PLATFORM: PC, PS5, XBOX SERIES (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
This third iteration of the beloved Ninja Gaiden II combines the best elements of the 2008 original and its updated 2009 PS3 version, NG Sigma 2, and throws in a whole load of new enhancements to form the very best – although not quite definitive – version of the game.
The story hasn’t been altered in any way, following Ryu Hayabusa’s efforts to track down a statue that has been stolen by the nefarious Black Spider Ninja Clan. Starting off in a stunning futuristic version of Tokyo, Ryu’s mission takes him to South America and back to Japan and eventually the Underworld, fighting all manner of demons, monsters and supernatural entities. The plot might be the same, but elsewhere, the blood and gore that had been removed in Sigma 2 has been reinstated, although a couple of boss fights that were introduced in that version of the game are absent here. Enemy placement has been rebalanced, making Black slightly less overwhelming than the original, yet much busier than Sigma 2, and of course with this being a remaster, everything looks and sounds much brighter, cleaner and more punchy than before.
It’s still a punishingly difficult game, though – every encounter is fast and chaotic, and the slightest mistake can lead to not only losing your momentum but also, unless you can turn things around quickly, almost certain death. Hayabusa’s arsenal of melee and ranged weapons are an absolute blast to use, but despite the deceptively simple control scheme – you’ll mainly rely on simple two-button combos and a block button, along with a few special powers – it might take a bit of effort and concentration to fully master your abilities. It’s worth making the effort though, as NG2B‘s combat is some of the most frantic and exhilarating in the series so far.
An excellent jumping-in point for newcomers to the series, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the most accessible entry for those who have yet to experience Ryu Hayabusa’s brand of chaos. It rarely falters, and provides a tantalising glimpse at what might lie in store when Ninja Gaiden 4 releases later this year. Fantastic stuff!
