Ninja Gaiden 2 Black review

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A while back, I assessed Nioh 2 and deliberately steered clear of drawing comparisons to the Soulslike genre. Instead, I emphasized Nioh 2’s apparent influence from Ninja Gaiden 2, a game that was followed by something less impressive. However, with the upcoming fourth installment in the series this year, Koei Tecmo has reemerged and offers Ninja Gaiden 2 Black – a remastered version of the 2008 original classic.

Reflecting on my gaming journey, it seems that Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a stealthy appearance during the Xbox Showcase in January, might be considered a follow-up to the somewhat watered-down port known as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, which graced our PS3 screens back in 2009. However, let’s set that aside for now and delve into my revisit of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a game I played at its original release 16 years ago (I’ve consciously scrubbed Sigma from my gaming memory). Re-engaging with the game now, I was struck by how unconventional and fragmented the narrative felt – something I had apparently forgotten over time.

Without a doubt, this game’s backstory seems largely unimportant. The protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, exhibits an unusual blend of being a government-endorsed Ninja and a cat that’s lost its favorite couch. His mission involves visiting numerous locations, all interconnected, and leaving behind vibrant red marks on every surface. Remarkably, the graphical enhancement in this game is impressive to the point where it wouldn’t be surprising if one thought it wasn’t a remaster at all, given the stunning visual upgrade.

With an impeccable frame rate, enticing close-combat action, smooth and swift navigation, the graphical upgrade is truly breathtaking. However, the one aspect that seems to hint at Black’s age is the camera system, which remains stubbornly fixed in 2008 and sometimes blatantly ignores logic. Without a lock-on feature and numerous enemies dressed like ninjas (initially), you might find yourself pressing buttons, executing impressive moves, but ultimately making little progress.

As a passionate fan, I’d say this game isn’t just about button mashing, though purists might argue differently when it comes to advanced stages. However, it does offer ample health refills, save points, and healing due to some of Sigma’s residue lingering in the corners. Plus, there’s a new Hero Mode that further reduces the challenge level compared to the standard setting. But don’t be fooled, the game quickly ramps up its difficulty, transforming sword-wielding ninjas into combat dogs capable of complex combos, and eventually unleashing monsters and demons upon you. By the time you’re battling a multi-armed werewolf in an arena, even the most tricks and weapons at your disposal won’t guarantee an easy victory.

In Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, you’re consistently faced with a variety of challenges. The game offers more than a handful of weapons, ranging from katanas to claws, twin scythes, and even a chain-scythe (or kusari-gama if you prefer technical terms). To add to the melee options, you have an unlimited supply of throwing stars and Ninpo, which resembles the magic used in Nioh and its successor. These powerful attacks can deal massive damage to enemies and bosses, but they will drain your energy. You can replenish your energy, health, or both at save points, by killing enemies, or using different consumable items.

As you progress through the various mission sites in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, defeating members of the Black Spider Clan, Ryu’s abilities and offensive power will gradually improve, enhancing his survivability as well. The game’s design brilliance lies in its ability to harmonize Ryu’s expanding skillset and arsenal with the escalating challenge, providing you with an array of strategies to confront threats while guaranteeing that these challenges stay relevant. This intricate balance is a feat that many contemporary games find challenging, which explains why Ninja Gaiden 2 was so popular upon its release.

The fight sequences are exceptionally smooth and swift, requiring keen reflexes to navigate. While blocking is relatively simple (just press the assigned button), beware of relying on it excessively as enemies will exploit this weakness. Mastering dodges and counters demands precision in timing. The finishing system, though familiar, remains captivating as you can sever an opponent’s limb and instantly end them by pressing ‘Y’ or ‘Triangle’. This action triggers a stylish move from Ryu, coating the surroundings with gory splatter, reminiscent of someone shaking a half-full bottle of blood and offal.

This game still shines remarkably well, even with the updated graphics boosting its appeal. The gameplay alone would have kept it relevant, but the remastering just makes it even better. Despite a somewhat illogical narrative, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black remains an undeniably classic title. Additionally, enhancements to the user interface and environment textures are appreciated, though it’s worth mentioning that some elements have been removed. The elimination of modes like Ninja Race might seem odd and a tad disappointing, but maybe Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo decided such features could be considered unnecessary in today’s gaming landscape.

For beginners just starting out, this is an exciting journey you’re embarking on. Contrary to some past perceptions, it’s not as harsh as you might think. There are elements that may give you a sense of nostalgia from 2008, but overall Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a brilliantly updated version of an exceptional game. It will bring smiles to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

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2025-01-29 15:16