
Hearken back to the original Xbox lineup and one game you might remember is the notoriously difficult ‘exclusive’ Ninja Gaiden, leading to the ‘Black’ rework during the same generation. Now, decades on, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black follows in the footsteps of not only the Xbox 360 sequel but also the more recent Master Collection (featuring Sigma 2).
This Game Pass shadow drop is off the back of the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 and offers up an immediate look at this long-running series now powered by Unreal Engine 5. The refined graphics have been publicised as the main hook of this new version of 2 – with the entire game given a visual makeover, resulting in a stunning facelift. There are all sorts of graphical enhancements improving the stages, characters and lighting. You only need to look at the earlier versions of the second game to see just how much has been overhauled in this department.

Simply put, Ryu Hayabusa’s shift to UE5 is awesome. Even if some aspects of this classic are still a tad rough around the edges – like the game camera and difficulty spikes – this modern remaster now arguably feels like the most kick-ass way to play. And it really is a hell of a ride from start to finish – delivering plenty of hack-and-slash action, all sorts of boss battles, beautiful game environments, a variety of cinematic moments, and plenty of blood and dismemberment drawing from the original sequel release (and the option to toggle this off is there).
For anyone who hasn't played this series before and is now maybe considering it, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black might just be the friendliest entry point – with not only fresh aesthetics, but five levels of difficulty like Sigma 2’s Master Collection version and Sigma 2 Plus. Subtle modern touches like balance adjustments (addressing combat balance such as damage and enemy placements) also make it feel a little less punishing. The general design, if you are a newcomer, is action mixed with ninja-style platforming. You go about this while learning all sorts of moves, unlocking and upgrading Ryu’s weapons (including blades, projectiles and ninja stars) which keep fights fun from start to finish.

One other area where Ninja Gaiden 2 may fall short for some ninja enthusiasts is the level design, which isn't always the most thrilling. Fortunately, the more exciting action-orientated platforming segments and combat mixed in with this remains high-speed throughout, so performing extensive combos on enemies while launching Ryu off the nearest wall never gets old. And if you are new, don’t worry too much about the story – just enjoy the journey as Ryu goes about saving the day and killing lots of fiends.
Other playable characters like Momiji also return in story chapters (with the total amount of levels adding up to 17 chapters), Team/Tag Mission (with NPC) and Chapter Challenge have been revived, and there are other things factored in from existing versions of the game, like Sigma – but not necessarily everything makes a comeback. Additional bosses like the “Giant Buddha Statue: Hatensoku” and “The Statue of Liberty” don’t make the cut, although the Dark Dragon is in the newest version. Elsewhere, online features including ranking and co-op have been left out and modes like Ninja Race haven’t been added, either.

Apart from this, Team Ninja has confirmed a post-launch update including balance adjustments and additional features.
Conclusion
If you enjoy a solid action game, do not pass this up. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a must-play and some of the most fun you can have as the legendary Ryu Hayabusa – even if certain aspects of the design feel dated and select content is missing. This is a great way to kick off the 30th anniversary celebrations of developer Team Ninja. Now, bring on Ninja Gaiden 4!
Comments 23
"A great start for newcomers"
I almost died in the first encounter....
I have played the first stage of Ninja Gaiden Black so I know a little of what to expect, but I was shocked at how ruthless this game can be right out of the gate!
It's definitely a game where you need to understand when to block and when to dodge.
I haven't played the game since patch, but it had some weird behavior on PC when I tried it on launch day.
Cutscenes can dip into the 40s at random times (only to jump back up to 60), but gameplay runs in the 90+ fps - even when things get really hectic - this is with ray-tracing turned on (I know, I should just turn it off and get 120+ fps goodness, but I am a sucker for real-time RT).
I was getting into hit a bit of a wall and I'll probably go back after I get Indiana Jones completed the game deserves more concentration I'm willing to give right now for a game!
It sucks that the physical version is PS5 only. Ninja Gaiden is XBox!
So I won't buy it for now and wait for a bigger price drop digital.
Hell yea. Enjoying the heck outta the game. Just wish camera, and platforming sections were a little better. Also a lock on, and witch time dodge would've been cool to have. But they're so minor that it doesn't hurt the overall experience. Loving it.
@Nintendo4Sonic I mean technically, NG is originally nintendo 😉
@Ricky-Spanish
Same as I’m chilling out taking it easy with Indy, thinking I must start NG2 Black.
Then thinking I’m to tired to go all full ninja 🥷 concentration 🤣
@NintendoByNature yeah I know, the original trilogy.
Downloaded it on game pass. I’ve always played Dead or Alive but never really got into Ninja Gaiden. I’ll give it a try.
The original NG:2 was one of the first games I remember preordering online for the 360. This version brings back many fond memories, even if it is a fair bit easier!
@NintendoByNature
You mean arcade?
Xbox should’ve been bought tecmo to add its ip to game pass
@Lup you are correct, my bad
@Nintendo4Sonic
Play it on Game Pass. No need to wait for a price drop 👍
@Nintendo4Sonic dude I don't get how Phil Spencer can go on record saying 'physical games are a part of our strategy " and then they layoff the teams making box art & packaging. I love to buy my favorite games or preorders physical when possible. I still wish they put in manuals, like Halo 1&2 had some awesome guides included.
Just finished it over the weekend, very good game. This might be an unpopular opinion but visuals aside, the X360 NG2 game is superior to this- Itagaki San at it's absolute peak 👌.
@Steel76 I'm using Game Pass Core right now. I don't want to miss online play.
I would have to upgrade to Ultimate and that would mean losing half of the subscription time I paid for.
Loved it back in the day and it's still just as satisfying now. Surprised how easily the muscle memory came back - not sure I'd have the patience to start from scratch these days (in fact I know that I wouldn't).
Possibly an unpopular opinion here but I actually think it's a better, more enjoyable game on the easier difficulty. And I say that as someone who did finish the game on the 360 on two difficulty levels. Much more of a power fantasy that really demonstrates just how destructive Ryu can be.
@Kilamanjaro but as far as I know, they made a new team for this.
@Nintendo4Sonic Yeah but we also have it on Game Pass. PS Premium doesn't have this. So at least there's that. But I can relate. I would have purchased a physical copy of this on the Xbox.
I played in Hero mode until chapter 13. I was pretty much leaning on the Hero mode stopping me from dying when my health got low so my skills aren't there for this one.
Also the game starts so strong but gets quite tedious. Rocket launcher enemies while you're busy in melee, and especially those ghost Pirhanas get on your nerves.
@Nintendo4Sonic hopefully they make a physical copy then 😭
I played the first three NES Ninja Gaiden games, then tried the first one on the original Xbox and the second on the 360. Never finished any of them. Starting this remaster, I expected to suffer a lot, but instead, I’m having so much fun. The dude is so badass. I’m playing on normal, and this difficulty is just perfect for me. I died just a couple of times in the first chapters, and now it’s challenging but not too much. Pick your favorite weapon, remember to block and dodge, plus charge attacks, and have fun!
Ninja Gaiden II Black is the first in the series that I have played and it has impressed me. The easy "heroe" mode is genius, because you block easily when you are about to die, but still are able to learn the ropes. I beat it and I want to try harder difficulty modes now. It's totally replayable. The highlights are the character and enemy design, the variety of weapons and the reliable controls to perform combos. It's not just beat'em up or hack-and-slash, but fighting, and I liked that. Interestingly, the gore is part of the gameplay, so it's kind of justified. The camera, while not perfect, at least is designed for 360º combat. After playing this game, I bought Ninja Gaiden Black.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...