The announcement of “Ninja Gaiden 4” during this week’s Xbox Developer Direct was already enough to get my heart racing, but the unexpected reveal of “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black,” a remaster of the franchise’s legendary sequel, was the ultimate surprise. Even better, the remaster was shadow-dropped, becoming instantly available, a bold move that caught fans and myself completely off guard. This time powered by Unreal Engine 5, “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” isn’t just a touch-up; it’s a comprehensive overhaul that transforms the 15-year-old classic into a visual powerhouse. This remaster goes beyond simple nostalgia, delivering a definitive version of “Ninja Gaiden 2” with updated graphics, additional playable characters, and gameplay tweaks that modernize the experience without abandoning its roots.
Stepping into the role of Ryu Hayabusa again felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Armed with the legendary Dragon Sword, I was instantly thrust into high-octane battles across a beautifully reimagined world. The remaster doesn’t just improve the visuals, it completely redefines them. Each stage, character model, and particle effect has been redesigned with stunning attention to detail, creating a world that feels alive and immersive. The lighting effects alone are jaw-dropping, making every fight sequence a cinematic spectacle. It’s remarkable how much Unreal Engine 5 has elevated the presentation, if no one was familiar with this game they’d be none the wiser that this wasn’t a brand-new entry to the series rather than a game from 2008. As far as the gameplay goes, the combat remains as fast, visceral, and rewarding as ever. You’ll be able to wield an arsenal of deadly weapons ranging from the iconic Japanese sword to shurikens, tonfas, and Kusari-gamas. One notable enhancement is the remaster’s approach to gore. The dismemberment system, infamous in the original, has been refined for modern tastes, and for those who prefer a less brutal experience, this feature can even be toggled off in the options menu. Personally, I found the over-the-top violence to be a core part of the adrenaline-pumping action, it’s chaotic, messy, and gloriously satisfying. Show me that blood!
One of the standout features of this remaster is the inclusion of new playable characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. Each brings a unique fighting style and adds something new to this package that’s not just visual. The HERO PLAY STYLE mode is another thoughtful addition, offering automatic support for gamers who might struggle with the game’s notorious difficulty. As someone who has always found the Ninja Gaiden series punishing, I appreciated this option, it allowed me to revisit the challenge at my own pace without compromising the core intensity of the experience (as well as helping me get this review out faster). Of course, the challenge itself is a hallmark of the franchise, and this remaster doesn’t pull any punches. Within minutes, I was reminded of just how brutal Ninja Gaiden can be. Enemies are relentless, and bosses demand near-flawless precision. That said, “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” stays true to its roots, both for better and for worse. The lack of a lock-on system, for example, remains a glaring omission. In frantic battles against multiple enemies, targeting specific foes can feel like trying to thread a needle during an earthquake. To make matters worse, the game’s chaotic camera often struggles to keep up, leaving me momentarily disoriented in the heat of combat. These issues are remnants of the original design, and while they’re not deal-breakers, they do highlight the game’s age. Another quirk that stood out was how much the enemies resemble Ryu himself. In larger battles, it wasn’t uncommon to lose track of which ninja was me, especially when the action got hectic. While this added a strange, almost comical layer of challenge, it’s something that could’ve been addressed in a remaster of this caliber.
Despite its rough edges, “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” is a masterclass in what a remaster should strive to be. It feels like more than just a visual upgrade; it’s a near-remake that lovingly rebuilds the original, respecting its legacy while pushing it into the modern era. Revisiting this title was like opening a time capsule, one that transported me back to the days when Ninja Gaiden defined action games. It also left me more excited than ever for “Ninja Gaiden 4,” which I suspect was the whole point of this project. If you’re a fan of the franchise or someone who appreciates a challenging, high-speed action game, “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” deserves your attention. While this was reviewed on PS5 it does cost a hefty fifty bucks, which I still think is worth it, but it’s worth noting that this is playable for free via Xbox Game Pass. But yeah, don’t overlook this one, the refined visuals, new features, and sheer respect for the original make this a must-play for both veterans and newcomers alike. Just be prepared, this ninja still doesn’t pull its punches.
9/10
For more information, visit HERE
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
More Stories
DreadOut: Remastered Collection Review for PlayStation 5
Fatshark Releases 2nd Free Level Update ‘Devious Delvings’ for Owners of Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Out Today for Consoles and PC