Every Playable Character In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Ranked

Summary

Rachel has an uneven character build with a slow hammer but a powerful machine gun.
Ayane is fast and ninja-like, armed with twin swords and a decent Ninpo spell.
Momiji stands out with the Heavenly Dragon Nagita as one of the best weapons in the game.

In Ninja Gaiden 2: Black, players take control of Ryu, the central figure in this action-packed series. Since his arcade debut back in 1988, Ryu has been battling against fellow ninjas and mythical creatures. This sequel was a revival for the series in 2004 on the original Xbox, and creators Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja decided to blend the game’s universe with that of Dead or Alive.

So, you might wonder why Ryu shows up as a guest character in various games, or how characters from the Dead or Alive series pop up in Ninja Gaiden titles. The explanation is simple – it’s all part of the crossover between these popular game franchises. In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, you’ll find four playable characters, some of whom hail from the renowned fighting game series. But how do they each perform? Here’s a rundown, taking into account their weaponry and overall power levels.

4. Rachel

It’s Hammer Time

Appearance: Chapter 8

In the realm of the resurgent, siren-like characters, I’m the one – Rachel from the 2004 reboot of Ninja Gaiden. Stepping onto the battlefield once more in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, I carry a trio of weapons: a massive hammer, a machine gun, and a single Ninpo spell. The hammer’s heft makes it vulnerable to swarms of smaller, quicker enemies, but adept players can make it dance with the right timing and evasive maneuvers. My Ninpo spell summons thorny vines to shield me, providing an extra layer of defense.

In contrast to other Ninpo spells within the game, this one isn’t overly versatile as it requires enemies to approach before being used effectively. Rachel’s standout feature is her Type 666 Heavy Machine Gun, a weapon known for its catchy name. Despite its modest stopping power, the continuous bullets can halt foes in their tracks, providing players enough time to deliver the final blow with the hammer. In summary, Rachel’s character design presents some imbalances: she excels as a tank with the hammer but her other equipment does not align with the typical RPG build featuring a balanced array of abilities.

3. Ayane

The Purple Blur

Appearance: Chapter 11

Among the characters in this game and its series, Ayane, who first appeared in the original Dead or Alive game as a ninja, is arguably one of the most well-known figures next to Ryu. Given her introduction in the initial Dead or Alive, it was fitting to include her in Ninja Gaiden when it was decided that both series would share a common universe. Leaving behind her origins, Ayane serves as the final playable guest character in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. She is equipped with two short swords, explosive shurikens, and a relatively potent Ninpo spell capable of damaging nearby enemies. The explosive shurikens function as an alternative to typical ranged weapons like guns or bows, but their power is sufficient for stunning foes.

In the game Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Ayane stands out among the four playable characters for her ninja-like agility, wielding her twin swords, the Fuma Kodachi, which grant her incredible speed. Just as Naruto is known for his distinctive bright blue attire and enormous pink bow in his anime series, Ayane is recognized by her vibrant blue color scheme and oversized pink bow. However, unlike Naruto, she excels in swiftness rather than appearance. Similar to Sonic the Hedgehog, Ayane leaves a trail of afterimages as she dashes past opponents, slicing and dicing them with her swords. Despite not being the most physically powerful, Ayane is an iconic character who deserves her own Ninja Gaiden-style adventure rather than continuing in a volleyball series.

2. Momiji

A Shrine Maiden With Bite

Appearance: Chapter 5

In simpler terms, Momiji is the initial guest character that players can acquire, and some might find themselves reluctant to switch back to Ryu afterwards. Her primary weapon, the Heavenly Dragon Nagita, resembles a hefty spear with a sword-like edge. This weapon, known as Nagita, is a traditional Japanese artifact often seen in games like Bushido Blade. It’s not as weighty as Rachel’s hammer or as swift as Ryu’s Lunar Staff, but it finds a balance between the two. Despite this, it’s an enjoyable tool to use, particularly when skewering opponents on it.

Her arrow speed surpasses Ryu’s, yet her strength isn’t as formidable. The Crimson Lotus Ninpo spell she wields is stronger than Ryu’s initial one, though. To sum up, the Heavenly Dragon Nagita makes Momiji an enjoyable character to play, demonstrating that this shrine maiden means business. It’s a standout weapon in the game, and it’s unfortunate that Ryu can’t utilize it or that Momiji isn’t featured in more stages.

1. Ryu

Who Could Have Guessed?

In any game, it’s unusual if the main character isn’t the most skilled one to play as. By the end of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, Ryu undeniably deserves the nickname “Dragon Ninja”. He stands out because players have the ability to upgrade him, a luxury not afforded to guest characters. Players can choose from an extensive selection of weapons, ranging from his initial katana to the formidable Lunar Staff, which is hands-down the best weapon in the game. Additionally, Ryu has the unique ability to carry two ranged weapons, such as a bow and a cannon, and he can even hurl kunai to momentarily stun enemies.

As a gamer, I’m on a quest to gather four Ninpo spells in this action-packed game. Two of them are all about fire, one is wind-infused, and the last one taps into darkness. Among these four, mastering The Art of the Flame Phoenix stands out as a game-changer. This spell summons a flock of fiery phoenixes that shield Ryu from harm and torch enemies when they come too close. There are plenty of other cool moves to discover too, like wall-running or a move that slams enemies into the ground. Now, if there’s one area where Ryu falls short, it’s his control—he can feel a bit clunky at times, but that’s mostly due to tricky camera angles rather than any inherent flaws in Ryu himself. Despite this minor hiccup, Ryu embodies the essence of a classic video game ninja, which is why fans are thrilled about his return in this remaster and eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Ninja Gaiden series, Ninja Gaiden 4.

2025-01-27 15:08