult mastering them all, but there are tons of demons and guards just waiting to taste your sword/Nunchaku/flails/axe/bow or your magic system.

This is not an easy game and not designed for the casual gamer. He or she will be stunned or stupefied. This game is a throw back to the games of old where you're given few lives and have to rely more on your own skill then the game being nice to you. Gaiden will have you pulling your hair out, throwing your control and swearing to yourself that you'll never even touch the game again. Some complain about the difficulty but I welcome it as a sign that the hard games of old are coming.

Overall this game is a blast to play. From start to beginning, a gamer who dedicates him or herself to it will not be disappointed as everything from the level design to the hundreds of ways you have to defeat your opponent is pure entertainment and a throw back to the hard games of old. 16 levels of pure Ninja action will leave only a select few unsatisfied. Loving the thrill of a good action game and always up for a challenge I find this game to be right up my alley and worthy of a purchase. But, if you're a gamer that's easily frustrated or not willing to put some time into learning how everything in the game works you may want to just rent Gaiden and see how it flows.