Review of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Near the climax of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, you find yourself revisiting the starting point of the original Ninja Gaiden, but this time in reverse. That iconic level, which I know like the back of my hand, takes me back to when I spent countless hours on a demo disk playing it to perfection against Murai, the first boss. Fast forward two decades, and here I am again. While you can’t explore every nook and cranny of that initial stage, its transformation is striking. It’s no longer the formidable fortress it once was; instead, it’s a decaying shadow of its former self, marked by the ravages of time and past events. Interestingly, the game doesn’t overtly draw attention to this transformation—Ryu makes no comments, and the camera maintains its usual focus. This kind of subtlety is rare in Ninja Gaiden games. As I tread familiar territory, I can’t help but grin. Much like the remake itself, it may not capture the glory of the past entirely, but it definitely keeps the thrill of combat alive.

That throwback encapsulates what Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is all about. This version, powered by Unreal Engine 5, reimagines the 2008 classic, Ninja Gaiden 2, an action game that defined its era on the Xbox 360. According to Team Ninja, this is the ultimate version, offering a stunning visual overhaul along with balance tweaks. However, despite its impressive graphics—let me state for the record, it’s a visual spectacle—it doesn’t quite live up to the definitive status the name “Black” suggests. Like Ryu’s arsenal, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a double-edged sword. Its changes present both strengths and weaknesses.

Now, before diving into what 2 Black lacks, let’s acknowledge what it nails. This game is a 3D action-packed beat-em-up that puts combat front and center. Set a year after the Xbox reboot, it follows Ryu Hayabusa as he takes on the formidable alliance between the Black Spider Ninja Clan and the Greater Fiends who aim to resurrect the Archfiend. Despite some help from allies and the CIA, it’s Ryu who stands as the ultimate roadblock to their malevolent plans. The narrative is straightforward: travel the globe, meet bizarre creatures and take them down in thrilling style.

I had forgotten just how amusing the game can be at times. The Greater Fiends, voiced by none other than Steve Blum, quote Shakespeare mid-battle! You find yourself dueling a lightning-wielding foe on the Statue of Liberty, and even facing a towering, four-armed werewolf named Volf, who rallies a colosseum full of werewolves for a gladiatorial showdown. This over-the-top, campy storytelling is just plain entertaining.

Of course, the reason you’re here is the combat, and 2 Black doesn’t disappoint. The gameplay lets you dismember enemies—chopping off limbs or even decapitating foes to expose them for swift execution. But be prepared; crippled enemies become even more deadly, throwing themselves at you with suicidal determination. Unlike in games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden emphasizes survival over style. Enemies are aggressive, unforgiving, and relentless in their pursuit of your demise.

However, they’re up against Ryu, a character who is practically a one-man army. By journey’s end, you’ll wield nine melee weapons, three ranged weapons, and four types of Ninja magic (Ninpo). Each melee weapon has its unique move set, offering ample combos to learn and master. Experiencing a Flying Swallow decapitation or the satisfying execution of an Izuna Drop is a thrill not to be missed.

Ryu feels like a fighting game character dropped into an action game. He can block attacks, dodge, counter, and even sprint up walls or leap onto enemy heads before launching them across the screen. While modern action games lean on parries and invincibility-frames, 2 Black focuses on strategic positioning and aggressive mastery of weapons and techniques. You’re constantly scanning for opportunities to strike, prioritizing dangerous foes like spellcasters or massive werewolves.

In your finest moments, it’s a deadly symphony with you as the conductor. You string together combos, dodge, counterattack, and use Essence to power up your Ultimate Techniques—devastating moves that can clear entire rooms. When you’re in the zone, the enemies are little more than fodder for your prowess, much like the extras in a John Wick scene. But when you’re not, you’ll find yourself dying on repeat. The challenge is steep, but it’s manageable with generosity like save statues that refill health or the blue Essence which can heal you when needed.

Now, let’s discuss a couple of hiccups. The camera can occasionally be problematic, getting stuck or losing sight of the action, especially in tight spots. Manage it proactively, and it’s just a slight irritation. More significantly, some boss battles are underwhelming. While encounters like the duel with Volf shine, others, such as the Water Dragon or the odd subway worm, are frustrating or overly reliant on unimpressive mechanics.

When you’re not battling, you can explore the game’s linear levels to uncover health bonuses, Ninpo upgrades, or Essence. The visual improvements in the environments are profound. Though the character models look fantastic—props for Sonia’s new hair—the changes in lighting and textures truly enhance the atmosphere. Even the platforming elements, like the segment in the clock tower, add enjoyable variety to combat-heavy sequences.

As a whole, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a solid package. Its primary shortcoming is the decision to ground it more in the 2009 PlayStation 3 port, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, than the original Xbox 360 version. Differences between Sigma 2 and the 360 original are extensive—changes in bosses, costumes, levels, and weapon upgrades, along with newly introduced characters like Rachel, Momiji, and Ayane. The shift from the original’s enemy encounters to Sigma 2’s reduced numbers and spongier foes is particularly impactful. While there are fewer enemies on screen, they take far longer to subdue, which can slow down the gameplay.

For this review, I played on Path of the Acolyte difficulty, the standard choice for most players now, even though it was considered Easy in the original release. After wrapping up 2 Black, I revisited the original game on my Xbox Series X at a higher difficulty. Interestingly, enemies in the original died quicker, and the adrenaline rush of fighting hordes makes that experience faster and more exciting.

2 Black doesn’t entirely replicate these changes smoothly. Inconsistencies make battles feel awkward when enemies suddenly block mid-combo. Plus, some features from Sigma 2—such as the Giant Buddha and Statue of Liberty bosses—are thankfully removed, with other positive additions intact. Gore and weapon upgrade systems from the original are restored, which adds depth as you balance weapon enhancement with vital item purchases.

The game also retains enjoyable elements from Sigma 2 like the additional levels with Rachel, Momiji, and Ayane. These side characters offer a fresh perspective, even if they lack Ryu’s depth. Despite their skimpy costumes, they’re portrayed as capable fighters, an appreciated nod to their abilities.

Completing the game rewards you with new costumes, although not an expansive selection. You can replay chapters in Chapter Challenges, and there are the Tag Team Missions, providing additional gameplay. Also worth mentioning is the Hero difficulty, catering to newcomers or those seeking a more accessible experience.

On the technical side, 2 Black has a few bugs to iron out. I encountered a crash, some amusing texture quirks at familiar spots like The Stairs, and a door mishap locking me away from active combat, which required a reload to resolve.

In summary, while Ninja Gaiden 2 Black may not be the perfect iteration of a classic, it makes some noteworthy strides, particularly visually. Its flaws, reminiscent of older versions, can’t entirely eclipse its improvements and adrenaline-pumping action that still holds fans’ hearts.