Microsoft has given Team Ninja's Xbox 360-exclusive, Ninja Gaiden 2, a release date for us European types.

June 6th is when we can expect the hack'n'slash on shop shelves. Microsoft is giving it an estimated retail price of £44.99, although some retailers already have it listed with a fiver or a tenner shaved off. That, you see, is why it's called 'Estimated Retail Price', or in some cases 'Recommended Retail Price'. Why? Because, according to EU competition law, primary producers can't tell retail what to charge. There, you've learnt something... whether you wanted to or not.

New to the series this time round is the cleverly-titled 'Ninja Cinema', which will enable players to record their exploits and share them over Xbox Live. You'll even be able to indulge your inner film noir fan with a black and white filter.

SPOnG tends to put its ninja-ing activities on hold through the summer (it gets stuffy in those outfits). This year, however, we'll welcome the opportunity to fight our way from New York to Tokyo to the Netherworld and back again.

For more on Ninja Gaiden 2 check out SPOnG's dedicated game page.