Summary
Some gamers are taking issue with the increased file size ofNinja Gaiden 2 Black, a new remaster of the 2008 game. Xbox recently held its impressive Developer Direct showcase where it dove deep into several big games it has coming this year, likeDoom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight,andClair Obscur: Expedition 33. Its secret fourth game turned out to be the reveal ofNinja Gaiden 4, which is being made in collaboration with the original handler of the franchise, Team Ninja, as well as with PlatinumGames. ANinja Gaiden 2 Blackremaster was also revealed alongside of it and was subsequently shadow-dropped, leading to even moreNinja Gaidenbuzz.
Since last year’s Xbox Developer Direct didn’t have a shadow-drop, it’s nice to see one happen again afterHi-Fi Rush’s famous stealth launch two years ago.Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis the fourth iteration ofNinja Gaiden 2to be released. The original came out in 2008 as an exclusive for Xbox 360, coming to other platforms in 2009 asNinja Gaiden Sigma 2. A PlayStation Vita port, namedNinja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus,was released in 2013, andSigma 2was also included in2021’sNinja Gaiden Master Collection. Now, fans have an even better-looking version of the action classic on modern consoles inNinja Gaiden 2 Black.
It seemsNinja Gaiden 2 Black’s file size is causing some stress from players after the game’s recent shadow release. Many are upset over the game’s huge 86 GB size, which is several times larger than the original 2008 game that weighed in at a light 7 GB.Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, which includes theSigmaversions of all three original titles, is only 14 GB.Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis only 10 GB lighter thanTeam Ninja’s 2024 PS5 exclusiveRise of the Ronin, and around the same size as 2020’sNioh 2.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black’s File Size is Over 80 GB
In all likelihood,Ninja Gaiden 2 Black’s bloated file size is due to its graphical improvements, as it’s currently the most up-to-date-looking version of the game yet. Still, 80+ GB for a remaster is perhaps too large, especially considering it’s not an open world game. Whether poor optimization or just thedemanding shift to Unreal Engine 5, gamers will need to make sure to clear up space if they want to dive into the remastered action classic; perhaps a future patch may shrink the size. WithNinja Gaiden 2 Black’s large file size, it’s easy to imagineNinja Gaiden 4’s file size being even larger as an all-new entry in the series.
Branded “Year of the Ninja” by Koei Tecmo, 2025 is slated to be a massive year forNinja Gaidenwith three big games. One of them,Ninja Gaiden 2 Black,is already available, andfans can also look forward toNinja Gaiden: Ragebound, a 2D action sidescroller made by theBlaspehemousdevs, The Game Kitchen, due out sometime this year. Of course, the biggest of the three,Ninja Gaiden 4,is currently aiming for the Fall and would round out an unprecedented year for fans of the franchise.
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.
