In an era of ever increasing casual games, its great to have a challenge that rewards you for skill based gameplay.
While the first game was prohibitive in its unforgiving difficulty, do not let it keep you from giving NG2 a go. While NG2 still caters to the hardcore, the easier difficulty, while still a challenge, is not punishing to a point that newcomers can not make their way thru this action masterpiece. The new health regeneration system works well and save points are more numerous this time around and they will fully restore your health gauge.
The gameplay in NG2 is the greatest that can be found in this genre. DMC4, GOW 1 & 2 combat systems pale in comparison to NG2 its that simple. Button mashing is the quickest way to see the Game Over screen. NG2 requires a more methodical approach to combat, a poetic dance of moves to dispatch your enemies is the best way I can explain it. If you take the time to work on your combos and timing you will be rewarded with the most awe inspiring combat and big Karma points.
26.....thats right NG2 has 26 mid level and end level boss battles. They are largely interesting in their design and aside from a few frustrating (the couple that require the bow and arrow to defeat) bosses, mostly once you become familiar with their methods of attack you can appreciate how awesome they look and fight. Also, the developers have created numerous interesting regular enemies that require different strategies and/or weapons to defeat efficiently.
Graphics, The graphics are very impressive when you consider there are no loading screens during massive levels that are close to an hour long each. There are at times dozens of enemies on screen, with environmental effects (rain, lightning, etc.) and an enormous amount of special effects (and I mean a ton of particle, special effects, dismemberments, and blood during combat) plus it runs, for the most part, butter smooth. NG2 is on par graphically with NG Sigma on the PS3 from last year, however, Sigma has nowhere near the special effects or open areas going on that NG2 has, so yes I think NG2 is an upgrade in the graphics department.
The camera does require some getting used to. It is no better or worse than the camers from either NG, NG Black, or Sigma. There is a learning curve in using the right trigger to center the action. But after about an hour, it will become second nature and before long you will be using the right trigger as part of the gameplay. Frankly, I do not know the answer to make the free roaming camera any better, when the combat is this fast, the camera just cannot anticipate the players moves. If the developers had choosen a static camera like found in DMC or GOW, the action would not be as intense or as up close and personal. Its just the way things are until a genius can program an intelligent camera, which would be a revolution in gaming.
The weapons are aplenty and well balanced this time around. Whereas, the first game had a couple weapons and many throw aways, weapons this time around are so well balance that anyone one weapon can be used strictly thru the game and well serve you well.
To sum it up. NG2 is an action gamers dream. It caters to the hardcore, but provides an easier entry level for new comers. It is fast, brutal, beautiful, fun, and satisfying. If this is T. Itagaki's swan song, I can not imagine a better way to end a career or a series.
Buy this game, take the time to become efficient and you will be become more than a better gamer for it, you will become a Master Ninja.