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Ryu Hayabusa Unleashed: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black’s Stunning Remaster Slashes Back!

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Ryu Hayabusa returns after a long absence, having not left a particularly impressive mark with the pairing of Ninja Gaiden 3 and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (though Ryu was reduced to a brief appearance in the latter). Following this, we’ve seen remasters compiled in the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, but Team Ninja hasn’t quite reached the greatness of Ninja Gaiden Black and the original Ninja Gaiden 2. The remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a reimagining of the 2008 ninja massacre (or more accurately, the 2009 release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2), aspires to correct past shortcomings, and in a sense, it’s a quiet step in the right direction for the ninja.

In essence, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black appears to be a fusion of strengths from Ninja Gaiden 2 and its Sigma 2 variant, serving as a clear declaration from Team Ninja that Ninja Gaiden Black set the standard for its game, and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black aims to match this. However, it has some areas where it could be improved; for instance, the color palette seems less vibrant compared to the original, and the camera remains as unpredictable and active as ever. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that it is a significant enhancement over Sigma 2. It eliminates unnecessary boss battles like those with the Giant Buddha Statue: Hatensoku and The Statue of Liberty, while keeping the intense battle against The Dark Dragon. Moreover, it restores the gruesome combat that was missed in the previous version.

The defining factor that makes Ninja Gaiden stand out is its brutal intensity. In Sigma 2, the combat felt less impactful, as dismembering enemies would result in a weak, purple mist emanating from the stumps and neck holes. However, with the return of severance and gruesome violence in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, this game truly shines, embracing its PEGI 18 rating by drenching every fight in vivid red blood. The graphical upgrade, thanks to Unreal Engine 5, is also quite impressive, boasting improved lighting and a higher level of detail. Even though the environmental colors have been slightly muted, you’re unlikely to notice unless you’re directly comparing this new version with the original.

As it turns out, nearly seventeen years after its release, Ninja Gaiden 2 continues to impress. However, I’m not entirely convinced that the Black version offers a significant enough upgrade, if we can even call it an upgrade. If you’re new to the series, you might as well start with this one, although the original still holds the upper hand.

Despite this, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black remains an outstanding game, characterized by swift and responsive combat. Acquiring scrolls from defeated ninjas enhances Hayabusa’s repertoire, gradually introducing new skills, along with a variety of deadly ninja weapons as you advance. However, none of these new abilities quite match the versatility of the ever-reliable Dragon Sword, except perhaps for the striking Falcon’s Talons.

In the game of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, you can enhance your weapons at Muramasa shops by collecting currency from defeated foes and items found in crates. This allows for a great deal of customization, readying you for the upcoming challenges. If you’re acquainted with NG2 from its 2008 version, you might find that these challenges aren’t as demanding as they once were. The game offers an easier ‘Hero Play’ mode, making it more accessible. However, Acolyte (Normal) and Warrior (Hard) levels seem to be the sweet spot – this is likely how many traditionalists will play the game. The hardcore players can choose Mentor and Master Ninja difficulties, which are unrelenting. Despite these adjustments, there are fewer adversaries in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, making combat less frantic and more manageable overall.

In the game “Sigma 2”, the Ninja Race has been removed from the version called “Black” as well. To be honest, I won’t miss the thrill of racing through each level against the clock. However, unlockable playable characters do return, even though they have fewer costumes, which falls short of making “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” the ultimate edition of “Ninja Gaiden 2“. I’d contend that the original game from 2008 is still “Ninja Gaiden 2“, as it remains just as captivating and delightfully difficult as when it first came out. While “Black” is a fantastic game on its own, it doesn’t quite capture the edge that Team Ninja’s sharp sequel had back then.

Ninja Gaiden 2: Black Edition remains an enjoyable play, particularly if you’re new to the adventures of Ryu Hayabusa and the Black Spider cult. In my opinion, the 2008 release is the superior game, but this updated version will surely leave you eager for the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4 later this year.

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2025-02-03 20:15

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