The definitive ninja experience reborn
By Paul Hunter
Ninja Gaiden II Black, surprise announced at the recent Xbox Developer_Direct, brings back the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, this remake of the 2008 classic delivers an exhilarating and unforgiving experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
The Ninja Gaiden franchise has long been revered for its challenging yet rewarding combat system, cinematic flair, and the sheer brutality of its protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa. Originally released for the Xbox 360, Ninja Gaiden II was a landmark title that pushed the boundaries of action gaming, cementing the series' reputation as one of the most demanding and satisfying in the genre.
Now, over a decade and a half later, Ninja Gaiden II has been meticulously remastered, utilising the power of Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a visual feast that breathes new life into the iconic ninja's adventures. With updated graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and new accessibility options, this release aims to captivate both longtime players and those eager to experience the thrill of Ryu's relentless quest for vengeance. Let's don the mantle of the legendary Dragon Sword and explore this remaster to see if it delivers the unparalleled satisfaction that we've come to expect from this hit series.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's story is set one year after the events of the previous title, and thrusts you back into the shadows as the protector of the Dragon Sword, tasked with preventing a malevolent demonic force from being resurrected.
The story begins with a chance encounter between Ryu and a CIA agent named Sonia, who is seeking the ninja's aid. However, their meeting is interrupted by the sinister Black Spider Ninja Clan, who kidnap Sonia in a calculated ploy to lure Ryu away from his village. Determined to rescue the agent and uncover the clan's nefarious plans, you embark on a globe-trotting journey that takes you from the bustling streets of New York City to the lush jungles of South America, facing off against a diverse array of deadly adversaries along the way.
In addition to playing as Ryu, Ninja Giaden 2 Black lets you control several familiar faces from the Ninja Gaiden universe. You'll have the opportunity to take control of fan-favourites such as the kunoichi Ayane, the Dragon Shrine Maiden Momiji, and the demon hunter Rachel, each with their own unique fighting styles and motivations. These supporting characters not only add depth to the story but also provide a refreshing change of pace, allowing you to experience the events from multiple perspectives.
As the plot unfolds, you'll uncover the Black Spider Clan's true objective: to resurrect the ancient Archfiend Vazdah by stealing an ancient artefact known as the Demon Statue. This sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation, as Ryu must race against time to prevent the clan from unleashing a catastrophic demonic invasion. The narrative is punctuated by intense, cinematic battles that showcase the series' signature blend of brutal combat and over-the-top theatrics, ensuring that the action remains at the forefront of the experience.
The core gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an absolutely brutal delight, delivering an exhilarating and unforgiving experience that has become synonymous with the series. As the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa, you are tasked with navigating a world filled with relentless hordes of enemies, each presenting a unique challenge that must be overcome through precise and devastating combat.
At the heart of the gameplay is Ryu's extensive arsenal of weapons, ranging from the iconic Dragon Sword to a diverse array of blades, staffs, and projectile-based armaments. Each weapon offers a distinct set of combos and movesets, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. Whether you favour rapid, acrobatic strikes or powerful, ground-shaking attacks, the game's deep and satisfying combat system ensures that there are weapons to suit every ninja's preference.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's gameplay places a huge emphasis on mobility and evasion. Ryu's ability to wall-run, double-jump, and perform lightning-fast dashes adds a layer of dynamism to the combat, challenging you to outmanoeuvre your foes and set up devastating counterattacks. The game's demanding enemy AI further heightens the need for precise timing and quick reactions, as you must constantly be on the alert for unforgiving attacks and devastating combos.
Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 can take some time to get used to as it forgoes some of the luxuries found in modern games. For instance, there is no way to lock-on to enemies so you need to carefully aim your strikes. The camera is also a bit sluggish compared to recent action games, but thankfully you can adjust camera speed in the settings to partially offset this issue.
In addition to the core combat, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black introduces a range of unique gameplay mechanics that add depth and variety to the experience. The Ninpo system, for example, allows you to unleash devastating elemental attacks, such as the powerful Flame Phoenix, which summons a flurry of fiery birds to devastate your enemies. These powerful abilities not only provide a means of crowd control but also serve as a strategic tool, enabling you to turn the tide of battle in your favour.
Furthermore, the game's upgrade system encourages exploration and experimentation, as you can enhance your weapons and unlock new abilities by collecting various resources scattered throughout the levels. This sense of progression and customisation adds more depths as you can fine-tune Ryu's arsenal to your preferred playstyle.
All told, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's gameplay is a masterclass in action-packed, precision-driven combat. With its deep and satisfying combat system, emphasis on mobility and evasion, and a wealth of unique gameplay mechanics, the game offers an experience that is both challenging and immensely rewarding.
The visual presentation of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is nothing short of a triumph, thanks to the game's seamless move to the Unreal Engine 5. The environments, character models, and effects have been meticulously remastered, delivering a level of fidelity that breathes new life into the iconic ninja's adventures.
The attention to detail is immediately apparent, with environments that are now brimming with intricate textures, dynamic lighting, and stunning visual flourishes. From the rain-soaked streets of New York City to the lush, verdant jungles of South America, every locale is a feast for the eyes, immersing you in the world of Ninja Gaiden like never before.
Character models have also received a significant upgrade, with Ryu Hayabusa and his allies now boasting a level of realism on par with modern titles. The ninja's movements are fluid and lifelike, while the gruesome dismemberment of enemies, which is now back in this version, is depicted with a level of gory detail that is both captivating and unsettling.
Complementing the visual excellence is the game's exceptional soundtrack, composed of intense, percussion-driven themes, perfectly captures the frantic pace of the combat, urging you to unleash devastating combos and devastating Ninpo attacks.
The sound effects are equally impressive, with each strike of the blade, the thud of a shuriken, and the agonised cries of your foes resonating with a visceral impact that heightens the sense of power and brutality. The voice acting remains a solid component of the overall presentation, with the English dub delivering a suitable level of intensity and emotion.
For those seeking an even more authentic experience, the game also offers the option to switch to the original Japanese voice track, which, despite the lack of lip-sync, provides a more faithful interpretation of the characters and their personalities.
Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Genre: Action, Hack-and-Slash
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
Ninja Gaiden II Black, surprise announced at the recent Xbox Developer_Direct, brings back the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, this remake of the 2008 classic delivers an exhilarating and unforgiving experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
The Ninja Gaiden franchise has long been revered for its challenging yet rewarding combat system, cinematic flair, and the sheer brutality of its protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa. Originally released for the Xbox 360, Ninja Gaiden II was a landmark title that pushed the boundaries of action gaming, cementing the series' reputation as one of the most demanding and satisfying in the genre.
Now, over a decade and a half later, Ninja Gaiden II has been meticulously remastered, utilising the power of Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a visual feast that breathes new life into the iconic ninja's adventures. With updated graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and new accessibility options, this release aims to captivate both longtime players and those eager to experience the thrill of Ryu's relentless quest for vengeance. Let's don the mantle of the legendary Dragon Sword and explore this remaster to see if it delivers the unparalleled satisfaction that we've come to expect from this hit series.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's story is set one year after the events of the previous title, and thrusts you back into the shadows as the protector of the Dragon Sword, tasked with preventing a malevolent demonic force from being resurrected.
The story begins with a chance encounter between Ryu and a CIA agent named Sonia, who is seeking the ninja's aid. However, their meeting is interrupted by the sinister Black Spider Ninja Clan, who kidnap Sonia in a calculated ploy to lure Ryu away from his village. Determined to rescue the agent and uncover the clan's nefarious plans, you embark on a globe-trotting journey that takes you from the bustling streets of New York City to the lush jungles of South America, facing off against a diverse array of deadly adversaries along the way.
In addition to playing as Ryu, Ninja Giaden 2 Black lets you control several familiar faces from the Ninja Gaiden universe. You'll have the opportunity to take control of fan-favourites such as the kunoichi Ayane, the Dragon Shrine Maiden Momiji, and the demon hunter Rachel, each with their own unique fighting styles and motivations. These supporting characters not only add depth to the story but also provide a refreshing change of pace, allowing you to experience the events from multiple perspectives.
As the plot unfolds, you'll uncover the Black Spider Clan's true objective: to resurrect the ancient Archfiend Vazdah by stealing an ancient artefact known as the Demon Statue. This sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation, as Ryu must race against time to prevent the clan from unleashing a catastrophic demonic invasion. The narrative is punctuated by intense, cinematic battles that showcase the series' signature blend of brutal combat and over-the-top theatrics, ensuring that the action remains at the forefront of the experience.
The core gameplay of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is an absolutely brutal delight, delivering an exhilarating and unforgiving experience that has become synonymous with the series. As the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa, you are tasked with navigating a world filled with relentless hordes of enemies, each presenting a unique challenge that must be overcome through precise and devastating combat.
At the heart of the gameplay is Ryu's extensive arsenal of weapons, ranging from the iconic Dragon Sword to a diverse array of blades, staffs, and projectile-based armaments. Each weapon offers a distinct set of combos and movesets, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. Whether you favour rapid, acrobatic strikes or powerful, ground-shaking attacks, the game's deep and satisfying combat system ensures that there are weapons to suit every ninja's preference.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's gameplay places a huge emphasis on mobility and evasion. Ryu's ability to wall-run, double-jump, and perform lightning-fast dashes adds a layer of dynamism to the combat, challenging you to outmanoeuvre your foes and set up devastating counterattacks. The game's demanding enemy AI further heightens the need for precise timing and quick reactions, as you must constantly be on the alert for unforgiving attacks and devastating combos.
Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 can take some time to get used to as it forgoes some of the luxuries found in modern games. For instance, there is no way to lock-on to enemies so you need to carefully aim your strikes. The camera is also a bit sluggish compared to recent action games, but thankfully you can adjust camera speed in the settings to partially offset this issue.
In addition to the core combat, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black introduces a range of unique gameplay mechanics that add depth and variety to the experience. The Ninpo system, for example, allows you to unleash devastating elemental attacks, such as the powerful Flame Phoenix, which summons a flurry of fiery birds to devastate your enemies. These powerful abilities not only provide a means of crowd control but also serve as a strategic tool, enabling you to turn the tide of battle in your favour.
Furthermore, the game's upgrade system encourages exploration and experimentation, as you can enhance your weapons and unlock new abilities by collecting various resources scattered throughout the levels. This sense of progression and customisation adds more depths as you can fine-tune Ryu's arsenal to your preferred playstyle.
All told, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's gameplay is a masterclass in action-packed, precision-driven combat. With its deep and satisfying combat system, emphasis on mobility and evasion, and a wealth of unique gameplay mechanics, the game offers an experience that is both challenging and immensely rewarding.
The visual presentation of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is nothing short of a triumph, thanks to the game's seamless move to the Unreal Engine 5. The environments, character models, and effects have been meticulously remastered, delivering a level of fidelity that breathes new life into the iconic ninja's adventures.
The attention to detail is immediately apparent, with environments that are now brimming with intricate textures, dynamic lighting, and stunning visual flourishes. From the rain-soaked streets of New York City to the lush, verdant jungles of South America, every locale is a feast for the eyes, immersing you in the world of Ninja Gaiden like never before.
Character models have also received a significant upgrade, with Ryu Hayabusa and his allies now boasting a level of realism on par with modern titles. The ninja's movements are fluid and lifelike, while the gruesome dismemberment of enemies, which is now back in this version, is depicted with a level of gory detail that is both captivating and unsettling.
Complementing the visual excellence is the game's exceptional soundtrack, composed of intense, percussion-driven themes, perfectly captures the frantic pace of the combat, urging you to unleash devastating combos and devastating Ninpo attacks.
The sound effects are equally impressive, with each strike of the blade, the thud of a shuriken, and the agonised cries of your foes resonating with a visceral impact that heightens the sense of power and brutality. The voice acting remains a solid component of the overall presentation, with the English dub delivering a suitable level of intensity and emotion.
For those seeking an even more authentic experience, the game also offers the option to switch to the original Japanese voice track, which, despite the lack of lip-sync, provides a more faithful interpretation of the characters and their personalities.
The Verdict
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a triumphant return for the legendary ninja Ryu Hayabusa, delivering an experience that seamlessly blends the franchise's signature brutality with a stunning visual overhaul. This reimagined adventure stands as the definitive version of the 2008 classic, offering the series' infamous difficulty while also introducing a new Hero mode for greater accessibility. Ultimately, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a must-have for action fans and the perfect refresher as we head towards the much-anticipated release of Ninja Gaiden 4 this fall.Final Score: 8.5/10 - Great
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black details
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Genre: Action, Hack-and-Slash
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
A key was provided by the publisher.