While the first GG Shinobi introduced you to a rich cast of five characters with their own unique abilities, GG Shinobi 2 really puts that to the test, expanding the nonlinearity to stages and collectibles that encourage a staggering amount of replayability.

The evil Techno-Warriors have enlisted the Black Ninja, master of ninja techniques, to help them take over Neo City. This evil syndicate has captured the four elemental crystals and their guardian ninja. Only Joe and the gang can save the day! Each of the four levels (minus the final fifth level) has a ninja that can be rescued by any ninja, but the elemental crystal and an optional life upgrade can only be tackled by a specific ninja. Got water underneath the castle? Need to grab some ceilings in the factory? Blue's grappling and tornado, Green's earthquakes and double jumps, Yellow's water walking, Pink's ceiling walking - all these and more are put to the test.

Luckily the worlds have a hefty spread that encourages coming back for more. Along with the main path, each level often has a more secret path, and levels can be revisited. The graphics look better than ever, with improved animations and a feeling that a little more love was put into each level. The final level is also more streamlined to be less of a dizzying labyrinth and more a gauntlet of traps that pushes each ninja's skills to the limit.

GG Shinobi 2 is a tricky one, but being able to swiftly use each of the five characters and form strategies and ways around traps make this one of the most rewarding Shinobi games to date.