Chapter 1: Weapons, Ninpo, and Items

(1)

(2)

By: Doug Radcliffe

Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden series is infamous for its challenging gameplay and Ninja Gaiden II continues the tradition. Expect to battle resilient enemies, seemingly unbeatable bosses, and insurmountable odds. Once again, you control Ryu Hayabusa. You’ll wield powerful new weaponry and perform frenzied action moves that include spectacular obliterations and ultimate combinations. Add this game guide to Ryu’s arsenal and you have

everything you need to conquer one of the toughest games around, Ninja Gaiden II.

Here you’ll find locations for all weapons, ninpo, and the most important items. There’s a complete walk-through with strategies for the game’s most difficult sections and boss battles. Plus, you’ll get locations for all 30 crystal skulls, nine Lives of the Thousand Gods, and the full list of Xbox 360 achievements.

This Gamespot Ninja Gaiden II game guide features:

● Weapons, Ninpo, and Items: Check here for strategies for all the melee and ranged weapons, ninpo, and locations for vital and rare items.

● Walk-through: A complete walk-through including battle and boss strategies, item locations, and Test of Valor tips and rewards.

● Boss Battle Strategies: We’ve compiled boss strategies in this section.

● Crystal Skull Locations: All 30 crystal skull locations divided by chapter.

● Lives of the Thousand Gods Locations: Find 9 Lives of the Thousand Gods to maximize your health bar.

● Xbox 360 Achievements: Full list of Xbox 360 Achievements.

Chapter 1: Weapons, Ninpo, and Items

This section reveals all Ninja Gaiden II weapons and ninpo and provides moves and strategies for using each. You’ll also find locations and tips for various items. Melee weapons are gained throughout the game and they can be missed. Should you miss a melee weapon, you can purchase the weapon later from a Muramusa shop.

Obviously it’s better to just locate the weapon so you can save the yellow essence for items that can’t be gained for free, such as weapon upgrades!

Note that there are some spoilers in this section as we reveal where to locate each weapon and ninpo as well as where to find some of the game’s rare items.

Dragon Sword

The dragon sword is Ryu’s starting weapon and it’s arguably the most balanced in the game with a decent mix of power, speed, and range. Flying Swallow, and its upgrades (Azure Swallow and Divine Flying Swallow), is an essential maneuver. Many of the game’s most challenging battles can be solved through a liberal use of Flying Swallow. Use to remain elusive against a group of melee enemies or even quickly close distances against ranged enemies.

Note that the dragon sword is one of two weapons that can be upgraded to a fourth level. You can’t purchase this upgrade at a Muramusa shop; this upgrade will occur during the missions.

(3)

COMBO MOVES LEVEL

Piercing Dragon’s Fang X, X, X, X, X 1

Dragon Tear X, X, X, Forward + X 3

Steel Splitter X, X, X, Y 4

Tiger Roar X, X, Y 1

Fang of the Wolf X, X, Y, Y 2

Fortuitous Phoenix X, X, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Ikaruga X, X, Y, Forward + Y 2

Seal of Ten X, X, Forward + X, X 1

Three Lights X, X, Forward + X, Y 1

Wrath of Izanagi X, X, Forward + X, Y, Y 2

Blade of the Empty Air X, Y, X 1

Blade of Susano’o X, Y, X, X, X, X 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, Y, X, X, X, Y 2

Scarlet Dragon X, Hold Y 1

Cloud Dragon Flying Swallow X, Hold Y, Y, Y, Y 4

Windmill Slash Forward + X 1

Violent Wind Forward + X, X, Forward + X 1

Violent Gale Forward + X, X, Forward + X, X 2

Piercing Wind Forward + X, X, Forward + Y 1

Dragon of Heaven Forward + X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Forward + Y 2 Dragon of Earth Forward + X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Forward + Hold Y 2

Crimson Tempest Y, Y 1

Undefeatable Demon Y, Y, Y 2

Haze Straight Slash Hold Y 1

Oblivion Cross Cut Hold Y with essence 1

Blade of the Dragon’s Scales Hold Y with maximum essence 4

Azure Dragon Forward + Y 1

Scarlet Dragon Forward + Hold Y 1

Violent Wind X (while running) 1

Violent Gale X, X (while running) 2

Piercing Wind Y (while running) 1

Dragon of Heaven Y, Y, Forward + Y (while running) 2 Dragon of Earth Y, Y, Forward + Hold Y (while running) 2

Flying Crane Circle + Y 2

Gleaming Blade Circle + Hold Y 3

Roaring Gleam Circle + Hold Y with essence 3

True Dragon Gleam Circle + Hold Y with maximum essence 4

Deep Crimson X, X (while blocking) 1

Gleaming Cross Y (while blocking) 1

Rising Dragon Y (next to downed enemy) 1

(4)

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Y (while jumping) 2

Helmet Splitter Y (while jumping) 1

Air Destruction Slash X (while jumping forward) 1

Falling Dragon Blade Y (while jumping forward) 1

Flying Swallow Forward + Y (while jumping forward) 1 Azure Swallow Forward + Y, Y (while jumping forward) 2 Divine Flying Swallow Forward + Y, Y, Y (while jumping forward) 3

Spinning Blade X (while landing jump) 2

Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1

Flying Swallow X or Y (while wall running) 1

Flying Dragon Blade X (on wall) 1

Cicada Slash Y (on wall) 1

Divine Flying Dragon X (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Divine Cicada Slash Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Divider of Waves X, X (while running on water) 1

Blade of Empty Water X, Y, X (while running on water) 1 Blade of Empty Seas X, Y, X, X (while running on water) 2 Aquatic Flying Swallow Y (while running on water) 1

Heavy Mists X (at water surface) 1

Flying Osprey Y (at water surface) 1

Demon Shark X (underwater) 1

Great Demon Shark Y (underwater) 1

Reverse Wind Left Trigger + any movement 1

Wind Path A (while jumping near enemy) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Flying Bird Flip A (on wall) 1

Calm Water Run A + X (while running on water) 1

Calm Water Break Left Trigger + A (while running on water) 1

Lunar Staff

The staff provides greater range than the dragon sword but combos build slowly, which basically means enemies take a bit longer to eliminate. The Heavenly Shadow ultimate is extremely strong and highly effective against some of the tougher enemies in the middle chapters (such as werewolves and snake demons). The added range helps keep strong enemies a bit out of reach.

During Chapter 1 - Sky City Tokyo, you will battle an enemy group to trigger a cut scene. A door opens revealing a statue. Approach the statue and you can acquire the Lunar Staff.

Dragon’s Fang Spin X, X, X, X 1

Dragon’s Talon Spin X, X, X, Y 2

(5)

Infinity Thrust X, Forward + X, X 1

Yin-Yang Thrust X, Forward + X, X, X 2

Amitabha Thrust X, Forward + X, X, X, X 3

Absolute Darkness X, Forward + X, Y, X 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, Forward + X, Y, X, Y 2

Sun and Moon X, Forward + X, Y, Y 2

Molten Rock X, Y, X, X, X 3

Strange Soul X, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Bolted Gate Forward + X, X 1

Charging Lion Forward + X, X, X 2

Fierce Lion Y 1

Bladed Spider Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Bladed Spider Y, Forward + Y 2

Bladed Spider Y, Y, Forward + Y 3

Bladed Spider Y, Y, Y, Forward + Y 3

Remnant Blossoms Hold Y 1

Eight Destructions Hold Y with essence 1

Dance of Flame Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Waning Moon Forward + Y 1

First Wind Forward + Y, Y, X 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) Forward + Y, Y, X, Y 2

Moonlit Shadow Forward + Y, Y, Y 2

Vanishing Mist X, X (while running) 1

Twin Serpent Staff Y (while running) 1

Destruction Spin Circle + Y 3

Waning Evil Circle + Hold Y 2

Hazy Shadow Circle + Hold Y with essence 2

Heavenly Shadow Circle + Hold Y with maximum essence 2 Izuna Drop (Throw) Circle + Hold Y with maximum essence, Y 2

Mirror Reflection X (while blocking) 1

Gate of Betrayal X, X (while blocking) 2

Quivering Moon Y (while blocking) 2

Furious Wind Y, Y, Y, X (while blocking) 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) Y, Y, Y, X, Y (while blocking) 2 Moon of the Soul Y, Y, Y, Y (while blocking) 2

Slain Demon Y (next to downed enemy) 1

First Wind X (while jumping) 1

Wind of Dawn X, X (while jumping) 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, Y (while jumping) 2

Phantom Moon Y (while jumping) 1

Flashing Current X (while landing jump) 2

(6)

Stone of Sin X, X (while wall running) 2

Sixteen Nights Y (while wall running) 1

Single Horn X (on wall) 1

Stone of Sin X, X (on wall) 2

Sixteen Nights Y (on wall) 1

Sixteen Nights X or Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1 Fallen Moon X, Y (while running on water) 1

Raven Thrust Y (while running on water) 1

Hazy Moon X (at water surface) 1

Ivory Moon Y (at water surface) 1

Crystal Thrust X (underwater) 1

Lion’s Storm Y (underwater) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Calm Water Run A + X (while running on water) 1 Calm Water Break Left Trigger + A (while running on water) 1

Falcon’s Talons

Wield the Falcon’s Talons and you’ll resemble a familiar superhero. These claws are extremely quick but obviously have the closest range possible. Use the claws for building long combinations in close, many of which feature dash moves, which can get you in and out of a crowd at a moment’s notice.

During Chapter 2 - The Castle of the Dragon after you recover the Counter Attack technique, you’ll enter a building and battle a ninja group. Search the back end of the building to find an alcove containing the Falcon’s Talons.

Lion’s Roar X, X, X, X, X 1

Heavenly Wolf X, X, X, Y, Y, Y, Y 2

Ravenous Wolf (Throw) X, X, X, Hold Y (hold while hitting enemy) 2

Panther Tail Kick X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X 1

Running Flame X, X, Y, Y 2

Tiger’s Crushing Jaw X, X, Forward + X 1

Crushing Vermilion Bird Strike X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, X 3

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, Y 3

Wings of the Phantom Roc X, X, Forward + X, X, Y, Y 3

Wings of the Vermilion Bird X, X, Forward + X, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Vermilion Bird Strike X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Y 2

Flying Tiger’s Claw X, Y, X 1

(7)

Piercing Wolf’s Fang X, Y, Y, Y 2

White Tiger Flurry Forward + X, X, X 1

White Tiger Gouge Forward + X, X, X, Y 1

Bared Lion’s Fang (Throw) Forward + X, X, X, Y (hold when hitting enemy) 1

Thunderous Lion’s Roar Forward + X, X, X, X, X, X 2

White Tiger Gouge Forward + X, X, X, X, Y 2

Thunderous Lion’s Roar (Throw) Forward + X, X, X, X, Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Bear Strike Y, Y 1

Charging Boar Y, Y, Y 2

Furious Tiger Claw Y, Y, Forward + Y 1

Furious Tiger Kick Y, Y, Forward + Y, Y 2

Gouging Wolf Claw (Throw) Y, Y, Forward + Y, Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

King of Beasts Hold Y 1

Claws of a Hundred Beasts Hold Y with essence 1

Fury of the Divine Beasts Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Thunderous Earth Forward + Y 1

Cry of the Phoenix Forward + Y, Y 2

Beast’s Claw Kick X (while running) 1

Charging Tiger Claw Y, Y (while running) 1

Charging Tiger Kick Y, Y, Y (while running) 2

Gouging Wolf Claw (Throw) Y, Y, Y (while running; hold when hitting enemy) 2

Ring of Nine Tails Circle + Y 2

Black Tortoise of Water X, X, X (while blocking) 1

Black Tortoise of Wind X, X, X, X, X (while blocking) 2

Claw of the Phantom Roc Y (while blocking) 1

Bared Lion’s Fang (Throw) Y (while blocking; hold when hitting enemy) 1

Hunting Dog Y (next to downed enemy) 1

Flying Tiger’s Claw X (while jumping) 1

Crushing Vermilion Bird Strike X, X, X, X (while jumping) 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Y (while jumping) 2

Three-Legged Bird Y (while jumping) 1

Flying Swallow Y (while jumping towards enemy) 1

Flame of the Chimera Y, X, X (while jumping towards enemy) 1 Izuna Drop (Throw) Y, X, Y (while jumping towards enemy) 2 Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1

Flying Swallow X or Y (while wall running) 1

Flame of the Chimera X, X, X (while wall running) 1

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, Y (while wall running) 2

Azuna Dragon Kick X or Y (on wall) 1

Swooping White Phoenix X, X (on wall) 2

(8)

Moon of the Fox Y (during Flying Bird Flip; hold when hitting enemy) 1 Swooping White Phoenix Y, X or Y, Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 2

Submerged Tiger Claw X, X (while running on water) 1

Submerged Crushing Jaw X, Y (while running on water) 1 Surging Azure Dragon X, Y, Y (while running on water) 3

Cry of the Phoenix Y, Y (while running on water) 1

Water Tiger’s Crushing Jaw X (at water surface) 1

Phantom Strike X, X (at water surface) 3

Surging Azure Dragon X, Y (at water surface) 3

Water Fox Kick Y (at water surface) 1

Fangs of the Water Dragon X (underwater) 1

Water Reptile Slash Y (underwater) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang

Like the dragon sword, this dual katana Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang is a decent all-around weapon. It’s

obviously more diverse than the dragon sword, useful against most enemies, and the speed provides the ability to maintain crowd control.

During Chapter 4 - A Captive Goddess, you will enter a building with a number of items, many of which are positioned in cases. Break the glass cases to recover the items. There are Incendiary Shuriken inside, a Test of Valor in the corner, and more importantly, the Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang.

Note that the Dragon’s Claw and Tiger’s Fang is one of two weapons that can be upgraded to a fourth level. You can’t purchase this upgrade at a Muramusa shop; this upgrade will occur during the missions. The weapon also receives a new name at this time.

Falling Flowers X, X, X, X, X 1

Blade of Nirvana X, X, X, X, Y 2

Mahayana Blade X, X, X, Y, Y 1

Blade of Dharma’s Way X, X, Y, Y 2

Double Lightning Strike X, X, Forward + X, X 1

Lightning Pierce X, X, Forward + X, X, X 2

Penetrating Lightning X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X 3

Bladed Wind X, X, Forward + X, Y 3

King Slayer X, X, Forward + Y 2

(9)

Underworld Drop (Throw) X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Y, Y 4 Blade of the Mind X, X, Forward + Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 4

Falling Dragon X, X, X, Forward + X 1

Double Zhong Kui Slash X, Y, X 1

Mighty Zhong Kui X, Y, X, X, X, X 2

Spinning Zhong Kui X, Y, X, X, X, X, Y 3

Zhong Kui Izuna (Throw) X, Y, X, X, X, Y 2

Zhong Kui Heavenly Sparrow X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y 2 Dragon Slaying Sparrow X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (hold when hitting wall) 2 Falling Dragon Slayer X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (when hitting wall), X 2 Spinning Dragon Slayer X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (when hitting wall), Y 2 Great Dragon Slayer X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (when hitting wall), Y, Y 3 Bird and Dragon X, Y, X, X, X, Pause, Y (when hitting wall), A 2

Falling Zhong Kui X, Y, X, X, Y 2

Zhong Kui Whirlwind X, Y, X, X, Y, Y 3

Fire Dragon Spinning Descent X, Y, Y 1

Spinning Fire Dragon X, Y, Y, Y 3

Purgatory Slash X, Hold Y 1

Wind and Clouds X, Hold Y, Y 2

Divine Blade X, Hold Y, Y, Y 3

Underworld Drop (Throw) X, Hold Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 4

Blade of the Mind X, Hold Y, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 4

Twin Continuous Slash Forward + X, X 1

Twin Cross Cut Forward + X, X, X 2

Flying Dragon Forward + X, Y 1

Descending Dragon Forward + X, Y, Y 2

Swooping Dragon Fang Y, Y, Y, Y 1

Great Chasm Y, Y, Forward + Y 3

Rolling Haze Slash Hold Y 1

Path of the Demon Dragon Hold Y with essence 1

Eight Heavenly Dragons Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Rising Earth Blade Forward + Y 1

Purgatory Slash Forward + Hold Y 1

Silent Gale X (while running) 1

Gale Cross Cut X, X (while running) 2

Gale Rising Slash Y (while running) 1

Gale Falling Slash Y, Y (while running) 2

Rise to Heaven Circle + Y 2

Sokaku’s Secret Blade X (while blocking) 1

Sokaku’s Dissecting Slash Y (while blocking) 1

Ground Roll Y (next to downed enemy) 1

(10)

Spinning Zhong Kui X, X, X, X, Y (while jumping) 3 Zhong Kui Izuna (Throw) X, X, X, Y (while jumping) 2

Spin Slash Y (while jumping) 1

Whirlwind Slash Y, Y (while jumping) 3

Flying Swallow Y (while jumping towards enemy) 1

Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1 Divine Hawk Flying Sparrow X or Y (while wall running) 1

Divine Hawk Twin Blades X (on wall) 1

Descending Divine Hawk Y (on wall) 1

Spinning Divine Hawk Y, Y (on wall) 3

Divine Hawk Dancing Blades X (during Flying Bird Flip) 1 Flying Bird Descent Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1 Flying Bird Spin Y, Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 3

Flying Water X, X, Y (while running on water) 1

Aqua Chasm X, Y (while running on water) 1

Flying Hawk Y (while running on water) 1

Aqua Chasm X, Y (at water surface) 1

Heavenly Bay Y (at water surface) 1

Root of the Lotus X (underwater) 1

Water Dragon Blade Y (underwater) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Kusari-gama

The Kusari-gama is a unique combination of fast, short-range attacks and slow, long-range swings (so be careful initiating combos with strong attacks up close because it takes time). It’s effective for dealing with large groups of small, slow moving enemies. For example, the scorpions and spiked creatures you’ll face in large numbers. Use the Kusari-gama for hit and run attacks against these enemies.

It can also be used against tougher enemies, but since it’s not as powerful and a bit slower than stronger weapons, you must be ready to start from a farther distance. The Demon Cutter is an excellent maneuver and often removes a limb, and the Great Sweep is powerful against tough enemies.

During Chapter 5 - The Aqua Capital right near the beginning of the level, search a path left of the first bridge. Follow the path around to a corpse and examine. You will recover the Kusari-gama.

Face Strike X, X, X, X, X 1

(11)

Ear Slicer X, X, X, Y, Y, Y 2

Raging Star X, X, X, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Serpent Swing X, X, X, Y, Y, Forward + Y 2

Midnight Blade X, X, X, Forward + X 2

Shrike Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Forward + X (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Skull Shatterer X, X, Y, Y 1

Flying Vine X, X, Forward + Y 2

Demon Cutter (Throw) X, X, Forward + Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Hunting Heavens X, Y 1

Falling Snow X, Y, Y, Y, X 2

Temple Bell Drop X, Y, Y, Y, Y 2

One Hundred Flames X, Y, Y, X, X 2

Flying Vine X, Hold Y 2

Demon Cutter (Throw) X, Hold Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Flying Vine X, Forward + Y 2

Demon Cutter (Throw) X, Forward + Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

One Hundred Feet Forward + X, X 1

Fuji Drop Forward + X, X, X, X, X 2

Thunderous Flying Sparrow Forward + X, X, X, Y 2

Spiral Attack Y, Y 1

Great Reverse Spin Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 2

Immense Tragedy Y, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Storm of Six Flowers Hold Y 1

Pounding Gate Hold Y with essence 1

Dance of Nine Dragons Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Sweeping Clouds Forward + Y 1

Dancing Maple Forward + Y, Y, Y, X 2

Giant Bell Drop Forward + Y, Y, Y, Y 2

Flying Vine Forward + Hold Y 2

Demon Cutter (Throw) Forward + Hold Y (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Great Shears X (while running) 1

Absence of Light Y (while running) 1

Flowing Spin Circle + Y 1

Raging Wind Circle + Y, Y 2

Furious Whirlwind Circle + Y, Y, Y 3

Midnight Blade Circle + Y, Y, X 3

Shrike Drop (Throw) Circle + Y, Y, X (hold when hitting enemy) 3

Flying Vine Circle + Y, X 2

Demon Cutter (Throw) Circle + Y, X (hold when hitting enemy) 2

Music of the Haze X (while blocking) 1

Sweeping Willow Y (while blocking) 1

(12)

One Hundred Flames Y, X, X (while jumping) 1

Thunderous Light Y, Y (while jumping) 1

Flowing Spin X (while landing jump) 1

Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1

Flying Scythe X or Y (while wall running) 1

Flowing Dragon X (on wall) 1

Giant Serpent Drop Y (on wall) 1

Flowing Dragon X (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Giant Serpent Drop Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Waterfall Breaker X, X (while running on water) 1

Falling Thunder Flying Swallow X, Y, Y (while running on water) 1

Shell Spiral Y (while running on water) 1

Giant Toad Drop X (at water surface) 1

Falling Thunder Flying Sparrow Y, Y (at water surface) 1

Devastation Above X (underwater) 1

Insane Agitation Y (underwater) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Eclipse Scythe

What the Eclipse Scythe lacks in speed it more than makes up for in power. The scythe also possesses good range and is best used against enemies that aren’t tightly packed around Ryu. Many of the strong blows will dismember enemies and open them up for obliteration. The scythe is slow, which can leave you vulnerable to combo breaks. Since it’s powerful, particularly upgraded to its maximum level three, the scythe is arguably the best weapon to use against bosses.

At the end of Chapter 6 - The Lycanthropes’ Castle you will battle Volf, who’s currently using the Eclipse Scythe. Defeat Volf and you will automatically recover and wield the Eclipse Scythe.

Piercing Moon X, X, X, X, X 1

Shadow Banisher (Throw) X, X, X, X, X (hold when hitting enemy) 1

Mist Slash X, X, X, X, X, Y 1

Death’s Gate X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X 2

Death’s Pillar X, X, X, Forward + X, X, Y 3

River Styx Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Forward + X, X, Y (hold when hitting enemy) 3

Demon Procession X, X, X, X, Y, Y, Y 2

(13)

Corpse Sweep X, X, Y 1

Demon’s Jaws X, Y, Y 1

Round Haze Forward + X, X, X 1

Reversed Tsunami Forward + X, X, X, X, X 3

Reversed Waterfall Forward + X, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 2

Flying Heads Y, Y 1

Cries of Ares Y, Y, Y 2

Serpent’s Curse Hold Y 1

Underworld Eruption Hold Y with essence 1

Empire Destroyer Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Soul Impale Forward + Y 1

Shadow Banisher (Throw) Forward + Y (hold when hitting enemy) 1

Hidden Clouds (Throw) Y (during Shadow Banisher) 2

Death’s Gate X, X (during Hidden Clouds) 2

Death’s Pillar X, Y (during Hidden Clouds) 3

River Styx Drop (Throw) X, Y (during Hidden Clouds; hold when hitting enemy) 3

Demon Strangler Y, Y (during Hidden Clouds) 2

Hunted Chimera Forward + Y, Y 1

Returning Wind X (while running) 1

Ring of Insanity Y (while running) 1

Graveyard Spin Circle + Y 2

Massacre Sweep Circle + Y with essence 2

Extermination Sweep Circle + Y with maximum essence 2

Futile Resistance X (while blocking) 1

Darkness of Hades Y (while blocking) 1

Sacrificial Slice Y (next to downed enemy) 1

Hidden in Darkness (Throw) Y (next to downed enemy; hold when hitting enemy) 1

Immense Raven X, X (while jumping) 1

Blood Rain Y (while jumping) 1

Flying Sacrifice Y (while jumping towards enemy) 1

Infinite Sacrifice (Throw) Y (while jumping towards enemy; hold when hitting enemy) 1 Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1

Flying Sacrifice X or Y (while wall running) 1

Infinite Sacrifice (Throw) X or Y (while wall running; hold when hitting enemy) 1

Wind of Revenge X or Y (on wall) 1

Entombed Lightning X (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Monstrous Raven Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Aqua Slash X, X (while running on water) 1

Wave of Judgment Y, Y (while running on water) 1

Lotus Strike X (at water surface) 1

Wounds of Poseidon Y (at water surface) 1

(14)

Wind Run A + X 1

Tonfa

The tonfa is similar to the talons: a fast, short-range weapon. In fact, the tonfa is brutally fast and able to keep opponents stunned during long combo strings. For example, use the tonfa against melee ninjas and against the gray demons. Fluttering Peacock is an excellent starter combination as it often results in dismemberment. Take off a limb and you’re ready for an obliteration.

During Chapter 7 - The Flying Fortress Daedalus, and after acquiring the Art of the Piercing Void ninpo, near a Test of Valor you will use a console to open a passage below. Drop down into the room and find two corpses. One carries Incendiary Shuriken; the other corpse carries the Tonfa.

Great Edge X, X, X, X, X 1

Ivory Flower X, X, X, Y, X 1

Falling Petals Flowing Water X, X, X, Y, X, X, X, X 2

Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Y, X, X, X, Y 2

One Thousand Blossoms X, X, Y, Y, Y 3

Fluttering Peacock X, X, Forward + Y 2

Blooming Iris X, X, Forward + X, X 1

Flower Garland Drop (Throw) X, X, Forward + X, Y 2

Cypress Column X, X, Forward + X, Y 1

Cradled Moon X, Y 1

Crimson Edge X, Hold Y, Y 1

Demons’ Staves Forward + X 1

Demons’ Diamonds Forward + X, X 2

Demon Tears Kick Forward + X, X, X, X, X 3

Demon Devourer Forward + X, Y, Y 1

Iron Wheel Y, Y 1

Storm of the Four Winds Y, Y, Y 2

Vermilion Fan Hold Y 1

Spring Wind Hold Y with essence 1

Uncontrollable Bloom Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Fleeting Blossoms Forward + Y, Y 1

Turning Wheel X (while running) 1

Roaring Flames Y (while running) 1

(15)

Heavenly Justice A or Left Trigger + Move (during combo) 1 Justice of Heaven Kick X (during Heavenly Justice) 1

Broken Lantern Y (during Heavenly Justice) 1

First Storm X (while blocking) 1

One Thousand Lotuses Y, Y (while blocking) 1

Bloom of Revenge Y (next to downed enemy) 1

Ivory Flower X (while jumping) 1

Falling Petals Flowing Water X, X, X, X (while jumping) 2 Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Y (while jumping) 2

Oblivion Blossom Y (while jumping) 1

Eight Leaves X (while jumping forward) 1

Stone Breaker Y, Y (while jumping towards enemy) 1 Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1 Stone Breaker X, Y or Y, Y (while wall running) 1

Fluttering Crane X or Y (on wall) 1

Demon Exorcism X, X (on wall) 1

Demon Devourer X, X, X (on wall) 2

Crimson Fang X, Y (on wall) 1

Fleeting Blossoms X, Y, Y 2

Fluttering Phoenix X or Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1 Demon Exorcism X, X (during Flying Bird Flip) 1 Demon Devourer X, X, X (during Flying Bird Flip) 2

Crimson Fang X, Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Fleeting Blossoms X, Y, Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 2

Drowning Moon X, Y (while running on water) 1

Floodgate Crush Y, Y (while running on water) 1

Demon Thistle X (at water surface) 1

Drowning Moon Y (at water surface) 1

Crimson Lily X (underwater) 1

Scale Scraper Y (underwater)

Wind Run A + X 1

Calm Water Run A + X (while running on water) 1 Calm Water Break Left Trigger + A (while running on water) 1

Vigoorian Flail

The Vigoorian flail is a balanced mix of speed, power, and range. It’s an impressive juggling weapon enabling long air combinations that wail on your opponent while keeping you relatively safe from harm. Consider using the flail against the chainsaw zombies as well as the snake demons.

(16)

During Chapter 9 - Heart of Darkness after you’ve defeated the giant worm you’ll enter an area with more worm enemies that emerge out of the water. There’s a crystal skull on the right side. A corpse in this area carries the Vigoorian Flail.

Dragon and Phoenix X, X, X, X, X, X 1

Dragon Slaughter X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, X 2 Furious Strike X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, Y, X, X, X, X 3 Izuna Drop (Throw) X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, Y, X, X, X, Y 3 Piercing Mountain X, X, X, Forward + X, X, X, X, X, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Opened Path X, X, X, X, X, Y 2 Wandering Destruction X, X, X, X, Y 2 Pale Light X, X, X, Y 2 Fire Pit X, X, Y 1 Foe Destroyer X, X, Y, Y 2 Looming Fog X, Y, X 1 Furious Strike X, Y, X, X, X, X 2

Grasping the Moon X, Y, Y 1

Insane Raven X, Y, Y, Y 2

Piercing Mountain X, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y, Y 3

Flowing Waves Forward + X, X 1

Insane Devil Forward + X, X, X, X, X 2

Interrupted River Forward + X, X, X, Y 2

Horn of the Chimera Forward + X, X, Y 1

Flame Wheel Y, Y 1

Shining Heavens Y, Y, Y 2

Auspicious Crane Hold Y 1

Golden Dragon Hold Y with essence 1

Annihilating Golden Dragon Y (press repeatedly during Golden Dragon) 1

Dancing Phoenix Hold Y with maximum essence 1

Annihilating Dancing Phoenix Y (press repeatedly during Golden Dragon) 1

Erupting Flame Forward + Y 1

Rising Serpent Forward + Y, Y 3

Deformation Kick X (while running) 1

Scraping Heavens Kick X, X (while running) 2

Heaven’s Surprise Kick X, X, X (while running) 3

Storm Breaker X, X, X, Y (while running) 3

Flying Monkey Y (while running) 1

Blazing Inferno Y, Y (while running) 2

Nine Heavens Circle + Y 2

Warrior of Flight X (while blocking) 1

(17)

Slanted Heavens Y, Y (while blocking) 2

Demon Chaser Y (next to downed enemy) 1

Sweeping Strike X (while jumping) 1

Dragon Emperor Kick Y (while jumping) 1

Red-Hot Iron Brand Y (while jumping towards enemy) 1

Insane Raven Y, Y (while jumping towards enemy) 2

Piercing Mountain Y, Y, Y, Y, Y (while jumping towards enemy) 3 Guillotine Throw (Throw) A + X (while jumping near enemy) 1

Red-Hot Iron Brand X or Y (while wall running) 1

Insane Raven X, Y or Y, Y (while wall running) 2

Piercing Mountain X, Y, Y, Y, Y or Y, Y, Y, Y, Y (while wall running) 3

Split Boulder Kick X or Y (on wall) 1

Mountain Crane X, Y or Y, Y (on wall) 3

Infernal Drop X or Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 1

Mountain Crane X, Y or Y, Y (during Flying Bird Flip) 3

Ancient Dragon Kick X (while running on water) 1

Rising Phoenix Y (while running on water) 1

Wandering Drum X (at water surface) 1

Disturbed Heavens Y (at water surface) 1

Flowing Rainwater X (underwater) 1

Golden Lily Y (underwater) 1

Wind Run A + X 1

Fiend’s Bane Bow

You’ll gain the Fiend’s Bane Bow during Chapter 2 - The Castle of the Dragon. It will be required to shoot a glowing switch to open a pathway so you won’t be able to miss it. The Fiend’s Bane Bow is extremely useful over the course of the game. Not only will you use it against ranged enemies, like archers or aerial opponents, but there will be several opportunities to pick off approaching enemies from long-range before they reach your position.

Tip: There’s a special ranged weapon you will recover during the game that only works underwater. It’s the Gatling Spear Gun. You’ll use it against underwater mines and other submerged foes, and it’s basically useless against everything else.

Charge the Fiend’s Bane Bow for increased shot power, which can mean the difference between a wounding strike and a complete enemy one-hit explosion. You can also make quick shots with the bow and Ryu is a remarkably good shot (you can jump and fire a couple arrows before landing). You can combine this technique with standard

(18)

melee combinations for added damage.

Your arrow supply is limited however; you can carry 30 arrows at a time. You can purchase more ammunition from Muramusa shops as well as find arrows from dead bodies.

Shuriken and Incendiary Shuriken

Ryu carries an unlimited supply of Shuriken and it’s not surprising why—they really don’t inflict a lot of damage! Use them for the occasional added damage but you won’t be able to rely on them alone for much power. If you’re out of arrows, you can use the Shuriken to take down aerial enemies but expect to fire many, many Shuriken in order to eliminate a decent number of adversaries. Use them in combination with your melee combos. A Shuriken may stutter an enemy long enough to follow up with a combination attack.

Tip: During Chapter 11 - A Tempered Gravestone, you will recover Kureha’s Room Key from a gravesite and can return to unlock the corresponding room. Inside you’ll find a chest that contains Windmill Shuriken, an upgrade to your standard Shuriken. You carry an unlimited supply and they can strike multiple targets; however, the damage potential still isn’t that heavy. Combine with melee combinations for added damage.

The Incendiary Shuriken are an entirely different story. Ryu can’t carry an unlimited amount; you are restricted to 30 at a time, just like the arrows. You can acquire more from Muramusa shops as well as in various places

throughout the game, such as off dead bodies. An Incendiary Shuriken that finds its mark will likely dismember an enemy, which means you can finish off that foe with an obliteration. This becomes important later in the game when you’re facing rocket launcher-wielding enemies; fire an Incendiary Shuriken at them and you disable the rocket launcher.

The Art of the Inferno

Find The Art of the Inferno ninpo early in Chapter 1 - Sky City Tokyo. Just before you spot the first crystal skull, search the nearby chests first for the Furious Wind technique and second for the Art of the Inferno ninpo. Art of the Inferno offers strong damage to enemies positioned in front of Ryu (added targets per upgrade). That limits its crowd control uses if you activate the ninpo haphazardly. Instead maneuver so enemies are in front and will be affected by the Inferno. With upgrades the Inferno can dish out strong damage to a pack of enemies in front of you, not just from the fiery projectiles but from the adjacent splash damage as well. If you need something dead, an upgraded Inferno is a good bet.

The Art of the Wind Blades

You’ll recover The Art of the Wind Blades ninpo near the beginning of Chapter 3 - Thunderclap of Catastrophe. After clearing the city street, search the alley on the left side and find a dead body carrying the Art of the Wind Blades ninpo.

Art of the Wind Blades fires damaging projectiles all around your current position. Therefore it’s best used as crowd control, not a means of inflicting big damage on a single enemy. At its initial power, Wind Blades isn’t extremely useful; however it becomes much more effective once maximized. Use the ninpo when you are

completely surrounded by several enemies, particularly human enemies like ninjas. Once upgraded, the Art of the Wind Blades can dismember affected enemies in a single blast. You can now go for obliteration and used the

(19)

released essence to power an ultimate and finish off the remainder of the group.

The Art of the Flame Phoenix

You will find The Art of the Flame Phoenix during Chapter 5 - The Aqua Capital. After recovering the Copper Key and using it to open a gate, examine a dead body inside to find the ninpo.

Tip: There are Xbox 360 achievements for using each of the four ninpo. Just use it at any time and you unlock the achievement. You could just save your game, blast the particular ninpo at nothing, and then reload your game and continue play.

Activate Art of the Flame Phoenix and fiery phoenix encircle Ryu. This means you can attack enemies while the ninpo remains active. The phoenix knock enemies and temporarily stun them, which is good for keeping you away from damage. The ninpo basically acts as a rudimentary shield while inflicting moderate damage on nearby foes. Don’t expect to take down an enemy like when you use Inferno or Void, however.

The Art of the Piercing Void

You will recover The Art of the Piercing Void from Chapter 7 - The Flying Fortress Daedalus. You will reach a save point in a room with two doors and a console that opens a passage downward. Open one door to discover a Test of Valor; open the other door to find a chest containing the Art of the Piercing Void ninpo.

Fire the Art of the Piercing Void and you launch damaging projectiles in front of your current position. The projectiles inflict damage to enemies in front of your position as well as enemies behind them. Move Ryu around so the area’s current enemies are positioned in front and not around. Piercing Void is similar to Inferno. If you’re looking for big damage against several enemies, you can’t go wrong.

Items

Ryu uses two primary healing items, the Herbs of Spiritual Life and the Grains of Spiritual Life. The Herb restores about 30% health while the Grains restore approximately 90%. Use a Grains before resorting to the Herbs, unless you just need a slight boost because you know there’s a save point on the horizon.

The Talisman of Rebirth will completely restore Ryu upon death—think of it as a second chance. You can purchase one from Muramusa but it’s expensive, the same price as a level three weapon upgrade. There are a few means of acquiring one during the game. You can find one on a balcony in an alley in Chapter 5 - The Aqua Capital. Also, complete the Tests of Valor in Chapter 4 - A Captive Goddess and Chapter 9 - Heart of Darkness. You can only carry one and you should obviously save it for the game’s toughest boss battles.

Tip: The Jewel of the Demon Seal item upgrades ninpo, increasing the ninpo’s ability to deal out damage. We found six Jewels and each is covered in the walk-through. There are Jewels of the Demon Seal in Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 6, and Chapter 10. You can also receive Jewels for purifying the Test of Valor sites in Chapter 5 and Chapter 7.

(20)

more ninpo. Find one Spirit of the Devils in Chapter 5 - The Aqua Capital. Before you jump into the fountain, return to an alley on the right side of the street (if you’re facing the fountain at the intersection). There’s a dead body with a power-up. Locate the second in Chapter 11 - A Tempered Gravestone, you will recover Kureha’s Room Key from a gravesite and can return to unlock the corresponding room. Inside you’ll find a chest with a Spirit of the Devils.

Chapter 2: Walk-through

This section offers a complete walk-through of Ninja Gaiden II’s Path of the Warrior difficulty mode. If you’re playing on Path of the Acolyte, you’ll find many of the toughest encounters, including boss battles, easier and there will be slight differences with the walk-through strategies.

Here are some general tips to consider while moving through this challenging game.

● Chests and crates scattered throughout the game provide healing items, magic items, essence, or other

power-ups. While some chest contents are fixed, other chest contents are determined by your current inventory. For instance, if you already have a full inventory of healing items, the chest may instead contain blue essence to heal current wounds or yellow essence to provide money. Some chest contents revealed in the walk-through may differ then depending on your inventory. Once you know the location of a chest and its contents, keep it closed until you need it the most!

● Weapons, ninpo, health bar and ki power-ups are all important but yellow essence may be the lifeblood of

long-term success. Spend your yellow essence wisely. Focus first on upgrading the dragon sword to its maximum and then the staff to counter challenging enemies battled during the fourth and fifth chapters. Once you obtain the Eclipse Scythe, you’ll want to upgrade it to its maximum and use the weapon in boss battles. These are personal preferences—all the weapons are effective in the right hands. Perhaps another is your personal favorite. It’s entirely possible to upgrade all weapons to maximum before you near the end of the game.

● Use healing items carefully. They’re rare, you can’t hold very many of them, and they’re expensive to buy

from the Muramusa shop. Wait until you’ve almost exhausted your current health bar before using a Grains of Spiritual Life. Use Grains before you use any of the Herb of Spiritual Life items. If you find a Lives of the Thousand Gods, which permanently boosts your health bar, save it until you have a low health bar because with the boost comes full health rejuvenation. You don’t have to use the Lives of the

Thousand Gods as soon as you’ve picked it up. Save it for when you need to regain health.

● Finding a save point is often a reason to cheer and celebrate. Just because you’ve used it and passed it by

doesn’t mean you can’t come back and use the save point again! There are many times when you can save your game then move into the next area and complete those battles then return to that same save point and save again. This can help alleviate the frustration in redoing some of the game’s tougher sections.

● The obliteration and ultimate techniques are your best friends. Use obliteration against a dismembered enemy for a quick kill. Charge ultimate techniques (with the aid of essence) for incredible combos that inflict big damage on a large number of present enemies. Use one with the other: complete an obliteration then use the released essence to charge the ultimate. Crowd control is vital in battles against large groups —knock down those enemy numbers fast with an obliteration and an ultimate.

Sky City Tokyo

The game opens with a group of Black Spider Ninjas capturing Sonia, who has been searching for Ryu Hayabusa. And precisely on cue, Ryu shows up. Although a ninja escapes with the shackled Sonia, Ryu makes quick work of the remaining foes. Defeat the present ninjas using your dragon sword. After the battle, open the door into the shop to trigger another cut scene.

(21)

Walk around the left corner of the store and find a save point. Return to the right side of the store. Break open creates against the store to discover some yellow essence. A gang of ninjas approach from the stairs; battle the enemies in the area in front of the store. Return down the stairs to the door. Open the crate to the door’s left and recover the Reverse Wind technique. Open the door, which triggers another group of ninjas.

Tip: It’s not a coincidence that Reverse Wind is the first technique you learn…it’s one of the most important in the game! Practice using Reverse Wind in standard fights—use it to dodge an enemy’s attack and follow the dodge with an attack of your own. Excel with the technique against standard enemies because it becomes an important tool against the game’s tougher bosses.

Proceed down the hallway and spot the crate in the back of the room. Open the crate, which likely contains blue essence to replenish your health. Turn right and spot the adjacent hallway. When you start moving down the hall, more ninjas arrive. Leap the gap ahead by running along the left wall. If you fall down, there’s a chest here that explains how to run along the wall, called the technique of Shadowless Footsteps. Climb the ladder to get out. Another gang of ninjas attacks on the other side of the gap.

Turn left and spot another crate: open it and recover the Furious Wind technique. Turn left into the large room and find another crate on the left side. Open the crate and recover the Art of the Inferno ninpo. Spot the glowing white object across the room. There’s the first crystal skull. It’s on a small balcony across a gap. Jump from the right side of this room to the ledge to the skull’s right side. Walk onto the balcony and grab the crystal skull. Drop down to the path below and battle another horde of ninjas. Go inside the room and open the crate to recover red essence. Break open the adjacent containers for yellow essence. Ascend the staircase a couple flights and battle ninjas at the top. Open the crate here to find a Lives of the Thousands Gods. Use the item to

permanently increase your maximum health.

Continue up the next staircase and open the crate for an Herb of Spiritual Life, which restores a small amount of health when used. Go through the door on the right, which triggers another group of ninjas. Cross the gap by using the Shadowless Footsteps technique: jump at the wall on the left side and run across to the opposite side. Go up the short stairs and start to the right. A small group of ninjas approaches and attacks; defeat the group then continue forward. Jump to the pole that hangs over the gap then leap off of the pole to the other side. Examine the dead foe to discover the Obliteration technique. Defeat the ninjas here and find another dead foe around the corner: examine the body to recover the Flying Bird technique. Heal and save at the save point.

(22)

A broken ladder won’t stop a ninja. Use the newly acquired Flying Bird technique to ascend.

The ladder is broken so use the Flying Bird technique to reach the upper area where more enemies await. Cross the bridge and break the container for essence and back out to the courtyard and battle the ninjas that have arrived. Drop off the bridge to the right and battle ninjas in the water. Head to the left side of the water and look in the alcove on the left: there’s a chest here containing a Life of the Gods item.

Return through the water and under the bridge. Approach the boat and open the crate inside to recover an item. Return to the bridge and go up the stairs on the right. Cross the bridge and follow the walkway to the left. At the end, find the stairs on the right. Go down to trigger the ninjas then retreat and fight at the walkway. Do this to avoid the fiery arrows from the ninja around the corner.

Dash quickly along the next path and avoid the projectiles. Once you’ve passed the second tree trunk on the right, use that tree to get up to the ledge above. Use the Flying Bird Technique to jump to the trunk and bounce off to the upper ledge. Quickly get over to the middle catwalk and eliminate the archers. There’s a crystal skull on this same ledge; grab it after you have eliminated all of the ninjas.

Leap down and start down the catwalk. Just before another group of ninjas approach (defeat them first if you wish), discover a lower platform on the right side (you should be able to spot the top of the ladder). Jump down and open the crate for essence. Don’t head back up yet. Continue down this new path and find a crate at the end containing a Life of the Gods item. Eliminate the ninjas that ambush. Return to the ladder.

Jump across the gap using the pole and battle another ninja group. Leap across a couple more poles and follow the path to the top of the stairs and find the save point. Save and heal then return back down the stairs to the ladder.

(23)

Make sure you stop at this statue and recover a new weapon, the Lunar Staff.

Ascend the ladder. Go right and find a crate and recover an item. Turn around and follow the catwalk to the corpse. Examine the corpse and recover the Flying Swallow technique. Continue around the corner to trigger the next enemy group. Eliminate all enemies to trigger the cut scene: a door opens revealing a statue. Approach the statue and take the Lunar Staff. Turn right at the statue and discover a save point. Look on the opposite side of the room for a crate containing essence.

Exit to the right and go down the stairs. Find a corpse at the bottom; examine the corpse and recover the Ultimate technique. Start across the bridge and eliminate a couple ninja groups. Go to the opposite side of the bridge and find another corpse: examine it to recover the Notebook: Obliteration Technique. Cross the courtyard to the entrance. Examine the dead foe to recover the Ultimate Guidance technique.

Look in the back right corner of the room. Attack the wall scroll to reveal a hidden room. Bust the containers inside for yellow essence and search the crate for an item.

Exit the building into the back courtyard. Yellow essence emerges from holes at the base of the wall; use the essence to help charge your Ultimate technique. Look in the building’s center room to find a crate with more essence. The room on the left is a trap: a couple ninjas break down the wall and attack. Defeat them then go into the narrow alley behind the broken wall. Defeat a couple more foes in the next courtyard then discover the

Muramusa shop in the center.

Jump into the well to the right of the shop. Defeat the bats. Open the door and spot the corpse ahead. Examine the corpse and recover the Notebook: Shadowless Footsteps. Continue along the catwalks and defeat a couple ninjas near a crate on a lower platform.

Return up the ramp and use the Shadowless Footsteps technique to cross the gap to the far wall. Follow the catwalk all the way to the end to find another crate.

(24)

Tip: You learn the obliteration technique early in the game and it’s a quick way to dispatch a wounded enemy. However, it’s not always the best way. It seems as if you eliminate an enemy with basic quick attacks, that slain enemy is more likely to drop blue or red essence to replenish health or magic. Dispatching an enemy with obliteration seems to predominantly drop yellow essence. So if you need health or magic, consider standard attacks.

Turn around and find the opening in the railing on the left side. Drop down. Turn around and examine the dead foe to find the Notebook: Furious Wind. Start down the path but watch behind you; as soon as a ninja appears, break off your route and start to attack. Continue down the path to trigger the cut scene. After Ryu bursts through the window, eliminate the ninja group and heal and save your game at the save point. The pot in the opposite corner contains yellow essence.

Go through the door and battle a large group of ninjas. Break the pots near the elevators for yellow essence. Head down the hall opposite the elevators. Take the stairs down to find a crate.

Return to the stairs and ascend. A group of ninjas block the way. Break the pots near the elevators for yellow essence. Go back to the stairs and continue to the top. Open the crate here to recover the Cracked Card Key.

Check the top of the stairs to find a crate containing the Cracked Card Key.

Return to the previous floor. Go to the right side of the elevators and find the locked door. Use the Cracked Card Key to unlock the door. Open and go through. Examine the dead body and recover the Notebook: Flying Bird. Climb the ladder on the left side of the room. Go through the corridor to the end then use the Flying Bird technique to reach the top.

Eliminate the ninjas that approach from the left side. Search the right for an item crate. Use the Muramusa shop to acquire any other desired gear. Proceed down the hall in the opposite direction and spot the save point near the stairs. Heal and save your game. Ascend the stairs and eliminate a group of ninjas at the top. Open the double doors.

(25)

Boss Battle: Shadow Ninja Rasetsu

A gigantic spider ninja named Shadow Ninja Rasetsu lands on the platform. Beware of Rasetsu’s ranged attack. Dodge it with quick Reverse Wind maneuvers to the side. You can use the dragon sword’s Flying Swallow to make quick attacks on Rasetsu’s head but it’s often blocked.

Use Reverse Wind to dodge Rasetsu’s close-range melee strikes and follow it up with a combination, such as Undefeatable Demon if you’ve already upgraded the dragon sword to its second level. Don’t forget your acquired Art of the Inferno ninpo if you’re close to the Rasetsu and need an extra punch. Keep on the move constantly so you aren’t forced to block Rasetsu but instead dodge him. Don’t neglect your ultimate technique, which you can charge after a dodge when Rasetsu is facing another direction and left vulnerable.

Once you’ve knocked Rasetsu down to around a quarter health, he’ll drop to the ground and leave himself open to an obliteration finisher.

The Castle of the Dragon

Proceed forward and locate the corpse. Examine the corpse to recover the Notebook: Flying Swallow. Continue to the right and battle the ninjas. Examine the headstone if you wish. Follow the path down and eliminate a couple more ninjas. Reach the bottom and take out the ninja dog just in front of the Muramusa shop.

Tip: Before you go behind the structure on the opposite side of this area, bust open the door to the shop’s left. Walk onto the bridge and battle the ninjas. Open the crate in the back left corner to find a Life of the Gods item. When you’re finished, return to the courtyard containing the shop.

Go to the opposite side and find a dead body. Examine it and recover the Notebook: Reverse Wind. There’s a pack of dogs around the left corner. Battle in this tight back corner and use the inferno ninpo if necessary. The dogs are a menace! Dodge frequently and use hit-and-dodge quick attack techniques. Follow the path among the buildings to find another dead foe: examine him to find an Herb of Spiritual Life. Descend the stairs to the water. Turn left and spot the skull at the bottom of the water. You can grab the crystal skull but it’s better to run across the water to the archers at the far side. Eliminate the archers then retrieve the crystal skull. Return to the archers and go up the stairs. Follow the path to the top and find a corpse; examine the course and recover the Counter Attack technique.

Proceed up the stairs and go around the left. Lure the ninjas back around the corner so you avoid the archers. Defeat the ninjas then quickly attack the archers and eliminate them. At the end of the hall, go into the building on the right. Search the crate on the right for an item. Cross the room and approach another chest. Battle the ninjas that block the route and then open the chest for another item. Before you leave the area, turn right and spot an alcove on the right side of the room. Grab a new weapon, the Falcon’s Talons!

Exit the door and descend the stairs. Grab the item next to the corpse, which is a Notebook: Ultimate Guidance. Start out into the courtyard to trigger a huge battle. Eliminate the archers first then tackle the ninjas. The enemies keep coming; defeat them all to light the candles. Walk over to the candles and take to obtain the Rod of Trials, which grants access to the Tests of Valor. There seem to be reports of missing out on the Rod of Trials despite completing this section. Remain in the courtyard during the fight until it concludes. Tackle the archers first so you don’t leave the courtyard without enemies below.

(26)

Tip: Don’t miss the Rod of Trials! You must have the Rod of Trials in your inventory to access the Tests of Valor, which appear in many chapters following this one. If you miss it, you can’t get it later! The Tests of Valor are entirely optional but provide extra battle opportunities (increasing karma and yellow essence) and item rewards, including Lives of the Thousand Gods. Plus, completing each Test of Valor unlocks an achievement!

Ascend the stairs across the courtyard (where the archers stood) and continue up. You’ll trigger a couple ninjas. Lure them back to avoid more archers. Defeat them and quickly move to the base of the towers where the

archers stand. Use the Flying Bird technique to reach the top of the towers and eliminate each archer. One of the towers contains a chest with an item.

Don’t neglect the nearby shop. If you’ve saved enough essence, consider a weapon upgrade. Continue up the path; there are another couple archer towers ahead. Trigger the ninjas and either charge the towers, using the Flying Bird technique to get to the top, or back off and battle the ninjas away from the archers. Resume course up the stairs and find a save point to save and heal.

Find a shop up the next set of stairs. Return down and go into the narrow tunnel on the save point’s left side. Eliminate ninjas inside. Use the Flying Bird technique to ascend at the end. You leap out into battle; defeat the ninjas outside and eliminate the archers before they inflict too much damage. Search the corpse at the top and recover the Notebook: Counter Attack.

Start up the walkway on the right side and defeat a couple ninjas groups as you make your way to the top area. Find the chest on the left side of the entrance; open it and gather some blue essence to replenish your health. Continue up the stairs and reach the top. Avoid the flaming projectiles and go to the far end of this level and search an alley on the left for a chest containing yellow essence.

Follow the stairs up and battle a couple more ninjas. When you reach the top, a large battle ensues. Engage the magic ninjas as quickly as possible then finish off the other enemies. Search the corpse in the corner for a Notebook: Ultimate Technique.

(27)

Climb up the planks and leap onto the rooftop. Drop down the hole in the roof and approach the archers and attack. Eliminate the remaining ninjas. Search the hallway for Fiend’s Bane Bow. It’s on the opposite side as the save point. Equip the bow and return to its original location. Shoot the glowing switch with the bow to open the path. Grab an arrow from the rack on the right side and ascend the staircase.

When you drop down into this area you encounter another Shadow Ninja Rasetsu. The battle is similar to the end boss battle in chapter one and the strategies remain the same…at least against him. Unfortunately there are a couple additional ninja enemies accompanying the Rasetsu. Make quick work of a ninja and charge an ultimate to help defeat the Rasetsu. Maintain mobile with dodge.

Open the exit door. Go to the right and find a chest in an alcove. Head in the opposite direction and start up the stairs to trigger a couple ninjas. Search the corpse under the stairs for an item. Continue to the top and battle a couple ninjas with archer support. Eliminate the archers and grab arrows if needed. During the battle you may break down the wall on the right side but if not, bust it down now. Find the save point inside the alcove and save and heal.

Ascend the staircase and search the corpse to recover the Unrivaled Soaring technique. Break open the wall on the right side. Use your bow to eliminate the archers to the left and right. Use your newly acquired technique of Unrivaled Soaring and use the wall to leap over to the balcony on the left side. Crush the ninjas that appear (attack the magic ninja first). Approach the glowing red object in the back of the room and acquire the Vermilion Jewel—the red jewel has a hole in it and appears to fit somewhere.

You need to acquire the Vermilion Jewel and Ultramarine Jewel in order to progress into the next area—through the dragon’s mouth.

Break open the passage on the opposite wall. There’s a corpse that contains an item. If you step on the trapdoor you’re dropped on to the save point again. Continue into the next room and trigger a gang of ninjas and magic foes. At the end of the fight, cross the room to the blue object; it’s an Ultramarine Jewel, another jewel with a hole in it that appears to fit somewhere.

(28)

Tip: As you are moving through the area between the two jewels and the save point, search the shelves in the back storage room. These are near the floor trapdoor that drops you back onto the save point. On one of the shelves in this room is the game’s fourth crystal skull.

Wall jump over to the original platform—you can also just drop down to the middle of the room and retrace your steps back up to the platform. There are two objects on either side of the platform; use items to automatically insert the correct jewels. The dragon’s mouth opens—shoot the glow with your bow. Jump over to the platform and into the mouth. Heal and save at the point on the right side.

Search the opposite side of the alcove for a crate containing an item. Exit onto the rooftop and defeat a gang of magic ninjas. Go around the left side of the roof to the opening. Jump inside and rush the archers on the opposite side. Eliminate all the enemies in the room. Search the chest here for a Lives of the Thousand Gods item. Find the hole on this walkway (it’s to the right side of the crate).

Go left and find a save point to save and heal; search the opposite side for a shop. Return to the ladder, which leads back to the room you dropped from. Cross to the opposite side of the room and eliminate a couple ninjas. After ascending the stairs, battle another group. Once at the top of the stairs, go left and find a corpse. Search it for a Life of the Gods item. Go to the opposite side and open the door.

Boss Battle: Genshin

This battle is about brute force. You won’t need to use Art of the Inferno ninpo because it won’t affect Genshin. Also, don’t use aerial attacks (including Flying Swallow) because Genshin immediately counters and knocks you back down to the ground.

When Genshin attacks, dodge with Reverse Wind and follow up with your own combination. Also, if you’re blocking Genshin’s attacks and he breaks the block, immediately dodge and follow with a combination. Finishing one of your combinations isn’t always successful so it’s more effective to get in a couple hits then dodge out of the way and start over.

Thunderclap of Catastrophe

Go to the right and find a chest. There’s also a shop on this side of the street. Cross the street to trigger a bunch of demons. At the intersection, search the right alley to find a crate behind a cab. Eliminate the bats that attack. Cross the road to the opposite side. Find an entrance on the back right side of the alley. Search the dead body for the Art of the Wind Blades ninpo.

Continue around the left corner and battle ninjas. There are archers in the area so charge and defeat them. One is up the staircase; take him out as quickly as possible. Search the alley on the right side for a chest.

Ascend the staircase and battle the group of ninjas at the top. An archer squad is positioned on the other side. Get to them quickly and in the group of enemies, consider using ninpo to weaken your foes. Eliminate the group. There’s a crystal skull up the last flight of stairs. If you return to the hall, continue to the back end to find a save point. Save and heal.

Tip: The horde of flying demons actually offers a somewhat cheesy way of completing the 100-hit combo

achievement. You can use Shuriken to strike the flying demons; since it takes many Shuriken hits to eliminate the entire group, you are bound to get more than a 100-hit combo. The problem is avoiding the fireballs. It requires a

(29)

lot of jumping and dodging. There will be plenty of opportunities later in the game if you can’t avoid the fireballs or want to avoid the cheese.

Look for an alcove to the left of the save point. Use the Flying Bird technique to reach the top. Defeat a group of ninpo ninja that arrive as soon as you’ve reached the rooftop. Defeating the ninpo ninja triggers the arrival of flying demons. Take cover near the back wall and shoot the flying demons with your bow. Take time between shots to dodge the incoming fireballs. There’s a corpse on the far right corner of the rooftop to replenish your arrows. After killing the flying demons, a gang of archers appears on the far rooftop. Eliminate these enemies with your bow.

Go over underneath the pole. Look down and spot the platform below. Drop onto the platform and turn right. Run along the right wall and to the crate on the opposite side. Open the crate and grab the item inside. You can also drop to the bottom of this area, battle dogs, and find another crate with an item. Return up using the Flying Bird technique.

Jump and grab the pole. Shimmy over to the opposite side and drop down. Battle some remaining ninjas and archers. Drop down and find the save point in the back corner. Go left from the save point and locate a crate at the end of the path. Open it and recover an item.

Check the alley beyond the police station to find an item crate.

Leap through the gap in the railing to the road below. Eliminate a squad of ninjas. Search an alley on the right side to find a corpse. Examine it and pick up The Four Greater Fiends, Part 1. Search the alley left of the police station to find a crate containing an item.

Start down the long road to the left of the alley containing the corpse. Battle the horde of demons along the way. Continue and reach the cut scene: demon emerging from hole in the ground is never a good sign. Defeat the winged demon and his cohorts to clear the area. Drop into the hole. The Lunar Staff works well against these enemies.

(30)

Save your game at the save point and then start down the sewer path; it’s not long before demons and bats interrupt your progress. Exit to the right and search the corpse on the ground to find a Jewel of the Demon Seal. Ascend the ladder to the right. Run along the wall on the left to reach the chest on the opposite side.

Remain on this level and go around to the left. You’re over the save point now. Enter the opening on the left. Cross the walkway to the crate and open it. Start down the sewer tunnel and eliminate a trio of demons.

Drop down into the water and swim to the left and find the walkway. Engage the bats. Search the corpse for the Notebook: Unrivaled Soaring. Ascend the stairs and use wall runs to reach the upper level. Open the crate for an item. Drop into the hole and return to your previous location.

Run along the right wall and jump to the pole. Swing on the pole while on the right side so you jump to the next wall and run along to the next platform. Battle demons here—try to avoid getting knocked off or you’ll have to go to the underground area where the corpse was and retrace your steps back here.

Run along the left wall and battle more demons. Drop into the pit below and eliminate all of the demons to clear the level. There are arrows near the corpse. Move into the tunnel to trigger more demons. Find a corpse in the left alcove to learn the Invisible Path technique.

Time to put the technique to use! First, eliminate the archer using your bow. Then cross the chasm using the Invisible Path and grab the crystal skull at the end. Drop into the water below. Swim to the bottom and find a crate with a Life of the Gods item. Swim over to the walkway and use the Flying Bird technique to return to the top.

Proceed to the opposite alcove and locate the save point. Take the chance to heal and save. Use the Flying Bird technique to get up the path to the right of the save point. Defeat the demons. Run along the wall to the next platform. Grab the pole overhead. Stop in the middle and swing and jump to the middle platform and recover the item from the crate. Jump back to the pole and continue to the far platform. Run along the right wall and jump over to the next area.

A group of ninja appears. Quickly get to the back and eliminate the archers. After clearing the group, run along the wall using the Unrivaled Soaring technique to reach the upper platform and a shop. Go through the door on the left side of the shop. Walk through to trigger enemies. Retreat and battle the ninjas away from the new room to avoid the archer attacks. Defeat the archers using your bow.

(31)

Take aim at the blue lights on the giant fans. Shoot a charged arrow to disable the fan so you can proceed into the next area.

Use your bow to shoot the blue lights on each of the two giant fans. Doing so disables the fans. Drop into the middle of the room and eliminate the demons. Climb the ladder and search the corpse for Incendiary Shuriken. Drop down and go through the disabled fan ahead. There are a couple archers in here; you can eliminate them beforehand using the bow or shuriken. Eliminate all ninjas then climb the ladder on the right. Find the corpse on the opposite side; examine it to find an item. Destroy the next fan by shooting the blue light. Stay on the upper level and cross through the disabled fan. On the left side there’s another crate.

Return to the first room and go through the other disabled fan. Battle a couple ninjas and archers in here. Destroy the next fan by shooting the blue light. Climb the ladder and leap to the opposite side. Run along the wall and jump to the pole. Swing and leap through the gap into the next room. You drop into the water below. Defeat some bats. Swim down and through the pipe. Emerge into a new section. Get out of the water and spot the save point to heal and save.

Use Flying Bird inside the alcove to the save point’s right and reach the top. Eliminate the archers at the top with bow or Shuriken. From your starting point, run along the wall and then leap to the next wall using Unrivaled Soaring to reach a platform containing a chest. Turn around and run along the left wall to the corridor ahead. Defeat the demons that appear.

Follow the corridor to the edge. Spot the save point in the distance. Jump down to the ground below and battle another horde of demons. Continue down and finally reach a corpse. Turn around and eliminate the archers with your bow. Search the corpse and recover the Notebook: Invisible Path. Face the area where the archers stood and use Invisible Path to reach the far platform.

(32)

The first Test of Valor is located near the save point. If you recovered the Rod of Trials, give it a shot! There’s a shop here. Start up the path on the right but back off when you trigger the enemies because there’s a small group of archers on the left side. Eliminate the ninjas and then the archers with your bow. Continue to the save point. If you grabbed the Rod of Trials from chapter two then run along the right wall on the opposite platform as the save point and reach the glowing stone disc.

Tip: This first Test of Valor features ninjas, magic user ninjas, and ninja archers. It’s worth completing because the reward is big: a Lives of the Thousand Gods. When you complete this Test of Valor and any others, you recover your health and magic. However, any items used during the Test of Valor are lost.

Drop down into the subway tunnel. Make your way right toward the end of the tunnel. Quickly maneuver to the archers and eliminate them and then battle the ninjas. Clear the area then use the right side of the subway debris to reach the interior of the car (which you may have done to tackle the archers). You could also use the area below the car as cover. There’s also an archer that appears behind you.

Go through the car to the left and drop out the opposite side and battle a group of demons. This is a tough fight with a lot of demons in a tightly packed space. If you have upgraded Dragon Sword to level three, use Diving Flying Swallow repeatedly to defeat the group.

Boss Battle: Electrical Worm

The tunnel contains a gigantic electrical worm…or something. Whatever the thing is, it can be a major pain to beat. The tunnel length is your best ally. Your goal is to remain on the opposite side of the tunnel as the electrical worm as often as possible. If you try and remain in a corner, the worm will shock you as he goes by and you’ll be more vulnerable to his other attacks.

When the worm is on the opposite side, start charging the bow to its ultimate attack (level two charged shot) and when the worm turns to face you, fire the arrow into its face. As soon as it hits, quickly dash by the worm to the