As most diehard fans will know,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis not the firstNinja Gaiden 2re-releasethat’s been made. About one year after the launch of the Xbox 360 version of the game, Koei Tecmo released a new edition ofNinja Gaiden 2calledNinja Gaiden Sigma 2, exclusively for the PlayStation 3. This enhanced edition was later ported over to the PlayStation Vita under the nameNinja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus. Interestingly, all three versions of the game are slightly different from each other, and all have their own exclusive features.Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis, unfortunately, not a one-to-one remake of any of these versions, since it does not include all the content from eitherNinja Gaiden 2orNinja Gaiden Sigma 2.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is Not Exactly the Same as Sigma 2 or Ninja Gaiden 2
Despite Its Name, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Shares More in Common With Sigma 2 Than the Original
The wordBlackinNinja Gaiden 2 Black’s name seemingly suggests that it’s a reworked version of the original, Xbox 360 port ofNinja Gaiden2. Koei Tecmo did, after all, call the 2005 enhanced re-release ofthe first 3DNinja Gaidengame,Ninja Gaiden Black. In spite of the similarity in names, though, this is not the case. Instead of being based off the 360 version ofNinja Gaiden 2,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis actually built on the source code ofNinja Gaiden Sigma 2. This is evident just by looking at the content that’s missing from this new, remade edition of the game.
The originalNinja Gaiden 2was famous for its intense difficulty and high enemy count. Hostile enemies would fill the screen at certain points in the game, which made it incredibly difficult to avoid getting hit.Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, however, shaked things up significantly by lowering the enemy density in most of the game’s levels and making it easier to play as a whole. To top it all off, it got rid ofNinja Gaiden 2’sblood and dismemberment features, along with some other notable pieces of content.
Ninja Gaiden 2Blackdoes have gore effects, but it still doesn’t include most of the features that were removed fromSigma 2. The New Game Plus mode, the Tests of Valor challenges, the Mission Mode DLCs, the Giant Death Worm boss battle, and the recolored Black Falcon costumes that were present inthe originalNinja Gaiden 2are not included inNinja Gaiden Sigma 2and, in turn,Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Even the enemy density inNinja Gaiden 2 Black, which is higher compared toSigma 2, is still not on par with the Xbox 360 version of the game.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Doesn’t Include All of the Content that Sigma 2 Has
Although it containssome of thecontent fromNinja GaidenSigma 2, such as the Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel story chapters, the Team Tag missions, and the Bow, among others,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blacklacks many of the unique features that it had. These include the Giant Buddha Statue and Statue of Liberty bonus bosses, the Ninja Race mode (introduced in the Vita port of the game), andeven the Co-Op Mode. With this in mind, it’s best to think ofNinja Gaiden 2 Blacknot as a remake of any prior iteration of the game, but rather as a more graphically-impressive version ofSigma 2that attempts to emulate the feelof its original Xbox 360 counterpart.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
WHERE TO PLAY
Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who has inherited the legendary “Dragon Sword” and takes on battles across the world, in this graphic remaster of the popular high-speed ninja action title that returns after 15 years!1. The world of “NINJA GAIDEN 2” remastered with rich visuals!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.2. High-speed x violent action further evolved with the latest graphic expressions!Gore elements such as dismemberment and blood have been remastered to enhance the action experience. Players can enjoy high-speed, violent action using a wide variety of weapons and techniques, including Japanese swords, shurikens, Kusari-gamas, and tonfas.Note: The dismemberment feature can be toggled on and off in the Options menu.3. Additional characters, mode for beginners, and elements from subsequent spin-off titles are also included!This remaster includes additional elements from spin-off titles released after the original. Players can control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. The game also includes “HERO PLAY STYLE” mode that provides automatic support in challenging situations, making it accessible for those who may not be confident in their action skills.
