Summary
- Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the second game, was just announced.
- It’s available today on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
- Team Ninja aimed to capture the challenge of the original Xbox 360 version, while also introducing elements from the 2021 port, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2.
During the Xbox Developer Direct, Team Ninja announced a surprise remake of the 2008 classic Ninja Gaiden 2, which is available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S for $50 (or £39.99), as well as Game Pass.
You can also play the first three games on Game Pass right now.
Not only is it a remake of the original game, but it also includes “additional elements from spin-off titles released after the original”, and three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. If you struggle at any point, there’s even a new Hero mode that “provides automatic support in challenging situations”.
Why Ninja Gaiden 2?
As for why Team Ninja chose Ninja Gaiden 2 in particular to remake, “The biggest reason […] was to address the concerns of core fans who might be wondering, ‘What’s going to happen to Ryu Hayabusa?’ We also wanted to give players something to enjoy as they wait for the release of Ninja Gaiden 4,” studio head Fumihiko Yasuda said in an Xbox blog post. “We added ‘Black’ to the tile to signal to fans that this is the definitive version, much like Ninja Gaiden Black was for the first game.”
The decision to remake Ninja Gaiden 2 also came from fan feedback regarding the 2021 release of the Master Collection. As such, while it incorporates elements from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, the 2021 port of the second game, it also retains the challenge of the original Xbox 360 version. Team Ninja has even adjusted the weapon upgrade system to “more align with the original release.”
Both Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ninja Gaiden 4 were announced during today’s Xbox Developer Direct to commemorate the 30th anniversary, ie the “Year of the Ninja”. So, starting today, you can dive back into the series while you wait for a brand-new entry, which will arrive this Fall.
