Part 5

Learn how to maximize your Karma score, understand enemy weaknesses, and find essential items in Part 5 of our Ninja Gaiden II walkthrough. Master Ryu's upgrades and strategies.

Items and Costs:

• EVIL WAY MUSHROOM - $4000
• LIFE OF THE GODS - $700
• LIVES OF THE THOUSAND GODS - $2000
• TALISMAN OF REBIRTH - $30,000
• JEWEL OF THE DEMON SEAL - $700
• INCENDIARY SHURIKENS - $100
• ARROWS - $50

Weapon Upgrades:

• Weapons have two upgrade slots.
• First upgrade costs $10,000 Yellow Essence.
• Second upgrade costs $30,000 Yellow Essence.
• Weapons can be upgraded to MAX status immediately if funds allow.
• It's possible to have a maxed Dragon Sword by Chapter 3.

Talismans of Rebirth Note:

• The Talisman of Rebirth is not automatic.
• It must be equipped from the Pause Menu to function.
• If not equipped, Ryu will not resurrect upon death.

Karma Scoring System:

• Karma is measured by actions per battle: combos, Ultimate Techniques, Obliterations, and kills.
• Unlike the first Ninja Gaiden, there is NO Karma timer.
• Points are awarded as follows:
• COMBOS: 100 points per hit
• ESSENCE TECHNIQUE: 2000 points
• ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE: 5000 points
• OBLITERATIONS: 3000 points
• KILLING SPREE: 3000 points
• INSTANT KILLS: 3000 points
• ENEMIES KILLED: 1000 points per enemy

Enemy Strategies:

• Black Spider Ninja (Sword, Archer, Claws): Relentless and more lethal when limbs are removed.
• Strategy 1 (Ultimate Technique): Use Reverse Winds for evasion, then On-Land Charge. Decapitate weaker ninjas for Yellow Essence, then use more On-Land Charges for Ultimate Techniques.
• Strategy 2 (Obliteration): Use the combo X, Y, B, Y (On-Land Charge) to launch enemies, hit them with Shurikens, land, and perform an On-Land Charge to hack off a limb for an Obliteration.
• Red Spider Ninja (Incendiary Shurikens): Similar to other ninjas.
• Phantom Warlock: Similar to other ninjas.
• Tactical Ninja (Guns, Rocket Launcher, Ballistic Missiles): Less frenzied than ninjas but swarm. Often accompanied by ranged attackers. Eliminate weaker threats first, then deal with main soldiers.
• Incendiary Dogs: Carry Incendiary Shurikens. Use quick On-Land Charges (1-2 hits kill and leave Yellow Essence). Absorb Essence for Ultimates. Use Divine Swallow with a Level 2 Dragon Sword.
• Pink Van Gelf / Green Van Gelf: Large monsters. Require a Level 3 weapon for efficient kills. With lower level weapons, more combos are needed even after an Ultimate Technique. Stay evasive from their pounces. Counter their melee punches to slice off arms and create openings.