Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Review (PS5)
Summary: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a hot tub ninja time machine with next-gen ninja graphics!
3.75
Graphical facelift!
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a fantastic reimagining of the 2008 classic, rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. It’s not just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a definitive edition, weaving in content from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 to create a truly comprehensive experience for both die-hard fans and newcomers. Think of it as Ninja Gaiden 2, but bigger, better, and more brutal. With the inclusion of characters like Momiji, Rachel, and Ayame, plus new boss fights, this version leaves no stone unturned.
Ryu Hayabusa’s quest for vengeance and honor is as gripping as ever. He’s on a mission to retrieve a stolen statue from the Black Spider Clan, who, naturally, are up to no good. The story might be straightforward, but it serves its purpose, providing a solid foundation for the over-the-top action and beautifully rendered cutscenes. The game world itself is a cool blend of feudal Japan and cyberpunk aesthetics – a unique and captivating mix.
The core gameplay is pure Ninja Gaiden: fast, brutal, and demanding. You’ve got your katanas, shurikens, tonfas, and a whole arsenal of deadly ninja tools at your disposal. For those who might find the challenge a bit daunting, there’s a “Hero Play Style” that offers some helpful assists. And the ability to play as Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel adds another layer of depth to the combat.
Let’s be real, the original game’s DNA is still very much present. The respawning enemies can get a little tiresome at times. But the combat, especially the boss battles, is so satisfying that it’s easy to forgive some of the repetitive enemy encounters.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is packed with extra content, including co-op missions and bonus challenges. And yes, the gore is back, and it’s glorious (or gruesome, depending on your perspective). Dismemberment and blood effects are turned up to eleven, but thankfully, you can tone it down in the options menu if it’s not your cup of tea.
Visually, this game is a knockout, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. The character models, environments, and effects are stunning. Running the game at 120FPS on a PS5 Pro is an absolute treat. I did notice a few minor graphical hiccups, like some visual artifacting and occasional missing weapon models, but nothing game-breaking. Oh, and the, shall we say, “prominent” breast physics are still there, for better or worse. The music and sound design are spot-on, perfectly complementing the game’s intense action, and the voice acting, while sometimes cheesy, is part of the series’ charm.
Final Thoughts?
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a must-have for fans of the series. It’s a fantastic update that stays true to the spirit of the original while adding a wealth of new content and graphical enhancements. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding action game, look no further. Just be prepared for a tough but exhilarating ride.
Game Details
Developer: Team NINJA
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platform: PlayStation 5
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Genre: Hack and Slash/Beat ’em up
ESRB: M (Mature)
MSRP: $49.99
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