Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Reviews
Fewer enemies with more health may mean Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't quite the definitive version, but it's a definite and gorgeous improvement over its Sigma 2 release, and still an excellent action game all around.
While the name may be slightly misleading, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a fantastic way to experience one of the best action games ever made.
Even with the confusing cut content that hopefully gets added back in at a later date, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the perfect way for newcomers to get into the series with its most action-packed and visceral entry. Veterans are still likely to prefer the ridiculous cruelty of the original game, but most fans are just going to be happy to see Ryu return and right most of Sigma’s wrongs.
Ninja Gaiden games have been successful because of their tough-but-fair difficulty and their intense frenetic battles, and these are the areas where Ninja Gaiden 2 Black excels. It may not be the definitive version, but this is still a great version of a great game and is highly recommended to any fan of ninjas or action games in general.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a great remastering of a genuinely superb game, and will raise a smile in fans and new players alike.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us why the franchise was formerly the gold standard for 3D action. It's fast, furious, and a bloody good time. I can't think of a better way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black offers a comprehensive remake of Team Ninja's finest game, rendered in beautiful modern visuals. Combat is as bombastically brilliant as it ever was, though the awful camera will put off many of those new to the game, it really hasn't aged well. Still, as a reminder of how good Ninja Gaiden can be, this remake offers a tantalising taste of what we can all look forward to when Ninja Gaiden 4 is released later this year.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't quite the definitive edition of Team NINJA's second entry in the series, but it comes close. While Ryu Hayabusa no longer faces overwhelming hordes of enemies, the game's intensity, deep combat mechanics, excellent enemy variety, greatly overhauled visuals, and solid level design make it one of the best ways to experience one of the finest action games ever released, performance issues notwithstanding.
For many like me, seeing Ninja Gaiden emboss a game basically guarantees a purchase. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is no exception. On top of its stapled blisteringly challenging combat, the entire game receives a visual level of polish that makes it feel new again. That said, the problems still exist, like enemy projectiles flying through objects and still hitting you. Above all else, though, the camera issues remain the most frustrating element of the game. Still, there's enough fun, gore, and challenge that will outweigh the outdated traits, even for newcomers.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us of our younger years, essentially playing through a cheesy action movie with over-the-top violence, cool looking vistas, and a ridiculous story. In parts, it’s fun to play something you can just enjoy for what it is, without the need to delve into overly deep combat systems.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is not perfect. It tries to make up for the dastardly mistakes made by the Sigma series, but it succeeds only partially and fails to replicate that perfect intensity that Tomonobu Itagaki managed to get right in 2008. It remains, however, the best version of the game currently available on modern systems, thanks in part to Unreal Engine 5, which enhances its aesthetics to excellent levels. It may not be entirely worthy of the Black suffix, but this Ninja Gaiden 2 still deserves your attention as you await the fourth chapter.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you're looking for an elaborate plot, you won't find it, but if you're looking for intense action, violence and gore, impossible jumps and incredible feats, stick with this game, because you won't go wrong.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ryu Hayabusa is back at long last, having failed to cover himself in glory with the one-two of Ninja Gaiden 3 and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (although th...
An incredible video game seventeen years ago and an incredible video game now, Ninja Gaiden II Black is an immensely strong and timeless action game. All these years later its combat animation, diverse arsenal of weapons and setpieces are unmatched. Though there's still the issue of it not quite being the most definitive version, this 3D reboot run of the Ninja Gaiden franchise is as relevant as ever. Remember around the time of this trilogy when the age-old debate was whether pirates or ninjas would win in a fight? You simply need to look no further than Ryu and his friends in their blood-soaked glory.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't the most definitive version of the classic but it will remind you why it's so well-regarded in the first place.
Ninja Gaiden II Black takes an already solid entry into the series and gives it a modern and bloody coat of paint that signals the return of the legendary franchise.
Ninja Gaiden II Black is an impressive remaster in terms of sheer visual fidelity, but the gameplay and design haven't aged quite so gracefully. It's an important relic of the past, but just that.
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is the perfect appetizer before the release of NINJA GAIDEN 4 and a fantastic New Year's gift from Koei Tecmo to action game fans.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black it's a breathless challenge, a true test for anyone who dares to call themselves an old-school gamer. There are no compromises here: every victory is hard-earned, every defeat a lesson, every battle a trial of reflexes and strategy. In an era of increasingly accessible games, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a monument to pure skill, a fierce and unforgettable experience. And that's exactly how it should be.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a solid recreation of the original game, offering improved visuals and additional features. While it stays true to the challenge and feel of the original, some minor graphical issues and the high difficulty level may deter some players. Overall, it's a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.