Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Reviews
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a double-edged sword. The graphical improvements are welcome, and the gameplay remains extremely fun, even with some limitations inherent to a game released almost 17 years ago. However, once again, Ninja Gaiden 2 fails to have a definitive version. This remaster does not fix the problems of the original game and even removes some content. Still, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black provides an engaging experience and continues to be a great entry point into the franchise – just as it was for me during my playthrough.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a title that undeniably came out of nowhere, especially considering that Team Ninja had already compiled the Sigma versions of the first two games along with Razor’s Edge from the third entry. While the “new black” may not be the definitive edition of the series' second installment, it makes up for it by being the uncensored, most visually stunning, smoothest, most modern, balanced, and content-rich (with minor exceptions) version — ultimately making it the best edition of the game. As an action title, it remains an absolutely top-tier experience, with its straightforward journey providing excellent entertainment from start to finish.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Other than the camera still being quite whack, it’s a genuine must-play, especially if you’ve never had the chance before now.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a tight hack and slash, full of fluidity that sees blood, guts and dismembered limbs fly all over the shop. The story is very wobbly, but among the over the top violence is a challenging game designed to test your skills as a ninja, and while the game is tough, even on its easiest setting, it never feels unfair. Team Ninja encourages you to try different approaches to boss fights so that when you do ultimately prevail, there is a great sense of achievement.
This is a glorious return of an essential action gaming series. Ninja Gaiden II Black is a sublime experience with a few tiny technical issues, full of bombastic action, fun story beats and a core design that hasn’t aged a day (except maybe the camera). Anyone who enjoys a bit of a technical hack’n’slasher this is THE game to get. A terrific remaster and a sign of good things to come in the Ninja Gaiden series.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a textbook remaster/remake/whatever, or at least how I think these kinds of things should be. It updates graphics, movements and gameplay to adapt them to this new generation but respecting at all times the signs that made this saga unmistakable and unique. So don't think that the game has softened over time, on the contrary, it is still a difficult game where enemies don't give you a minute of rest, parry windows are adjusted to the millisecond and where your reflexes are measured continuously. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the return of the classic hack & slash
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Yes, Ninja Gaiden is well and truly back. Despite a few frustrations with the game not being as faithful as it could have been to the original Ninja Gaiden II, Ninja Gaiden II Black is still about as good as action games tend to get. A glorious facelift makes combat hit even harder, and some subtle but smart adjustments to balance and boss arrangements make it more exciting and less frustrating than its Sigma 2 counterpart. If you’ve heard of Ninja Gaiden but don’t know where to start, let it be here. You simply haven’t lived until you’ve Izuna Dropped an enemy’s head clean off. The original Ninja Gaiden Black is my favorite action game ever made, and I’m happy to say its sequel mostly manages to live up.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black on PC is a commendable remaster that honors the legacy of the original while making thoughtful improvements for modern audiences. Despite some minor shortcomings, it offers a thrilling and challenging experience that stands out in the action genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan.
In the end, I believe the remake achieved its main goals: to bring back the classic hack and slash genre to the spotlight through one of its biggest success franchises; to allow the developers to "train" in the use of Unreal Engine 5, which will be used for the fourth title; finally, to create an opening to the main attraction that will be Ninja Gaiden 4.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an Unreal Engine 5 revival of Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma that arrives unexpectedly yet brings back the series’ legendary fast-paced action. While some missing features from the original Ninja Gaiden 2 and random performance stumbles keep it from being the perfect return, its wildly satisfying combat and varied arsenal make it a worthwhile visit for fans craving that classic Ninja Gaiden rush.
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black marks the unexpected return of Ryu Hayabusa, when he now seemed to be confined only to the memories of a few video game generations ago. Instead, here he appears out of nowhere as a warrior who makes shadows his calling, with Team Ninja remastering him for us in Unreal Engine 5. Gallant and entertaining perhaps more so today than in its time, abetted by a landscape that has seen the rarification of pure action, we are faced with a perceptible step forward from Sigma 2. At the same time, however, the features that made the chapter released for the Xbox 360 unforgettable have not been reproduced, effectively materializing a missed opportunity to make the true definitive edition of the title. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black remains, in any case, a glorious return for the franchise as we look forward to welcoming the fourth chapter at the end of the year.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a welcome return for Hyabusa and the perfect introduction to the hard-hitting, fast-paced action series with its accessible hero mode options, gameplay tweaks, and stunningly brutal visuals. It opens the door to new fans where the Master Collection previously didn’t, but it is also confused in its identity as neither a true remake or definitive edition, especially since it’s missing a bunch of content. However, for players looking for a new challenge that’s not a Souls-like and series veterans who’ve been desperate for a shuriken sized crumbs in years, Black is the perfect appetitser ahead of the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4.
The game still plays great for me, even after all this time. Combos take some getting used to. And learning to defend better is something you should learn very early on. There are times I feel that the game is tedious rather than challenging. One example is the Water Dragon (that is its name). But I’ve always remembered dreading that fight, anyway. I was a little disappointed that they had removed two bosses from this version. One is the giant Buddha on the first level and the Statue of Liberty. There were two fights I loved in NINJA GAIDEN 2 Sigma. And with all that said, if you’ve played it before, you won’t be disappointed. If this is your first entry into the franchise before 4 drops, then all I can say is if you like challenge, enjoy. If not, play on a lower difficulty and have fun. I was gonna be petty and give it the Gold Award for removing the fights mentioned above. But I just couldn’t. So instead I’m awarding NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, the well-deserved Platinum Award.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an unmissable title for fans of the genre and those seeking a true challenge in gaming. It modernizes the classic while staying true to its brutal action. It remains one of the best hack-and-slash experiences ever made, delivering relentless difficulty and rewarding mastery that few modern games can match.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black delivered an exciting combat experience with a unique style, featuring improved artistic direction and well-balanced sound design that makes it one of the best enhancements we’ve seen. Despite facing a few issues, it still stands as one of the top action experiences.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black brings the beloved, brutal action of the original back to life with a stunning Unreal Engine 5 remake, though it stumbles slightly in living up to its "Black" legacy.
Ninja Gaiden 2: Black is the definitive way to play Ninja Gaiden 2. It's a reminder that the Ninja Gaiden series was ahead of its time when it first hit the shelves, with it still having some of the best combat of any game in the genre.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black skillfully celebrates the return of the bloodiest video game ninja and delivers a wonderful upgrade of the original. Almost all of the controversial changes made to the Sigma version are a thing of the past and you can finally get back to the action, albeit with some missing content and a still totally abstruse story.
Review in German | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2: Black improves on its combat and visuals while maintaining an exciting challenge and offering good additions like characters and pliability options. Despite some camera and control issues, the game remains a must-play for action fans, a chance for newcomers to experience a legendary title, and a chance for longtime fans to relive the past, while everyone waits for Ninja Gaiden 4
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the definitive version of the Xbox 360 classic, delivering the frantic and brutal gameplay of its original release with beautifully updated graphics and stable performance. Although it inherits some issues from the original release and introduces a few new ones, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the ultimate version of Koei Tecmo's great classic, revitalizing one of the best hack'n slash games of all time.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review