Is Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Worth It? Review

There have been expectations and rumors regarding the release of a new Ninja Gaiden game but now, it is official with the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. The developer KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Has shadow dropped Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and also announced the release of the next mainline Ninja Gaiden game. It is not just a simple rerelease but rather received a major visual revamp. It’s the type of rerelease that exists between remaster and remake.

All of it raises a question, is it a complete remake and definitive version of the Ninja Gaiden 2? It’s not a complete definitive experience but it does elevate the experience that the original game was providing. There are places when the differences between the revamp and the original make it seem a completely different game. Despite that, it sticks close to what you would expect from a revamp. All of it brings us to the question Is Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Worth It? Let’s find out.

The Catch

Keeping all that in mind, it brings us to a query, Is it fun? From a general standpoint absolutely but it also depends on the type of player you are. It is a fast-paced yet challenging experience with extensive combat systems and skill-based combat. The pacing level, design, and bosses elevate the overall experience.

 

 

Premise

The story is not the central focus which is not something unexpected at all. People play these types of games for the combat that it offers not the story. Despite that, there is still a decent enough story to Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. It starts off with CIA agent Sonia being captured by the Black Spider Ninja clan.

Ryu Hayabusa then goes out on a quest as he fights against different enemies to save her. He eventually meets Elizabeth and that’s when he learns about the four great artifacts that were stolen from his village. Ryu Hayabusa then goes out on a quest to retrieve these artifacts.

More Than A Remaster

The cinematics have been remastered and the cinematics are damn good ones. Whether Hayabusa is jumping, going through buildings, or fighting off against bosses, all of it feels good. Even though Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is not a complete remake, it is still way better than what you would expect from a remaster. The shadows, texture, environment, and others look really good. Character models look a lot better and have more details even if animations remain the same.

Combat

The meat of the gameplay is combat and it is the game’s best aspect. Each weapon not only looks good but plays well as well. Each weapon provides a different play style. From smacking multiple enemies with the staff to stabbing enemies with claws to throwing enemies over the head or onto the walls all offer a fun play. You can slice through multiple enemies or launch an enemy in the air and smash their head onto the ground.

There is also the option of wall running during attacks since you can smoothly transition between different attacks. All of it gives you enough reason and use the environment to your leverage.

 

 

Ranged weapons bring more variety to combat in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Some of the attacks from ranged weapons can attack multiple enemies and even dismember them. It can result in obliteration which can absolutely destroy a limbless enemy in execution style. It is amazing to see how it brings back the stuff from the original game. Unleashing the ultimate and then watching opponents being decimated is really satisfying.

Enemies

Enemies can interrupt your attacks, they will sometimes even relentlessly attack or grapple you to break your guard. At times, if you don’t obliterate them they will explode which will cause damage. Dodging, blocking, and counter-attacking while moving is the key to success.

The number of enemies here is high, which can even seem more than the original at times. It might sound trivial but it makes a huge difference in some fights. Some fights against magic wielders or powerful enemies can be challenging. There are also rooms where additional enemies start to enter once you have emptied it. The random spawn can make it a challenging experience.

Enemies have increased health which can sometimes prompt responses like how is that guy alive after so many combos? It can have an impact on how you approach an enemy to finish it off in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. It also depends on the type of player you are.

It is worth noting that your health also plays an important part in the combat. Completing an encounter will recover your health but there is a limit, if you take enough damage then you won’t be able to recover part of your health.  Save points and health potions can recover that lost health.

 

 

Lacking Features

There are also some features missing such as online stuff so don’t expect any co-op. Modes such as Ninja Race and others are also missing. There is still Tag Mission but this time you will be playing with an NPC. The improvements such as spending essence on weapon upgrades offer a welcome change. It can feel somewhat easier than the original since there are more healing items and checkpoints. Don’t get me wrong the bosses will still shred you but I am just comparing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black to the original. You can also fine-tune it through difficulty options.

Verdict

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a good game but it is not the replacement of the experience that you can get from the original. Removal of gameplay modes and changes that it brings matter, considering the price tag of the game. There is still fun to be had and despite all its negatives, it is a good way to play the game on modern hardware with better graphics. It has the best hack-and-slash that you would expect from a Ninja Gaiden game. There are more positives for the game and fewer negatives which speaks for its merits.

 

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