
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Ninja Gaiden II Black
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Action, TPP, ninja, remasters/remakes, slasher, Game Pass, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A remastered version of the renowned TPP slasher from 2008. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black features new content and the game runs on Unreal Engine 5. We can play as Ryu Hayabusa, travelling the worlds of humans and demons. The protagonist faces many enemies, using katana, shurikens and supernatural powers to deal with them.
Videos and Screens
[1:15] Ninja Gaiden 2 Black - Game Overview
[1:33] Ninja Gaiden 2 Black - Announcement Trailer
Saving Content: 4 / 5 by Scott Ellison II
The 17-year old game has been revitalized for modern day thanks to a lot of good people, and NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is a throwback of a character action game that’s so rewarding. It’s an absolutely stunning game in Unreal Engine 5. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is gorier, with a wider cast of characters to become more difficult, yet more accessible with this remaster. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is great for anyone looking to relive past times, or dive into something they missed the first or even second time around. Receiving the “Black” treatment for NINJA GAIDEN 2 really gives this game the justice it deserves, and it bodes well for NINJA GAIDEN 4 releasing later this year.
DualShockers: 9 / 10 by Jake Valentine
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us why the franchise was formerly the gold standard for 3D action. It's fast, furious, and a bloody good time. I can't think of a better way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.
GamingBolt: 8 / 10 by Ravi Sinha
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't the most definitive version of the classic but it will remind you why it's so well-regarded in the first place.
The main pros of the game
- Visual Enhancements: The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5, resulting in significantly improved graphics and visual fidelity.
- Combat System: The combat remains highly praised for its depth, fluidity, and satisfying mechanics, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans.
- Return of Gore: Unlike its predecessor, Sigma 2, this version reinstates the blood and dismemberment mechanics, enhancing the visceral experience of combat.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Features such as customizable controls, improved camera options, and the ability to upgrade weapons using essence (similar to the original) have been well-received.
- Nostalgia Factor: Many players appreciate the nostalgic elements, including the original soundtrack and character designs.
The main cons of the game
- Misleading Marketing: Many users feel the game is inaccurately marketed as a definitive version of Ninja Gaiden 2, as it closely resembles Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 with some modifications rather than being a true remake of the original.
- Missing Content: Significant features from the original Ninja Gaiden 2 and Sigma 2 are absent, including:
- Tests of Valor
- Certain ranged weapons (e.g., Windmill Shuriken, Incendiary Shuriken)
- Survival mode and New Game Plus (NG+)
- Various costumes and character missions
- Reduced Difficulty: The game is perceived as easier than the original, with lower enemy counts and less intense encounters, which disappoints fans seeking a challenging experience.
- Performance Issues: Users have reported input lag, frame drops, and optimization problems, particularly related to the Unreal Engine 5's performance.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Co-op Gameplay: The absence of a co-op mode that was present in previous versions has been noted as a disappointment.
- Content from Original NG2: Key elements like the original's enemy configurations, certain bosses, and specific gameplay mechanics have been removed or altered.
- Difficulty Modes: Many users express a desire for a higher difficulty option or a mode that more closely replicates the chaotic nature of the original game.
- Additional Modes: Features like Ninja Race mode, leaderboards, and some character-specific missions from previous iterations are missing.
- Customization Options: Fewer outfits and customization options compared to earlier versions have been highlighted as a downside.
Conclusion
- While NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black has been praised for its graphics, combat, and nostalgic elements, it faces criticism for its misleading marketing, missing content, and performance issues. Fans of the original game may find it lacking in comparison, while newcomers could enjoy the experience if they adjust their expectations.
Summary generated on:
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Description
Ninja Gaiden II Black is a remaster of Ninja Gaiden II slasher game from 2008, enriched with additional content. The company Koei Tecmo, which oversees the brand, is responsible for the development and release of this new version.
Story
The action of Ninja Gaiden II takes place a year after the events depicted in the previous game under this banner. We play as Ryu Hayabusa in the game - a ninja warrior, whose task is to avenge the attack on his clan and prevent the return of a demonic ruler threatening the whole world. Along the way, the protagonist meets allies, and also discovers secrets related to his past and the history of his clan.
Gameplay
In Ninja Gaiden II Black the action is viewed from a third-person perspective (TPP). The adventure leads us through a series of locations, among which we can find both contemporary cities (like Tokyo or New York), as well as an underground realm of demons.
Combat system
During the gameplay, we mainly deal with fighting opponents. On the battlefield, we must not only perform quick attacks, merging them into spectacular combinations, but also demonstrate agility and reflexes, performing dodges and parrying blows, as well as launching accurate counterattacks. This is important because the enemies we face have the same capabilities, which makes the battles challenging and forces us to observe the targets in order to detect their weak points and gaps in defense in time.
On the battlefield, Ryu uses a katana, as well as a wide range of other melee weapons. In addition, he can rely on magical spells, shurikens and a bow, which allows him to keep enemies at a distance. Interestingly, the game features elements of gore (which can be turned off) - the protagonist is able to cut off the limbs of adversaries, thus brutally killing them or drastically weakening them.
Health regeneration
As Ryu progresses, he accumulates essence (in the form of colorful energy balls), which allows him to heal himself, regenerate ki (enabling the use of supernatural powers), or use powerful attacks. The game has implemented automatic health regeneration, but when Ryu takes damage, his health bar gradually decreases, and the only way to restore it to its original state is by using herbs and statues.
Changes and additional content
While working on Ninja Gaiden II Black, the authors focused on the aforementioned elements of gore, which underwent a makeover. In addition, the whole was enriched with additional characters (Momiji, Ayane and Rachel), as well as the Hero Play Style mode, where certain actions (like blocking blows) are automated, which significantly reduces the difficulty level.
Graphics and engine
Ninja Gaiden II Black runs on Unreal Engine 5. The location designs, character models, and lighting have undergone a thorough refresh.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Summary
Game Series: Ninja Gaiden
Platforms:
PC / Windows
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Koei Tecmo
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Age restrictions: 18+
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: (720p, 60 fps) Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3400G, 12 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 590, 85 GB SSD, Windows 10/11 64-bit
Recommended: (1080p, 60 fps) Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 XT, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1080 / Radeon RX 5700 XT, 85 GB SSD, Windows 10/11 64-bit

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