Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Image
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81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who has inherited the legendary “Dragon Sword” and takes on battles across the world, in this graphic remaster of the popular high-speed ninja action title that returns after 15 years.

    1. The world of “NINJA GAIDEN 2” remastered with rich visuals.
    Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who has inherited the legendary “Dragon Sword” and takes on battles across the world, in this graphic remaster of the popular high-speed ninja action title that returns after 15 years.

    1. The world of “NINJA GAIDEN 2” remastered with rich visuals.
    The stages, characters, effects, and lighting have been completely redesigned and remastered to provide realistic visuals. Unreal Engine 5 has been utilized to create stunning current-generation graphics, allowing players to immerse themselves more deeply in the story's world.

    2. High-speed x violent action further evolved with the latest graphic expressions.
    Gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have been remastered to enhance the action experience. Players can enjoy high-speed, violent action using a wide variety of weapons and techniques, including Japanese swords, shurikens, Kusari-gamas, and tonfas.
    Note: The dismemberment feature can be toggled on and off in the Options menu.

    3. Additional characters, mode for beginners, and elements from subsequent spin-off titles are also included.
    This remaster includes additional elements from spin-off titles released after the original. Players can control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The game also includes "HERO PLAY STYLE" mode that provides automatic support in challenging situations, making it accessible for those who may not be confident in their action skills.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Feb 3, 2025
    90
    The action certainly ramps up, both in difficulty and in sheer number, but you will love every gore-soaked minute of your time in NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black.
  2. Jan 29, 2025
    85
    They don't make games like that anymore, and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black shows that this is a game with roots that go back almost 20 years. It's overly bloody, overly provocative, but it suits the game. Just like the dynamic action gameplay that won't let you breathe a sigh of relief. What's more, there's still a decent level of challenge to keep you going and motivated to improve. It's just a shame that, after all this time, the developers haven't tried to tweak a few things.
  3. Feb 18, 2025
    85
    If you're looking for an elaborate plot, you won't find it, but if you're looking for intense action, violence and gore, impossible jumps and incredible feats, stick with this game, because you won't go wrong.
  4. Jan 28, 2025
    80
    Ninja Gaiden 2 Black brings back the second, iconic installment of the Team Ninja-branded with redesigned graphics in Unreal Engine 5 that nonetheless were simply applied to the Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 layout, retaining the same animations and an approach to geometry that obviously does not match today's standards. Camera quirks aside, however, the gameplay remains surprisingly solid, frantic and challenging just as we remembered it.
  5. Feb 2, 2025
    80
    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!
  6. Jan 30, 2025
    80
    Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, while sitting between a remaster and a remake, remains a challenging and enjoyable game with enhanced visuals, new adjustments, and additional content. These changes eliminate most of the issues that frustrated fans of the Sigma version, making this possibly the best edition of the game to date.
  7. Feb 9, 2025
    70
    As is sometimes the way, after reading my thoughts back I get a sense that perhaps I have been a little harsh. This remaster is undeniably beautiful, and faithfully recreates the experience of the original Ninja Gaiden II and its Sigma version on modern consoles – this much is certain. But despite its gruesome and oft entertaining spectacle, many aspects of its design, be it the one-note linear structure or godawful camera, mark it with a certain quaintness that isn’t entirely becoming. It was fun to replay this moment in time, but I don’t see myself going back for more. I’m watching very keenly to see what the extraordinarily talented people at Team Ninja and PlatinumGames can cook up with Ninja Gaiden 4 – hopefully we’ll see what a true modern reincarnation of this legendary series looks like.

See all 17 Critic Reviews