NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black Review on Xbox

NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is touted as the significantly enhance graphic expression and the definitive version of "NINJA GAIDEN 2.

The premise is you 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!

The game boasts being remastered visuals in Unreal Engine 5, High speed violent gore, additional characters, modes for beginners, and elements from subsequent spin-off titles are also included!

Accessibility

With regards to accessibility, the developers have added in a variety of options, such as colour filter mode, chromatic aberration, button remapping, camera assist, and subtitle options. Audio options are basic however, so those with auditory issues may struggle.

Gameplay

I remember playing the original Ninja Gaiden 2 on the original xbox and thinking that this was a fun and engaging title back then, so seeing a shadow drop from Team Ninja about the remaster was hugely exciting. However, what I wasn’t too familiar with was its history and alternative versions such as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. With a bit of research on the topic, I can now finally give my thoughts on this latest iteration and tell you if it truly is the ‘’ definitive version’’.

Most fans hail from the original Xbox 360 version and see it as the true essence of the game with numerous enemies, stunning visuals which even shining now, and its over the top dismemberment system. The next iteration, was the 2009 Sigma version, which cut down on the number of on screen enemies, opting for a more harder but smaller selection. This in turn reduced the blood and dismemberment mechanic as well.

Other aspects like Tests of Valor and Team mission modes, and some weapons were also removed.  However to compensate, they added different characters, five new bigger bosses, online co-op, better resolution, more save points, and more shop locations. Still this caused quite an uproar with the original fans, with a lot but not all of them, complaining it was a watered down version of their favourite franchise.

So we now arrive at Team Ninja’s latest attempt in trying to get all fans on board with the newest remaster. After a brief cut-scene you are introduced to the Ryu the protagonist who’s first mission is to save a particular young lady who was looking for our hero.

Character movement is still fluid, precise and superb to control. Even though attacks are a combination of light (X button) and heavy (Y button), things are not about just mashing buttons together to kill enemies. Even dodging or escaping feels more precise to ensure you are always one step ahead. Besides these, you can also do an power attacks, done by charging the heavy attack button until a flashing purple or red for stronger appears around Ryu, for you to let loose and do an automatic combo that’s a guaranteed kill on most foes. 

Ninja spells provide either area effect attacks of defensive capabilities, that can be essential when being attacked my multiple enemies. Now whilst being cornered by multiple enemies is rarer now, when it happens, you can escape by running up the wall behind you, or use a slicing dash attack to launch yourself across the arena. There are precise move sets that will allow you to control any battle if you are willing to engage and learn them. Finishers are also still within the game, and are a visual treat as you eviscerate you wounded opponent in various brutal ways. 

In essence the game is still highly enjoyable to play and does showcase off maybe what level of fun we are missing from the more ‘’modern audience’’ types of games released today. Running through tearing up enemies, using combos of brutal takedowns, whilst checking corners for hidden secrets is as enjoyable as when I first experienced it. Your go from not understanding the enemies movements, to learning enemy attack patterns, timing perfect counters, and using the best weapon for the job, in no time at all.

Shops exist here still and are a useful tool in upgrading the damage of all the weapons you pick up along the way. The shop also sells items to replenish your health but depending on the difficulty level, I rarely needed any. The prices also become increasingly discounted after finding a number of Crystal Skulls hidden across the game, which pushes you to explore off the beaten path to enjoy those sweet discounts.

Whilst there is no Team Mission modes, there are Tag mission, a single player version of the team missions which allow for you to challenge yourself outside of the main game. Here you will also be able to choose which of the 4 characters you would like to play with, and definitely is a welcome touch. For me, if they could do that for the main game, instead of just the one mission for each of the other three protagonists, that would really make the game shine!

Just like the original and alternative the gameplay is addictive, stylish, fun and engaging to all those that are willing to try and play this unique game.

Graphics

Visually this game looks gorgeous with its now updated Unreal Engine 5 improvements to the lighting, ray tracing and character models upgrades. Each level oozes a superb blend of new touches and modifications, like extra foliage or new background ornaments and overall better lighting. This works well with the exploring side of the gameplay, which often provides you with some hidden chests. Just like looting corpses, you’ll gain a variety of items that will assist you in upgrading your weaponry or giving you a permanent extension to your maximum HP.

That said there is some tweaks where the original still wins. For me the Cherry Blossoms seem dull and sparce compared to the 360 version and the light pollution in the first level is way too toned down, even with a fully modelled background now.

Characters model however are gorgeous, and are really especially detailed showcasing individual characters nuances, like their scars and skin tone patterns. You can tell Team Ninja really wanted to ensure the aesthetics are as close to the original as possible whilst adding their own spin on it.

Now there is a lot less enemies on the screen, and the levels are now visually and physically upgraded, they do now come across as rather empty. It almost has a Backroom type of game feel, where you expect enemies to jump at any moment, but…none come.

For me though it’s the return of the dismemberment system, though not as plentiful as the original, its still shines in body parts being sliced and diced off and littering the ground that you fight upon. This is combined well with its collection of weapons which do differing fatal attacks depending on your choice. The default Dragon sword is great for short range attacks, whilst the lunar staff excels and distance and damage. Emma’s Fang great sword will slice those pesky demons easily where the Kusari-gami the sickle is superb for short quick attacks. 

Overall framerate and stability was good in all of my gameplay, but I did see some slowdown in the more chaotic battles. Depending on the monitor/tv capabilities and if it allows VRR, you can have it run buttery smooth at a stable 60fps on Series X with the 120fps options being a bit more varied in their output.

Sound

The game is fully voiced and again is top notch in its delivery within cutscenes or the general gameplay. Hearing the grunts from Rhu as he flips over a wall or dive bombs an enemy will never get old.

The music again is just superb as it uses the beat to amplify the action on screen, but will pull back, when more calmer zones come into play. A blend of flute, piano and guitar sell the feel of the game in every location.  Even background environmental sounds like rain and lightning are all crisp and clear in their delivery.

The games sound effects, also ooze weightiness, with each hit fully connecting in a enjoyable way. Every weapon here has a meaty clang to it when it connects with an npcs weapon which will ensure the players senses are excited.

My recommendation here would be a good quality soundbar to really enjoy the sounds of sword slicing through bone.

Verdict

This leads me onto the rating of the game:-
Now I rate games in order of, avoid, on sale, great purchase and must own. My rating for NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is a "Great Purchase’’.

Whilst the price is a little high, the remaster is defiantly a fun game for all to be had. Improvements to a variety of things ensure that no matter where you fall on the fandom of either the original or the later alternative, this version will still delight players for years to come.

The game is currently priced on Xbox at £39.99 or approx. $50 and depending on skill and patience would give you about 10+ hours worth of gameplay. Once the story is complete however, there is still a huge amount of replay ability with a higher difficulty settings, tag mission and finding all the collectibles available pushing for at least another 10+hours of content. The game is also free on gamepass, so for those just wanting to see what its about, it worth loading up.

Is this the ‘’ definitive version’’, I would say no, at least not right now. Think of it as a cross between the original Ninja Gaiden 2 and Sigma, with aspects of both games being utilised. There are some missing elements that will annoy some fans, but hopefully these can be patched in later. What is here though is still a fun, engaging and enjoyable experience.