Ninja Gaiden Black

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2005
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 217 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 184 out of 217
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 217
  3. Negative: 15 out of 217
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  1. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    6
    Too hard to really enjoy. Every enemy felt like a boss, and bosses were absolutely frustrating.
  2. Aaromfletchx
    May 27, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great action, puzzels and adventure. Lots of combat and weapons that are fun to use. The best platforming in any game. Amazing music and bosses unlike any other game. If you like dark souls be prepared for a game that tops it in almost everyway… Expand
  3. neomoonsevin
    Feb 24, 2023
    5
    frustrating i gave up playing this plus the way it looks is stupid looking so nah not a fan
  4. EalyLiu
    Feb 17, 2023
    10
    It's great. It's the best game I've ever seen. The picture is exquisite, the movement is smooth, and the design is exquisite.
  5. shenkenhigh
    Feb 14, 2023
    10
    Well, 10/10. It was the MOST challenging game of my entire childhood...i don't even have enough words to describe how difficult it was to me, it's not just like "git gud" in Dark Souls, it's way above that level. Tomonobu did something incredible and something horribly insane at the same time. Gosh. But despite the fact that it was terribly hard for me as a 11 year old kid, i reallyWell, 10/10. It was the MOST challenging game of my entire childhood...i don't even have enough words to describe how difficult it was to me, it's not just like "git gud" in Dark Souls, it's way above that level. Tomonobu did something incredible and something horribly insane at the same time. Gosh. But despite the fact that it was terribly hard for me as a 11 year old kid, i really enjoyed this awesome masterpiece!… Expand
  6. Rubenoso
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    El mejor de los ninja gaiden aun hoy en 2022, gran juego, excelente dificultad, buena historia y buen Lore. De lo mejor que jugué en la vida
  7. Ygs
    Jul 14, 2022
    10
    The most challenging game that I have played in my whole life, artificial intelligence is a great game, maybe the best in the whole gaming, the gameplay is incredibly diverse, everything is great. the only problem I had was the game camera could be better.
  8. mrtrollface
    Jun 26, 2022
    9
    Here I am nearly 17 years later, and I think a this game still holds up pretty well, mostly due to the combat. Even after I have a ton of gaming experience since 2005, it's still soul crushingly difficult, more so than even Dark Souls. It's probably the most fun combat I've ever played in any game. All the combos, flips, wall running, etc. are all incredible. The OST, level designs, andHere I am nearly 17 years later, and I think a this game still holds up pretty well, mostly due to the combat. Even after I have a ton of gaming experience since 2005, it's still soul crushingly difficult, more so than even Dark Souls. It's probably the most fun combat I've ever played in any game. All the combos, flips, wall running, etc. are all incredible. The OST, level designs, and weapons are all fantastic too.

    From a modern retrospective (as I just played recently), it does show its age quite badly in some spots. I wish that a lock-on system was present in these older games, it would have helped tremendously, since the camera is not good (and the Sigma remaster also suffers from it too). Lots of enemies have cheesy grab moves with hardly any tell or time to react. Lots of the bosses just flat out suck by today's standards, but they're fine for a 2005 game. The controls for the bow are horrendously bad too, it was especially infuriating to use it on mandatory bow spots like the helicopter boss.

    One of the greatest, if not the greatest, original Xbox titles. Even better than Halo or KOTOR in some regards.    … Expand
  9. meyerpark
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    I love Ninja Gaiden! I am a Master Ninja and i love to be doing those karma runs and speedruns on Master Ninja mode and those challenges in missions doing with specific weapons runs too or no health potion challenges etc
  10. qusai_mulla
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    I love this game's so hard but I like it the gameplay is pretty good and one of my childhood best hack and slashing game
  11. Andrewrey
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Creo que es un buen juego hack'n Slash, tal vez no fue innovador pero logra tener un buen Gameplay
  12. drlowdon
    Jun 2, 2020
    8
    Ninja Gaiden as an action adventure game with the primary focus on fast-paced, and rather violent, combat.

    To be honest I can't really recall anything about the game's plot but its largely irrelevant anyway as it takes a distant second place to the superb gameplay. These days it of course looks a little dated compared to modern titles but, even more than a decade after its release, it    Ninja Gaiden as an action adventure game with the primary focus on fast-paced, and rather violent, combat.

    To be honest I can't really recall anything about the game's plot but its largely irrelevant anyway as it takes a distant second place to the superb gameplay. These days it of course looks a little dated compared to modern titles but, even more than a decade after its release, it offers some of the most satisfying combat in the genre. The legendary level of difficulty might well put some people off but once you get the hang of things you'll find a genuinely great game.    … Expand
  13. shootingstars99
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    This game will truly test your abilities as a gamer. The funnest action game to date by far!
  14. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 31, 2019
    9
    This special edition of "Ninja Gaiden" includes all the DLC, updates and a few new features. It also contains the original arcade game which is a nice bonus (if you can unlock it). The original release was already the best action game on the Xbox. This upgrade is slightly better since it features a refined story mode. 50 mission challenges, extra costumes and two new difficulty levels wereThis special edition of "Ninja Gaiden" includes all the DLC, updates and a few new features. It also contains the original arcade game which is a nice bonus (if you can unlock it). The original release was already the best action game on the Xbox. This upgrade is slightly better since it features a refined story mode. 50 mission challenges, extra costumes and two new difficulty levels were also added. This is an action-fighting title for the hardcore fan. It's more difficult than "God of War" and "Devil May Cry", but also very entertaining. I would rate "Black" with a 9.5 out of 10.… Expand
  15. 00flori
    Jan 17, 2019
    10
    I just replayed Ninja Gaiden Black (now in 2019 - normal mode) on my old Xbox (1gen, still working, yeah!) and it did not loose any of its quality, even this many years later with so much more games out there. Im not as a good Ninja Gaiden player as i was with 12 years but I still got it ;).
    The original "Dark Souls" i can say today.. No just kidding, its a hard game for sure, but as soon    I just replayed Ninja Gaiden Black (now in 2019 - normal mode) on my old Xbox (1gen, still working, yeah!) and it did not loose any of its quality, even this many years later with so much more games out there. Im not as a good Ninja Gaiden player as i was with 12 years but I still got it ;).
    The original "Dark Souls" i can say today.. No just kidding, its a hard game for sure, but as soon as you "get it how its done" and beat the first boss the feeling is amazing and its entertaining as fu**. I remember replaying NGB at least 8 times when I was young. Not only because its the best Xbox game there is, side to side with Halo 1 & 2, but also because it has a high replay value. Not only cause of the different difficulty levels, but also because of the Golden Scarab collection, the rewards and the new, stronger enemies. Plus the graphics were insanely good for that time, even though today its not that of an eyecandy anymore. And the Cutscenes... damn! Really one of the best games I ever played... and I played a lot of games. 10/10 for this masterpiece!    … Expand
  16. Brangav
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    Muy muy bien juego, excelentes gráficas, jugabilidad, dificultad, todo para ser un juego de hace más de una década.
  17. slag
    Apr 9, 2018
    9
    Hard core fun. It combines the robust comb system of fighting game into a 3D environment vs. multiple endings. Great model design and vfx. Animations are super smooth. Controls tight. Puzzles can be tedious but balance out the pacing. Defeating the brutal bosses are absolutely rewarding. One of top games of past generation.
  18. iddqd4
    Feb 12, 2018
    8
    Убийственно хардкорный слешер, одна из самых сложных игр вообще.
  19. x-billy
    Apr 20, 2017
    10
    As for me, it's one of the best games ever! Tomonobu Itagaki is a GENIUS! But don't play Sigma, Itagaki has nothing to do with it. It was made by Hayashi and it's ****
  20. davidcartoons
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    este es un remake del juego de 1988 para nes: ninja gaiden. siendo este un remake mas sangriento, oscuro y adulto, esta bastante extraño el resultado, siendo que el juego de ninja gaiden tan genial e inocentemente dificil que jugabamos en nuestra infancia, se a tornado un juego de ninja gaiden muy genial pero oscura y sangrientamente dificil y visceral, los graficos estan muy buenos y soneste es un remake del juego de 1988 para nes: ninja gaiden. siendo este un remake mas sangriento, oscuro y adulto, esta bastante extraño el resultado, siendo que el juego de ninja gaiden tan genial e inocentemente dificil que jugabamos en nuestra infancia, se a tornado un juego de ninja gaiden muy genial pero oscura y sangrientamente dificil y visceral, los graficos estan muy buenos y son bonitos para la vista. el juego es divertido a mas no poder pateandole el trasero a un monton de alienigenas y ninjas robot aunque si eres un novato en los juegos hack 'n' slash no te gustara debido a que puede ser tan dificil que termines rompiendo el mando de la frustracion como en el juego original. siendo este un juego exclusivo de xbox, es bastante interesante como de tantos juegos mediocres de la platarfoma como conker live and reloaded, este resulta ser un juego fresco, genial, epico, divertido, dinamico, sangriento, y dificil. este juego es uno de los mejores remakes que se han hecho en la historia por no decir el mejor, y a demas la banda sonora estilo devil may cry es genial. en conclusion este juego es excelente y se merece un esplendido 10.… Expand
  21. Pocketchange
    Jan 18, 2015
    10
    This is easily my favourite game on any Xbox system. The level of difficulty is discouraging at first but the game keeps pulling you in with its amazing story and awesome game play. These addictive qualities drive you to get better and improve your skills until you eventually beat the game. Then you've got the hard and very hard difficulties left to overcome with all new and more difficultThis is easily my favourite game on any Xbox system. The level of difficulty is discouraging at first but the game keeps pulling you in with its amazing story and awesome game play. These addictive qualities drive you to get better and improve your skills until you eventually beat the game. Then you've got the hard and very hard difficulties left to overcome with all new and more difficult enemies to defeat. If you can stomach the gory action scenes it is definitely a must-play.… Expand
  22. Caestus
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    Its surely on of the best action games out there with endless possibilities and combinations to be done. Its challenging, fast paced and rewarding. However even if action hack n slay games usually dont have a good story, ninja gaiden has a real bad one. Anyway a decent action game.
  23. AFrozenFireball
    Jun 10, 2012
    8
    Damn good **** game. Fun, badass, epic, challenging. This is one of the best games of the past generation for sure, I just recently re-played and I got my ass handled to me good, but God damn once I got the hang of it again.

    There's not much that can be said, the game is not for the casuals, its awesomeness can only be truly seen by hardcore gamers.

    Solid 9 out of 10.
  24. steven14329
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Good gameplay, graphics, a kick-ass character, challenging. A gamer's game, and the best title for the xbox.
  25. Walerio
    Feb 28, 2011
    10
    Great graphic, great fighting combo, great Ryu, skillfull opponent, satisfying lenght, Best game next 2 god of war... Best action game overall... The only reason I bought xbox is because of ninja gaiden.. Some people say d game is hard, I'l just say they suck.. Don't be a ninja dog.. U won't get the best of d game if u play ninja dog... Master Ninja..
  26. BobaF.
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    The best part of this game is that even after you've mastered one difficulty, the next difficulty up will hand your ass to you on a silver platter. This is one of the few games since the golden era of 8 and 16 bit consoles where the developers expect you to die multiple times while trying to beat a boss. And because they're so hard, it makes it all the better when you finally The best part of this game is that even after you've mastered one difficulty, the next difficulty up will hand your ass to you on a silver platter. This is one of the few games since the golden era of 8 and 16 bit consoles where the developers expect you to die multiple times while trying to beat a boss. And because they're so hard, it makes it all the better when you finally master your technique and jump out of your chair after you take them down on the 5th try or so. Any difficulty above normal includes a bunch of new enemies from the hurricane packs for you to fight (they also join in on boss fights on these difficulties), and all the easy or exploitable bosses were redesigned to lay the smackdown on you this time around. Remember how easy the second version of Alma was? Yeah, not so much now. In my opinion, she's now the hardest boss in the game. Additionally, you get to fight a computer-controlled Ryu with all your moves (including ninpo), more health than you, and upgraded weapons. In short, if you haven't beat 90% of the other games you've played with minimal deaths and without really even feeling that challenged, Ninja Gaiden Black may not be the game for you. The odds could not be more stacked against you in this game. But the thing is, the best of the gaming community will find themselves equipped with more than enough weapons and moves to carve their way through the endless lines of enemies that can kill a slow and unskillful player in seconds flat. Possibly m favorite game ever.… Expand
  27. DavidS.
    Apr 22, 2008
    10
    How come 9 out of 10 people think this is such a great game????? How come nearly all gaming websites gave this game great ratings???? How come the bad reviews are all the same???? " It's too hard" i'll tell you why because NGB is a true gamers game not pokemon or mario bros thats why. Quit crying because you suck at this game and get some skill. NGB is my favorite game of all How come 9 out of 10 people think this is such a great game????? How come nearly all gaming websites gave this game great ratings???? How come the bad reviews are all the same???? " It's too hard" i'll tell you why because NGB is a true gamers game not pokemon or mario bros thats why. Quit crying because you suck at this game and get some skill. NGB is my favorite game of all time and is a true gamers game and NG2 will be the same.… Expand
  28. DanA.
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    As far as Action games go, this is top dog next to God of War.
  29. V.K.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    Unbelievably smooth game play and great graphics.
  30. DigV.
    Oct 31, 2007
    8
    Do not play Ninja Gaiden Black if you can't handle its difficulty.Quit whining. This game isn't for Sally and Suzy. Kozars like you can go play Ratchet and Clank with all the little tykes.I like the fact that the first two red ninjas can send Ryu back to hell on the most difficult first board I've ever played in the history of my 20 years of gaming. We need more Master Do not play Ninja Gaiden Black if you can't handle its difficulty.Quit whining. This game isn't for Sally and Suzy. Kozars like you can go play Ratchet and Clank with all the little tykes.I like the fact that the first two red ninjas can send Ryu back to hell on the most difficult first board I've ever played in the history of my 20 years of gaming. We need more Master Ninja difficulty settings in all our games.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. DarkStation
    100
    The hard-as-nails Ninja Gaiden is back, with improved camera system, a new mission mode and bonus game. At a budget price, you'd be crazy not let own this gem.
    Read full review
  2. NTSC-uk
    70
    On the technical side of things, Ninja Gaiden Black has a problem that wasn't present in the original release. The game is prone to bouts of slowdown at impromptu moments and these aren't particularly hectic instances either.
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  3. 1UP
    100
    If it were simply the original Ninja Gaiden with just some mission modes tacked on, it would still be worth full price. But chiming in at around $30 with new missions, new difficulty settings, new cinemas and new costumes to unlock -- on top of the already-awesome, original game -- it's practically a steal. Uncompromising and unabridged, Ninja Gaiden Black shows you how reissues could and should be done.
    Read full review
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