Microsoft and Tecmo have announced that Ninja Gaiden II has sold over one million copies worldwide.

The Xbox 360 exclusive was released in June and NPD data shows that it went on to sell 412 000 copies in the US alone, boasting $25 million in sales.

If you have read our review of the game you will know that “Like its predecessor, Ninja Gaiden II follows the exploits of Ryu Hayabusa of the Dragon Lineage. Predictably, he has to pursue a horde of unleashed Hellspawn, whip their butts back to the underworld, and prevent some unspeakable evil from being released. Assisting him in his quest is Sonia, a CIA agent who inexplicably dresses like a dominatrix.”

Xbox has sent us some 360 goodies to giveaway so listen up.

First prize is a Play and Charge Kit bundled with Ninja Gaiden II while scoring second place will earn you a copy of Vampire Rain as well as an Xbox cap and lanyard.

Head over to our competitions page, answer a simple question and voila you could be a winner!

Thanks Xbox!

Two or three hours into Ninja Gaiden II, you will come to a very important realisation. It’s the kind of realisation that one sometimes gets in a game; that ‘Aha!’ moment when some characteristic or design principle is suddenly made clear as daylight and your perceptions of said game are shifted, redefined and solidified. This particular moment in Ninja Gaiden II happens during a boss fight – one of the earliest in the game – and the realisation is this: you are not having fun.

Continue reading El33tonline’s review of Ninja Gaiden II.

Ninja Gaiden II is set to launch across Europe on the 6th of June.

Today Microsoft revealed that gamers have the chance to get an exclusive Fiend Hayabusa for Ryu costume. If you order the game from specific retailers in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, France and Nordic countries, you may be one of a limited number of gamers (39 000 to be exact) to get the outfit on launch day. Lock on to Xbox.com in the next couple of weeks for details on participating retailers.

Ninja Gaiden fans will also be able to download three unique Ryu Hayabusa costume packs on Xbox Live Marketplace. They will be available from July and will be priced at 200 Microsoft Points each.

Here is a first look at the first of the three costume pack designs. It is Fiend Hayabusa and is based on the falcon.

According to the press release it is “Inspired by the Hayabusa family’s namesake, the falcon, this demonic costume mirrors the intensity of Ryu’s vengeance and fury as he fights to regain the honor of his clan. It’s almost as if he’s been transformed into a Fiend by the evil powers of the underworld with this costume – but retains all the honor of the Hayabusa Ninja Clan.”

Stay tuned for details on the other two designs. Until then you can check out our earlier coverage of the game including screenshots.

A demo of the game is due to hit Xbox Live Marketplace this month so keep your eyes peeled