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. 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
  2. McFly
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    Wonderfull game. Must see or in this case play to be belived. I agree with Jay and Tom wholeheartedly in its appeal stemming from its difficulty. Alex hits the nail on the head as well. Amatuer gamers beware.
  3. SmoothNinja
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    JJC giving it a 2 shows 1 you havent put forth the time to realize possibly contender for best action game of this generation if not all time. And 2 although everyone gets pwned at a game at some point or another as a beginner you gave up that easily and took the easy way out. 10 all the way one of the greatest games of our time. Team Ninja thumbs up cant wait for Ninja Gaiden 2.
  4. Meh
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    Caliban u moron, if u've even bothered to actually PLAY the game, you would realize that Itagaki (the lead developer) deliberately included the new Ninja Dog difficulty to cater to those who found the original game too demanding in difficulty. I, personally, never found the original too hard to finish (I've beaten it on the hardest difficulty setting, so have thousands of otherCaliban u moron, if u've even bothered to actually PLAY the game, you would realize that Itagaki (the lead developer) deliberately included the new Ninja Dog difficulty to cater to those who found the original game too demanding in difficulty. I, personally, never found the original too hard to finish (I've beaten it on the hardest difficulty setting, so have thousands of other players), so there's proof right there that the game can be finished. Anyway, you shouldn't be judging a game solely on its difficulty level. Your entire "review", so to speak, didnt even touch on what truly matters in a game, the GAMEPLAY. All I read was incessant bitching about difficulty, which proves how much of an inept n00b you are. so plz, caliban do us all a favour and go back to playing solitaire or something else that's more suited to your "skills" (or lack thereof).… Expand
  5. PaulP.
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Simply breathtaking. The graphics and gameplay have been tweaked to perfection. It is still hard although on normal mode the bosses I struggled on the original Gaiden only took 2 goes at most to get through, most I've beaten first go. When you get to the dead guys, break out your Lunar and prepare to be grinning ;o)
  6. JaredB.
    Sep 30, 2005
    10
    Best game i have ever played its hardcore baddass game.
  7. John
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    This is better than dvil may cry, gd of war and prinse of persia. This is the original stuff ryu hayabusa existed already in Nintendo consoles and now he will get his sweet revenge in Ninja Gaiden Black in Xbox, (and Ninja Gaiden 2 in Xbox 360.) With amazing graphics, surround dound madness, detailed environment and characters and brilliant story. The graphics is awesome and 100 times This is better than dvil may cry, gd of war and prinse of persia. This is the original stuff ryu hayabusa existed already in Nintendo consoles and now he will get his sweet revenge in Ninja Gaiden Black in Xbox, (and Ninja Gaiden 2 in Xbox 360.) With amazing graphics, surround dound madness, detailed environment and characters and brilliant story. The graphics is awesome and 100 times great than other adventure games, man i love the glorious graphic effects. With lightning speed gameplay you will wish you would that you want tobe the ninja in the game. So for those who havent played this, this is one of the most challenging, a rare treatfor video gamers. If you have Xbox buy it. If you dont have, buy or borrow an Xbox and buy the game. Ninja Gaiden black is a treasure.… Expand
  8. MarkJ.
    Sep 23, 2006
    10
    I. Caliban you are an idiot, people who like ninja gaiden are good at it and have beaten it on very hard and want more of a challenge so they added master ninja, if you suck at the game (like I did for a while) put black on ninja dog mode and this game is not just for challenge being a ninja is really fun, flying around doing flips you just feel cool. If you suck at the game get over it I. Caliban you are an idiot, people who like ninja gaiden are good at it and have beaten it on very hard and want more of a challenge so they added master ninja, if you suck at the game (like I did for a while) put black on ninja dog mode and this game is not just for challenge being a ninja is really fun, flying around doing flips you just feel cool. If you suck at the game get over it and stop complaining.… Expand
  9. V.K.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    Unbelievably smooth game play and great graphics.
  10. Alex
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    This game is freak'n sweet! The first one was kind of a challenge, but it's one is in a league of it's own, i think that if you hate this game then your an amatuer gamer!
  11. ZakS.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    Well, I really don't know where to start! I mean, i only borrowed the first NG, but NGB is much better. The gameplay is awesome, the graphics detailed to every minute pixel, and the stroy is just awesome. The sounds, the gameplay, and the difficulty gives this game excellent replay value! For someone who likes martial arts, and some good storylines, this is a MUST!
  12. LuiggiR.
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    Excellent game. although very hard, it's a very addicting and fun game. the weapons are still awsome. graphics are unbelieveble.The cinematics were outstanding. one of the best games ever.
  13. ZaheerS.
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    Ninja Gaiden, already one of the best XBox games around, provides fodder for Tecmo to expand even further and come up with one of the best expansion/remakes of all time! The additional content is spectacular, and with the reasonable price its a must-have for people new to the game, and even most of the Ninja Gaiden veterans out there. (Plus there's an easier difficulty for all you Ninja Gaiden, already one of the best XBox games around, provides fodder for Tecmo to expand even further and come up with one of the best expansion/remakes of all time! The additional content is spectacular, and with the reasonable price its a must-have for people new to the game, and even most of the Ninja Gaiden veterans out there. (Plus there's an easier difficulty for all you quitters out there!)… Expand
  14. Eric
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    Absolutely perfect. Any slight imperfections with the original, like the camera angles are fixed, in addition to a slew of additional mini-missions, weapons and outfits. Also, to those complaining of them making this version even more difficult than the original, there is now an easy setting to play in. So that shouldn't really be a complaint. Those who thought the first one was too Absolutely perfect. Any slight imperfections with the original, like the camera angles are fixed, in addition to a slew of additional mini-missions, weapons and outfits. Also, to those complaining of them making this version even more difficult than the original, there is now an easy setting to play in. So that shouldn't really be a complaint. Those who thought the first one was too hard gets an easier difficulty setting and those who beat the first one now can play it with more of a challenge.… Expand
  15. D.Davis
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    Yes Caliban you are the only wimp that can't take the difficulty, that why Team Ninja made the easy Ninja Dog mode just for people like you, who whine with you panties around your ankles.
  16. Rick
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    Rubbish game!! Well thats what I first thought. I couldnt play it. I thought this game is bloody crap Im trying to beat this dude (first boss) Im sure im doing all the right things and he keeps kicking my arse. So how wrong was I? I put it down for a good 8 or 9 months. Didnt even look at it again but my eyes kept stumbling over high score reviews of it...I was at a loss. I knew I wasnt Rubbish game!! Well thats what I first thought. I couldnt play it. I thought this game is bloody crap Im trying to beat this dude (first boss) Im sure im doing all the right things and he keeps kicking my arse. So how wrong was I? I put it down for a good 8 or 9 months. Didnt even look at it again but my eyes kept stumbling over high score reviews of it...I was at a loss. I knew I wasnt doing something right, maybe it was just a steep learning curve and that im sure with practice I could get it down. I beat the first boss but then got doubly stuck on the second boss. What was I doing wrong? My mistake was I was looking at this game from too much of a hack and slash button mash point of view. I didn't really think of roll dodging as a first move defence then offence takes precedence in this game. The dudes a ninja he's not a barbarian! Once I started to pick up the thread, what a joy to behold did I find. Easily one of the best games on the console. Up there with HalfLife2, San Andreas, Halo. I agree with angry Andreas this is a gamers game and was so glad I picked it up and put more effort into it. If anyone has read my post on Galleon this is the same type of game - steep learning curve but worthy once you put in the time. Infact the gameplay elements of Gaiden are top notch. You dont want lay down easy dead beat battles handed to you on a plate. You want tough, thought provoking challenges that keep you coming back for more. I tell my nephew off for walking away at the first sign of a game with challenge. I tell him thats what makes a game more than a game and its what you look for in a title. Must have game.… Expand
  17. DanA.
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    As far as Action games go, this is top dog next to God of War.
  18. LB
    May 7, 2007
    10
    Lets face it, games have been lowering the complexity bar for a while now. And thusly, there are way too many people who don't know how to beat a game with out a cheat, or need that camera just perfect, or whatever special circumstances they come up with. But what I love about ninja gaiden black is that is the most difficult game I have played. Ever. Its pretty, sure. Sound Design, Lets face it, games have been lowering the complexity bar for a while now. And thusly, there are way too many people who don't know how to beat a game with out a cheat, or need that camera just perfect, or whatever special circumstances they come up with. But what I love about ninja gaiden black is that is the most difficult game I have played. Ever. Its pretty, sure. Sound Design, great. But I call me crazy, I like a challenge. Cant see whats going on off screen, adapt and overcome or die. Its that simplicity that I enjoy and the game is a puzzle in itself. Combat is repetitive? How when there are so many ways to kill something? And if its too hard for you, well, go play halo. Thats something you could do with your eyes closed. In short, all developer of action games should look to Ninja Gaiden as a model. Dont coddle your customers, challenge them.… Expand
  19. TheDavyJOnes
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    I. Caliban has lost his mind. He sent me an email saying that he was the Queen of France and this game was his favorite. Now look - he's gone and bashed it on Metacritic. You CRAVE those higher difficulty levels, Caliban. I saw a ninja once- stole my soup, he did. He even took the spoon. It was only a plastic one I stole from the cafeteria downtown, but mine nontheless. I almost had I. Caliban has lost his mind. He sent me an email saying that he was the Queen of France and this game was his favorite. Now look - he's gone and bashed it on Metacritic. You CRAVE those higher difficulty levels, Caliban. I saw a ninja once- stole my soup, he did. He even took the spoon. It was only a plastic one I stole from the cafeteria downtown, but mine nontheless. I almost had him, but then he flipped over a building.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. 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..
  22. steven14329
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Good gameplay, graphics, a kick-ass character, challenging. A gamer's game, and the best title for the xbox.
  23. Brangav
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    Muy muy bien juego, excelentes gráficas, jugabilidad, dificultad, todo para ser un juego de hace más de una década.
  24. 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
  25. 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 ****
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. shootingstars99
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    This game will truly test your abilities as a gamer. The funnest action game to date by far!
  30. 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
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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

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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.
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  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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