Microsoft US claims Ninja Gaiden II review code wasn't final

Gamespot's posted an email it's received from Microsoft US explaining to the outlet that the Ninja Gaiden II build sent out for review wasn't final code.

Gamespot has decided to hold off on its review as a result.

Microsoft reckons Xbox 360 plays DVDR media slower than final discs, an issue which has given rise to now widely documented lags in loading times. Here's the mail in full:

Just a quick note from Team NINJA below regarding the "Ninja Gaiden II" red discs. Please note that the delay in load times you may experience is not representative of the final game. In the final boxed copy of the game, which you will receive once the game ships to retail on June 3 in the U.S., you will not experience any lag in load times. Team NINJA is aware of the issue and requests your patience as you play through the review red disc.

Xbox 360 spins DVDR media slower than replicated media, so it's not representative of how final media will perform. Also, please keep in mind that this build distributed early to you guys for review purposes is not final retail code (emphasis added -- KV). While the build contains many final gameplay features, story elements, and graphical capabilities, it's a press evaluation build so it is not as fully optimized as a retail product. Generally, load time is one feature that improves between review builds and final product. While there typically is not a major noticeable difference between review builds and retail product, it can vary, so please keep this in mind while working on your review.

Whoops.