In 2008, Ninja Gaiden II was released. It was praised as an instant cult classic, fun, and extremely difficult. 15 years later, Ninja Gaiden II returns, now as a remaster using the Unreal 5 engine in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Ninja Gaiden 2 is a testament to the mastery of action-packed, high-octane gameplay that leaves no room for the faint of heart. Does it remain true in this remaster? Let’s find out in our review of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
Ninja Gaiden II Black
Platform: Xbox Game Pass / Xbox Series X|S / Microsoft Store / Steam® / PlayStation®5（PS5 Pro Enhanced）(Reviewed on normal PS5)
Release date: January 23, 2025
Genre: Action
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Developer: Team Ninja
*Special thanks to Koei Tecmo PR for providing a PS5 review Key*
Intro/Story:
The story in Ninja Gaiden II Black is the same as the original title. Ryu Hayabusa, the ultimate ninja, is on a quest to stop the resurrection of the Archfiend, a demonic force threatening the world. The game begins with the Black Spider Ninja Clan stealing the Demon Statue from the Hayabusa Village, triggering a chain of events that leads Ryu into a global battleRyu pursues the villains across a variety of locations, from Tokyo and Venice to the depths of a fiery underworld. Along the way, he battles powerful enemies, including the Black Spider Clan ninjas, demonic fiends, and bosses like Elizébet, the Regent of the Fiends, and Genshin, the leader of the Black Spider Clan. The game’s story is a blend of intense combat and supernatural themes, culminating in Ryu facing the Archfiend itself.
While the story is not the strongest point in Ninja Gaiden II Black, as it essentially boils down to a story of vengeance, it shines in the gameplay. Let’s take a look at the gameplay.
Gameplay:
At its core, Ninja Gaiden II delivers an exhilarating combat system that rewards precision, timing, and sheer brutality. Ryu Hayabusa, the stoic super-ninja, wields an arsenal of deadly weapons, including fan favorites like the Dragon Sword and newcomers like the Eclipse Scythe. Each weapon offers a distinct playstyle, encouraging players to experiment and master their favorites.
The game introduces the Obliteration Technique, a finishing move that makes combat even more visceral and cinematic. Enemies don’t just fall; they’re sliced, diced, and annihilated in ways that highlight the game’s unapologetically violent tone. The addition of regenerating health between battles is a welcome change, providing a slight reprieve amidst the chaos. However, the difficulty is still punishing. Enemies are relentless, boss fights are grueling, and mistakes are costly. While this is part of the game’s charm, it may alienate players who prefer a more forgiving experience.
For people who do not enjoy challenging games, this remastered has you covered with some of the new features. Ninja Gaiden II Black introduces a “Hero play style”. This style provides automatic support in challenging situations. For those who are not confident in their abilities due to the difficulty of the game, this would be the way to go. Additionally, gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have been remastered to enhance the action experience. Finally, Players can control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel.
One thing that was not fixed in this remaster is the battle with the camera. While Ryu is getting swarmed with enemies, the camera remains the worst enemy of them all at times. This is true if you are against a wall, or in a closed space. It makes it rather difficult to keep going.
Audio and Visuals:
Visually, 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. It is very impressive for what it does.
Audio Wise, the game has an atmospheric feel to it. The sounds, music, voices, and everything mix well so players feel the sense of urgency in Ryu’s mission.
Fun Factor:
Ninja Gaiden II Black is a fun, but hard game. It takes me back to a time when games were always a challenge. They did not overstay their welcome and kept you playing to finish any challenge that came your way.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
Ninja Gaiden II Black is a flashback to a simpler time in gaming. It is a brutal and thrilling action game that demands skill, patience, and determination. While its punishing difficulty and occasional camera issues may deter some players, those who persevere will be rewarded with one of the most satisfying combat systems in gaming. It’s a relentless, blood-soaked adventure that most games these days do not achieve. With the addition of new features, this classic is revitalized for a new generation.
– Until Next time, Mgs2master2 out
Score: 8/10 – Ninja Gaiden II Black revitalizes an old classic. However, with that revitalization and new features, some of the old headaches remain. That does not deter from the overall experience and is a fantastic time to play.
*Special Thanks to Koei Tecmo for providing a review key*