Today I finally did my Christmas shopping. All of which was online. I had a budget this year of $300. I intended to spend $100 per person for three people. I purchased a BluRay player for my parents for $202 with shipping costs included. So I was quite satisfied with myself. Not the best player mind you, but their vision isn't what it used to be, and it compliments the high definition television another family member is getting them. So I was on budget and intended to stay on budget.

The humorous thing has to be that was the easy part. Trust me this late in the season it is hard to find an inexpensive BluRay player. The next person was a real bear to shop for. I only had one thing I knew they wanted, and they had shot down at least a dozen things. They wanted a Star Wars Prequel Trilogy on DVD. Simple enought that ran me $35 leaving me $65 to spend. So twenty minutes go by as I look for ideas my first choices having already been shot down. I found a Master Chief posable figure for $25, and figured they might find that entertaining. So I was now down to $40. Now I am at a loss.

This person I am shopping for has a 360 and games. Unfortunately every game I have asked him about over the past couple months has gotten a strong Meh. Even gasp Gears of War 2, Nuts and Bolts, Mirrors Edge, Dead Space, Call of Duty. So I go ransack their game collection for inspiration, and what do I see they like most of all Wrestling games and American pro football games. Then to my disappointment I find they have all the games for all the years. I silently curse under my breath. Back to square one. I could get them Microsoft points, but that is just not my style. I do not give money for Christmas. I find it silly it is the thought that counts, and if you did not even try to think does it really count.

So since I only have $40 I peruse the discount section looking for inspiration. I was leaning towards Burnout Paradise, but he has Grand Theft Auto 4, and PGR 4 so I am not sure he actually needs another game he could race in. Then I spot it the gem in the rough my mind reels, and I seize upon a glimmer of hope. There it is Ninja Gaiden 2 thats kind of like wrestling isn't it? Look its under $40 too well its the right price. This has to be the best I could do. Take them all to checkout and proceed through. Costs me $102 damned action figure did not qualify for free shipping, but its under a pound anyway. So I exceeded my budget by $4 not too bad.

Now I am sitting here an hour later with a kind of doubt gnawing at me. I am not feeling too confident about my decision now. Did I see a connection that was not there. Did I want to see something so I could finally stop scrolling. Was that the most deluded kind of logic. I mean how close can hack and slash be to a wrestling game. I may not be confident, but I am sure as hell locked in. Anyone have any thoughts did I make a boneheaded purchase, or do you actually think I made a good purchase. Never played the game so have no clue. Does anyone else have a story like this.

Nobody has any thoughts whatsoever. I thought surely someone else had something to share on this subject.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/876/876569p3.html

Closing Comments
Ninja Gaiden II is easily one of the best action games on Xbox 360. The depth in combat is as exciting as ever and the new gameplay additions and changes only add to the experience. The game has been focused from its predecessor into a more pure action affair, for better or for worse, but the formula remains the same -- frustrating camera and all. It's challenging and rewarding. It looks great in motion and it feels great to know you're the one at the helm, directing this bloody dance. It has its foibles and doesn't feel as rich as the last Ninja Gaiden, but this sequel still offers up a great ride. Start doing thumb exercises now. Your poor fingers are going to be worn out by the time you get through this adrenaline pumping blast.

8.0 Presentation
Ninja Gaiden II reeks of style while the story just reeks.
9.0 Graphics
It has to be seen in motion to be truly appreciated… as long as the framerate holds up.
8.0 Sound
The soundtrack matches the feeling of the game and the effects get the job done. The Japanese audio track is a nice bonus.
9.0 Gameplay
If only the camera worked a little better. This is one deep, challenging and rewarding game.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
This is a game that is worth replaying on the harder difficulties.
8.7
Great OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average) See All Award Recipients

If he likes the mild violence of the WWE, the insane violence of Ninja Gaiden II might just send him into fits of ecstasy. Sound reasoning, IMO!

Then again, I once bought a dude Jaws Unleashed.

to be honest, i see kind of a stretch in reasoning... although that isn't to say that you picked a bad game.

if i had to look for a game based on the criteria that you gave, i would have picked a fighting game, alternative sports game or an extreme football game.

in the end i think i would have gotten the extreme football game blitz (if he didn't already have it).

I actually considered other Football series, and even thought about an NCAA title, but when your looking at three Madden titles its hard to determine whether they just like the series. The same held true of the wrestling games all being WWE. Blitz 2 however sounds like a good choice. I will have to remember to ask him that at Christmas if he is disappointed with NG2.

I hate to see him go through the holidays without a new game even though he has not asked for one. Right now he is playing the shit out of Banjo Kazooie. The original mind you. Well if he doesn't like this I am sure he is going to come bumming my games just like last year some time before New Years.

At least I asked for some good games this year. Fallout 3, Left 4 Dead, and The Last Remnant. I am sure he is going to poach the first two soon enough. He does not like deep role playing games like I do. So he will probably avoid the last one like a plague.

ok, since you bought via Amazon (given away by free shopping comment) I demand you call amazon and cancel all your orders. Then shop again using the VGChartz Amazon store

besides that, who cares if hack&slash isn't exactly wrestling. I think he'll like it, and different is always good. If he doesn't like it, borrow it from him