Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Review

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Given the widespread acclaim for FromSoftware games and the Soulslike genre, one might expect that the classic game Ninja Gaiden would be more widely played in contemporary gaming culture. Regrettably, this is not so.

As a die-hard gamer, it’s been more than a decade since we’ve had a fresh Ninja Gaiden installment, and that’s left my favorite ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, gathering dust on the shelf. It’s tough not having him slice through enemies as he once did.

Too bad that Ninja Gaiden from 2004 stands among the greatest 3D action games ever made. Its lightning-fast action and extreme difficulty offered challenges that only a few other 3D action games could match. The following year, Ninja Gaiden Black served as an enhanced version, introducing new content and fine-tuning an almost flawless game.

Three years after its initial release, we got a worthy sequel: Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360. This version enhanced the gameplay and made it more user-friendly, but it had some shortcomings. Similar to its predecessor, Ninja Gaiden 2 received another installment the following year, however, it wasn’t a director’s cut.

In the updated version, Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma, fresh narrative elements were incorporated, yet it sparked debate due to certain modifications such as a decrease in the number of enemies and toning down the graphic violence for the PlayStation 3 port.

After a span of fifteen years, Team Ninja is tackling the problems related to the character, Sigma. Although Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn’t flawless, it skillfully blends the ideal mix of gameplay elements from both releases and is certainly worth exploring as we approach the release of Ninja Gaiden 4 later in the year.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Is An Excellent Way to Reintroduce the Series

One notable aspect of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is its skillful blend of user-friendly improvements while maintaining the essence of the classic Ninja Gaiden gameplay. However, don’t be fooled into thinking this game has become a walk in the park. While it might not match the challenge presented by games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring, it will still push your gaming skills to their limits.

The Ninja Gaiden series has traditionally emphasized its rapid, intense action scenes, similar to Bloodborne or Sekiro but with an amplified sense of speed. If you attempt to engage in combat within Ninja Gaiden 2 Black using strategies typical of a Soulslike game, you will likely find yourself overwhelmed and defeated swiftly.

In many games, opponents strike swiftly and synchronously, often outsmarting the typical gaming trope of taking turns. Don’t be misled by the idea that foes will approach you individually; instead, expect them to coordinate their attacks, maneuver strategically, and rarely play by the rules.

Regarding that point, it’s important to note that there are fewer adversaries in this version compared to the initial release. Is this a decisive factor for the game’s success or failure? Well, that largely depends on your personal tastes. Although you’ll still find yourself engulfed by numerous enemies, especially when the game suddenly ramps up its difficulty level.

To be honest, I’ve never held a strong opinion one way or another regarding this change. In my view, Ninja Gaiden truly shines when you can seamlessly string together combos and feel like an invincible deity. However, there have been moments where the game seemed excessively unfair to me.

Interestingly enough, the toughest challenges in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black can be found during the boss battles, as they are often more difficult than anything you’ve faced before. However, persistence and learning from mistakes (trial and error) will eventually lead to victory, and this process might be faster than what you’re accustomed to if you’re transitioning from the Soulslike genre.

One Of Sigma’s Most Controversial Changes Is Gone

Although there were fewer enemies, Team Ninja introduced a significant alteration – the return of graphic violence and bloodshed.

In the style of the grandiose glory kills showcased in the 2016 reboot of DOOM, the action-packed scenes, whether it’s Ryu performing glory kills or his adversaries launching devastating assaults, have always been a part of the game. However, with the game now upgraded to Unreal Engine 5, these scenes have never appeared more stunning.

The second installment of Ninja Gaiden, dubbed “Black,” serves as a reminder of why this series once set the benchmark in 3D action gaming. It’s swift, intense, and offers an exhilarating, blood-filled experience.

Among the highlights, each weapon comes with its unique animations and special moves called glory kills. Imagine cleaving through an enemy’s limbs with the Dragon Sword, launching them skyward before crushing them underfoot, or using the Lunar Staff to hurl enemies into the air and smash them onto the ground. The Kusari-Gama allows you to decapitate foes. This variety keeps gameplay engaging, as different situations may require switching between weapons for optimal results.

Additionally, they are quite evenly matched as well. Based on your gaming approach, you’ll undoubtedly prefer some options over others; for me, the Lunar Staff and Kusari-Gama were my preferred weapons of choice.

A Glaring Issue Remains

Regardless of the numerous updates, a single issue remains unresolved: the game’s camera. Whether the game presents you with challenges as diverse as a box of crayons or even something as dramatic as a kitchen sink being hurled at you, nothing proves more difficult to conquer than the game’s camera.

On numerous occasions, the camera positioning was unfavorable, obstructing my view of opponents, which resulted in deaths that were not my doing. Additionally, certain boss fights emphasize handling additional enemies that must be managed effectively.

Instead of focusing on enemies due to the absence of targeting mechanisms and a poor camera system, you may end up spending excessive time searching for them, leading to a distraction from a massive boss relentlessly attacking you.

In games where fast reactions matter, it can be severely disadvantageous. Approximately half of your defeats during tougher battles may not even be under your control. It’s something in the more demanding matches that I truly hope gets looked into.

Old-School 3D Action Can Still Impress Today

In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, it’s not just the camera that hasn’t evolved; the overall feel of the game remains firmly rooted in its era. Compared to other action games from the mid-to-late 2000s, few can match its control precision, engaging gameplay, and high level of challenge.

Fast-forward a full ten years, and the landscape of gaming has dramatically shifted: FromSoftware stands supreme, despite its combat being more deliberate. The ability to focus on enemies, sense your parries and blocks, and devise intelligent strategies against adversaries is transformative.

Comparing a FromSoftware game to Ninja Gaiden, especially Sekiro, isn’t inaccurate, but it’s essential to remember that they are fundamentally distinct entities.

In my perspective, the confrontations in Sekiro are more like a refined dance between you and your adversary. The essence of this game originates from the traditional combat style found in the Dark Souls series, placing great emphasis on counterattacks after parrying and disrupting an enemy’s stance. Even though it moves at a quicker pace, it remains a long-distance race.

In Ninja Gaiden, the pace never slows; it’s an unrelenting dash toward victory. Sure, you can weave and shield yourself from enemy attacks, but don’t expect a reprieve. They’ll be hot on your heels, determined to end your life as swiftly as you’re trying to end theirs.

The challenging parts of this game tend to be brief, which isn’t always a disadvantage, it’s simply distinctive. Admittedly, the poor quality camera and absence of a lock-on feature can be aggravating, but I don’t believe they render the game unplayable.

Reflections: Regrettably, the comeback of the notoriously weak camera system means that Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn’t the “definitive edition” Team Ninja had envisioned. Despite a smaller number of enemies compared to the original game, I consider this an insignificant detail. Ultimately, despite its slightly outdated gameplay mechanics, I was still left in awe as the end credits rolled. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black serves as a reminder of why this franchise was once the pinnacle of 3D action. It’s swift, intense, and an exhilarating experience. There’s no better way to gear up for Ninja Gaiden 4.

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2025-01-27 14:39