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[Draugoth]

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Game Information​

Game Title: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Jan 23, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Jan 23, 2025)
• PC (Jan 23, 2025)

Trailer:

• NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black - Launch Trailer

Developer: Team Ninja

Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 83 average - 100% recommended - 8 reviews

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Critic Reviews​

AltChar - Tahmid Shihab - 85 / 100

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a must-play for all beat 'em up, hack-and-slash fans. With exceptional combat mechanics, a great story, and a classic gameplay formula, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black smashes it out of the park in my books.

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CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 8.5 / 10

Ninja Gaiden II Black takes an already solid entry into the series and gives it a modern and bloody coat of paint that signals the return of the legendary franchise.

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Cubed3 - Az Elias - 8 / 10

Purists may lament that this isn't a true update of the original Ninja Gaiden II, as Ninja Gaiden II Black uses the Sigma 2 port as its base, but what has been put together here is still an incredibly fulfilling hack and slash action game that absolutely is one of the best in the genre. In a time where more and more franchises are going down the open and freer route, this is a reminder that a more linear and confined approach works wonders for this type of game.

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DualShockers - Jake Valentine - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black reminds us why the franchise was formerly the gold standard for 3D action. It's fast, furious, and a bloody good time. I can't think of a better way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.

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GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 8 / 10

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't the most definitive version of the classic but it will remind you why it's so well-regarded in the first place.

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IGN Spain - Rafa Del Río - Spanish - 8 / 10

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a pleasant surprise for gamers who have been following the Tayabusa clan since the old Tecmo games of the 80-90s. A remastering at the height of the original title that offers about 13-15 hours of fun filled with extreme combat, frenetic action and many game modes as a reward after completing the campaign. The visual and performance improvements allow us to play at 4K 120 FPS turning the game screen into a spectacle of blood, gore and severed limbs.

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The Games Machine - Danilo Dellafrana - Italian - 8.3 / 10

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is not perfect. It tries to make up for the dastardly mistakes made by the Sigma series, but it succeeds only partially and fails to replicate that perfect intensity that Tomonobu Itagaki managed to get right in 2008. It remains, however, the best version of the game currently available on modern systems, thanks in part to Unreal Engine 5, which enhances its aesthetics to excellent levels. It may not be entirely worthy of the Black suffix, but this Ninja Gaiden 2 still deserves your attention as you await the fourth chapter.

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TheGamer - George Foster - 4 / 5

Even with the confusing cut content that hopefully gets added back in at a later date, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the perfect way for newcomers to get into the series with its most action-packed and visceral entry. Veterans are still likely to prefer the ridiculous cruelty of the original game, but most fans are just going to be happy to see Ryu return and right most of Sigma’s wrongs.

 

[Gaiff]

This game needs no introduction. It has the best combat of any action game ever released and is still as sleek and stylish as it was back then. Amazing game with the one issue being the camera. Get it on Xbox 360 if you can, but otherwise, this version is fine too.

 

[adamsapple]

Shadow dropping this on Game Pass day 1 was an amazing get.

 

[coachmcguirk91]

This game needs no introduction. It has the best combat of any action game ever released and is still as sleek and stylish as it was back then. Amazing game with the one issue being the camera. Get it on Xbox 360 if you can, but otherwise, this version is fine too.

Camera is everything. I'm looking forward to NG4, but NG2 is borderline unplayable with that camera

 

[Gaiff]

Camera is everything. I'm looking forward to NG4, but NG2 is borderline unplayable with that camera

Quit bitchin'. This is nothing compared to the cameras we had back then. Looking at YOU Shinobi on PS2.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

$30 on Steam, US and Canada

Buy Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Steam

Buy Ninja Gaiden 2 Black cheaper on Instant Gaming, the place to buy your games at the best price with immediate delivery!

www.instant-gaming.com

 

[thatJohann]

Bought this on a whim, it's alright. The camera and controls could be better but I get it's an old game.

 

[kindaGoth]

Just had an epiphany. The update this game needs is a permanent-death mode. That or even something rogue-like.

No one really wants to play this game on Master Ninja. Not when it comes to some of the more annoying bosses. Deep down we know it to be true.

But oh what tension could be squeezed from playing through on the harder difficulties knowing that every single move counts.

“Rogue-likes” might be trendy right now but if any game’s combat system is deserving of one it’s Ninja Gaiden. It’s also an easy way to freshen up the game with a new unlock system or even more enemy layout variations which this series excels at.

Survive up to the lycanthrope’s castle and you unlock the scythe for your next play through, etc.

Don’t tell me this isn’t a relatively cheap but effective way to give the game new life.

 

[kindaGoth]

Bought this on a whim, it's alright. The camera and controls could be better but I get it's an old game.

If you’re not playing in the hardest mode available at the start and you’re just cruising through the game, it won’t be satisfying at all. Just advice. It’d be like playing a Souls game on an easy mode.

The checkpoints should be a relief.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Just had an epiphany. The update this game needs is a permanent-death mode. That or even something rogue-like.

No one really wants to play this game on Master Ninja. Not when it comes to some of the more annoying bosses. Deep down we know it to be true.

But oh what tension could be squeezed from playing through on the harder difficulties knowing that every single move counts.

“Rogue-likes” might be trendy right now but if any game’s combat system is deserving of one it’s Ninja Gaiden. It’s also an easy way to freshen up the game with a new unlock system or even more enemy layout variations which this series excels at.

Survive up to the lycanthrope’s castle and you unlock the scythe for your next play through, etc.

Don’t tell me this isn’t a relatively cheap but effective way to give the game new life.

Is this your first Ninja Gaiden ?
Also : people absolutely want to play on Master Ninja - just the one from the original X360 release and not this watered down Sigma 2 version.
Shit, this game is a walk in park below Mentor - and even Mentor is ridiculously easy compared to the OG release.

And no, this game doesn't need a perma-death/rogue like mode, LMAO, it just needs the original NG2 enemy count and fuckery added back in - IS ninjas and off-screen spamming included, THAT'S how the game was originally designed, THAT'S how it should be played, adding 2020s bullshit game mechanics (making it a rogue like) isn't what the game needs.

PS: these were some of the WORST 50 Eurodollars I've spent in the last 10+ years, nothing new is added besides the questionable change to the blurry UE5 engine, it absolutely doesn't deserve the "Black" monicker, this, for all intents and purposes is just shitty Sigma 2 with a fresh (but blurry) coat of paint.

Xbox users especially should just buy and play OG NG2 via BC since it's still the best version.

 

[kindaGoth]

Is this your first Ninja Gaiden ?
Also : people absolutely want to play on Master Ninja - just the one from the original X360 release and not this watered down Sigma 2 version.
Shit, this game is a walk in park below Mentor - and even Mentor is ridiculously easy compared to the OG release.

And no, this game doesn't need a perma-death/rogue like mode, LMAO, it just needs the original NG2 enemy count and fuckery added back in - IS ninjas and off-screen spamming included, THAT'S how the game was originally designed, THAT'S how it should be played, adding 2020s bullshit game mechanics (making it a rogue like) isn't what the game needs.

PS: these were some of the WORST 50 Eurodollars I've spent in the last 10+ years, nothing new is added besides the questionable change to the blurry UE5 engine, it absolutely doesn't deserve the "Black" monicker, this, for all intense and purposes is just shitty Sigma 2 with a fresh (but blurry) coat of paint.

Xbox users especially should just buy and play OG NG2 via BC since it's still the best version.

no I’ve played all the mainline games multiple times. I stand by that many people would agree the boss fights and certain encounter are ass which is accentuated when the difficulty rises. No one wants to be stuck on a difficult boss that isn’t fun to fight.

Game def needs a permanent-death mode. In fact every action game needs a permanent death mode. Checkpoints kill the tension for me. In fact, condense the average game length and add remixed modes like NG has been doing for years while they’re at it. And more skateboard modes like we got in MGS2 Substance. It’s 2025 and we don’t have one ninja skateboarding game.

I’m not sure why you’re referring to rogue-like mechanics as “bullshit mechanics”. It’s just a type of gameplay design that can give a fresh spin to many different types of core gameplay. Ninja Gaiden is already perfectly suited to that type of design as well because it relies on high tension combat and knows how to remix a level.

As for comparing this version to the original release, I’m not here to argue this is the superior version. I prefer 2 for the enemy count but this is a good release whereas Sigma 2 is not imo. I’m pretty happy with it overall.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

no I’ve played all the mainline games multiple times. I stand by that many people would agree the boss fights and certain encounter are ass which is accentuated when the difficulty rises. No one wants to be stuck on a difficult boss that isn’t fun to fight.

Game def needs a permanent-death mode. In fact every action game needs a permanent death mode. Checkpoints kill the tension for me. In fact, condense the average game length and add remixed modes like NG has been doing for years while they’re at it. And more skateboard modes like we got in MGS2 Substance. It’s 2025 and we don’t have one ninja skateboarding game.

I’m not sure why you’re referring to rogue-like mechanics as “bullshit mechanics”. It’s just a type of gameplay design that can give a fresh spin to many different types of core gameplay. Ninja Gaiden is already perfectly suited to that type of design as well because it relies on high tension combat and knows how to remix a level.

As for comparing this version to the original release, I’m not here to argue this is the superior version. I prefer 2 for the enemy count but this is a good release whereas Sigma 2 is not imo. I’m pretty happy with it overall.

The fact that checkpoints kill the tension® for you (and many others) is exactly because the game is now piss easy (same as S2) - checkpoints were actually a RELIEF in the original release for the obvious reasons (i.e, difficulty) and they'd give you that dopamine injection everytime you were able to reach one.

This is why I say that there's no need whatsoever for new, dopamine mechanics® as to make the game artificially harder - the OG game was as hard as it needed to be and both S2 and this "Black" version are a testament to how nerfed and easy things are to the point of actually making the game boring.
Adding a rogue like mode like you're suggesting would be like trying to find a fix for an inexistent problem or better yet, a problem that could be fixed just by adding the OG enemy encounters.
Heck, i steamrolled through the game in 6.5 hours on Mentor - it would have taken way more than that in the OG due to the extra difficulty.

I know that they lost the source code for the OG NG2 but, how hard could it be to add more enemies AND the missing extra weapons (water gun/windmill shuriken) to this ?
Then again, this runs on UE5 now and the added enemy count would bring the game to its knees ? I don't know...

Fact remains that OG NG2 is STILL the best version available and at 4K60 on the XSX feels like a proper, actual remaster making this "black" version all the more obsolete/unneeded.

 

[kindaGoth]

The fact that checkpoints kill the tension® for you (and many others) is exactly because the game is now piss easy (same as S2) - checkpoints were actually a RELIEF in the original release for the obvious reasons (i.e, difficulty) and they'd give you that dopamine injection everytime you were able to reach one.

This is why I say that there's no need whatsoever for new, dopamine mechanics® as to make the game artificially harder - the OG game was as hard as it needed to be and both S2 and this "Black" version are a testament to how nerfed and easy things are to the point of actually making the game boring.
Adding a rogue like mode like you're suggesting would be like trying to find a fix for an inexistent problem or better yet, a problem that could be fixed just by adding the OG enemy encounters.
Heck, i steamrolled through the game in 6.5 hours on Mentor - it would have taken way more than that in the OG due to the extra difficulty.

I know that they lost the source code for the OG NG2 but, how hard could it be to add more enemies AND the missing extra weapons (water gun/windmill shuriken) to this ?
Then again, this runs on UE5 now and the added enemy count would bring the game to its knees ? I don't know...

Fact remains that OG NG2 is STILL the best version available and at 4K60 on the XSX feels like a proper, actual remaster making this "black" version all the more obsolete/unneeded.

For me the tension is a matter of consequence. No matter how difficult the scenario may be, there’s not a true sense of tension unless there is something at stake.

Retrying from a checkpoint placed a few minutes prior doesn’t give any sense of loss. It’s challenging but it’s not the same tension you get from something like a FromSoft game when you have “souls” at stake and something to lose. That level of consequence would sit well with NG.

“Dopamine mechanics” would be something like trivial triggers that give you points for doing essentially nothing or bright lights that trigger when you decapitate someone. It sounds like a negative connotation and not something I’d use to describe a perma-death mode.

That said, I agree with your proposition for an increased enemy count and implementation of missing weapons. I just don’t think that’s relevant to my suggestion unless you’re intent of trashing every assessment or comment on this game to proclaim that the original version is superior.

 

[Danknugz]

where's ninja gaiden 1 though, why only remaster part 2?

also, how come there ain't no ninja gaiden white?

 

[Danknugz]

The fact that checkpoints kill the tension® for you (and many others) is exactly because the game is now piss easy (same as S2) - checkpoints were actually a RELIEF in the original release for the obvious reasons (i.e, difficulty) and they'd give you that dopamine injection everytime you were able to reach one.

This is why I say that there's no need whatsoever for new, dopamine mechanics® as to make the game artificially harder - the OG game was as hard as it needed to be and both S2 and this "Black" version are a testament to how nerfed and easy things are to the point of actually making the game boring.
Adding a rogue like mode like you're suggesting would be like trying to find a fix for an inexistent problem or better yet, a problem that could be fixed just by adding the OG enemy encounters.
Heck, i steamrolled through the game in 6.5 hours on Mentor - it would have taken way more than that in the OG due to the extra difficulty.

I know that they lost the source code for the OG NG2 but, how hard could it be to add more enemies AND the missing extra weapons (water gun/windmill shuriken) to this ?
Then again, this runs on UE5 now and the added enemy count would bring the game to its knees ? I don't know...

Fact remains that OG NG2 is STILL the best version available and at 4K60 on the XSX feels like a proper, actual remaster making this "black" version all the more obsolete/unneeded.

everyone talks about the original xbox ninja gaidens difficulty like they are dark souls or something, but i don't rememebr them being that hard and i'm not even particularly good at that kind of ai / monster twitch fighting. crazy that they lost the source code for og ng2.

 

[kindaGoth]

everyone talks about the original xbox ninja gaidens difficulty like they are dark souls or something, but i don't rememebr them being that hard and i'm not even particularly good at that kind of ai / monster twitch fighting. crazy that they lost the source code for og ng2.

It depends on how you approach the game. Souls can be cheesed if you want to level up to an egregious level before moving on. You can trade challenge for monotony and grind.

Ninja Gaiden Black essentially lacks this. You obtain minor upgrades but if you get stuck at a boss - that’s it. You’re not progressing unless you can overcome them with what the game has given you.

Souls games are still a high bar to compete with in terms of difficulty but the reputation for NG is also relative to other third-person action games in the genre. It’s rare that enemies in action games pursue you as rigorously as they do in NG.

Aside from that, the difficulty is also admittedly amplified by the occasional crappy camera or ridiculous spam seen in NG2.

 

[Arachnid]

Camera is everything. I'm looking forward to NG4, but NG2 is borderline unplayable with that camera

If you haven't already, turn camera warp on.

No one really wants to play this game on Master Ninja. Not when it comes to some of the more annoying bosses. Deep down we know it to be true.

 

[kindaGoth]

If you haven't already, turn camera warp on.

I made the mistake of attacking Master Ninja mode unnecessarily. It wasn’t even essential to my argument. Could this be my Biden moment?

 

[Arachnid]

I made the mistake of attacking Master Ninja mode unnecessarily. It wasn’t even essential to my argument. Could this be my Biden moment?

The rest of your argument was great, but since you included that L statement, I will disregard the rest and only focus on that statement

Your bloodline is weak

 

[NeverYouMind]

For me the tension is a matter of consequence. No matter how difficult the scenario may be, there’s not a true sense of tension unless there is something at stake.

Retrying from a checkpoint placed a few minutes prior doesn’t give any sense of loss. It’s challenging but it’s not the same tension you get from something like a FromSoft game when you have “souls” at stake and something to lose. That level of consequence would sit well with NG.

“Dopamine mechanics” would be something like trivial triggers that give you points for doing essentially nothing or bright lights that trigger when you decapitate someone. It sounds like a negative connotation and not something I’d use to describe a perma-death mode.

That said, I agree with your proposition for an increased enemy count and implementation of missing weapons. I just don’t think that’s relevant to my suggestion unless you’re intent of trashing every assessment or comment on this game to proclaim that the original version is superior.

Change saves to manual and do not use them. There is your perma-death mode.

 

[kindaGoth]

Change saves to manual and do not use them. There is your perma-death mode.

I’m very high maintenance. Can’t be asked to implement my own rules. That’s like tickling yourself.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Just came here to say that I love 3DNG and so happy to see it back on the menu.

 

[rkofan87]

Just came here to say that I love 3DNG and so happy to see it back on the menu.

nes ng needs a come back as well

 

[rkofan87]

where's ninja gaiden 1 though, why only remaster part 2?

also, how come there ain't no ninja gaiden white?

the master 1 and 3 are fine.

 

[DeVeAn]

I don't know guys after playing OG2 and 2 Black, OG2 has some absolute bullshit. Worm boss in the tunnel yikes. The 2 flying dragons in Chapter 9 are so annoying. and the camera during bosses is awful. I would love more enemies but the other changes are for the better.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

everyone talks about the original xbox ninja gaidens difficulty like they are dark souls or something, but i don't rememebr them being that hard and i'm not even particularly good at that kind of ai / monster twitch fighting. crazy that they lost the source code for og ng2.

"Like they are Dark Souls or something"
Man, I must be getting fucking old, the generational gap is just something else

Also to all millennials in here, The ninja Gaidens were the motherfucking OG "masocore" games before everyone and their grandmas started liking and playing souls-likes.

I'll say it before and I'll say it again : FROM software games have done more harm than actual good.

 

[OverHeat]

Chapter 17…I don’t want it to end

 

[Danknugz]

"Like they are Dark Souls or something"
Man, I must be getting fucking old, the generational gap is just something else

Also to all millennials in here, The ninja Gaidens were the motherfucking OG "masocore" games before everyone and their grandmas started liking and playing souls-likes.

I'll say it before and I'll say it again : FROM software games have done more harm than actual good.

never played dark souls myself not really my thing but yeah

 

[NeverYouMind]

I don't know guys after playing OG2 and 2 Black, OG2 has some absolute bullshit. Worm boss in the tunnel yikes. The 2 flying dragons in Chapter 9 are so annoying. and the camera during bosses is awful. I would love more enemies but the other changes are for the better.

Worm boss is free essence just like the Tests of Valor. All you need to do for it is run into cover first time the worm comes around. After that just charge up your Ultimate Technique and let it rip once it comes around again. The flying dragons are more interesting than the grounded slow poke in Sigma version. The design basically wants you to jump shot the flying demons and quickly charge Ultimate Technique bow shots on landing. If you tweak the default sensitivity for aiming it can be very intuitive.

 

[DenimDevil]

I loved Ninja Gaiden Black but never played 2. I'm on XSX, should I get the original or this one?

 

[NeverYouMind]

I loved Ninja Gaiden Black but never played 2. I'm on XSX, should I get the original or this one?

If you don't have a PC version to mod then definitely go with the enhanced original. Its image quality is cleaner. Its projectile system is more nuanced. Its levels have adventure elements like switches and corresponding environmental changes. It is also a better focused experience that is not sidetracked by mandatory retreads of levels with not well implemented female warriors.

 

[DeVeAn]

Worm boss is free essence just like the Tests of Valor. All you need to do for it is run into cover first time the worm comes around. After that just charge up your Ultimate Technique and let it rip once it comes around again. The flying dragons are more interesting than the grounded slow poke in Sigma version. The design basically wants you to jump shot the flying demons and quickly charge Ultimate Technique bow shots on landing. If you tweak the default sensitivity for aiming it can be very intuitive.

I can respect that. I just don't enjoy when the game design almost forces you to play a specific way. I have all these tools but only "one" will work well. The flying dragons were so annoying and felt like I hit a wall. Found that the Void ninpo is what takes them out easily.

 

[Timberwolf25]

If you haven't already, turn camera warp on.

What does Camera warp do? I'll eventually come back to try it on mentor.
I turn on and off the camera assist based on boss encounters. I find it helpful for single boss encounters, but a hindrance when there are multiple enemies on screen.

 

[NeverYouMind]

I can respect that. I just don't enjoy when the game design almost forces you to play a specific way. I have all these tools but only "one" will work well. The flying dragons were so annoying and felt like I hit a wall. Found that the Void ninpo is what takes them out easily.

I personally viewed it as upping the ante on the city's demon train boss.

 

[Timberwolf25]

If you don't have a PC version to mod then definitely go with the enhanced original. Its image quality is cleaner. Its projectile system is more nuanced. Its levels have adventure elements like switches and corresponding environmental changes. It is also a better focused experience that is not sidetracked by mandatory retreads of levels with not well implemented female warriors.

I agree with most of that, but I do have fun with Ayane and Momoji. I wouldn't mind being able to do the whole campaign with either of them. Rachel is so meh that I wish I could just skip that chapter.

 

[Metnut]

Never played any of these. Is this similar to the NES games? If not, would i still enjoy it?

 

[DeVeAn]

I loved Ninja Gaiden Black but never played 2. I'm on XSX, should I get the original or this one?

If you have Gamepass 2 Black is included. Otherwise I say both are worth playing.

 

[NeverYouMind]

I agree with most of that, but I do have fun with Ayane and Momoji. I wouldn't mind being able to do the whole campaign with either of them. Rachel is so meh that I wish I could just skip that chapter.

Ayane is amusing as a Ryu-lite but Momiji is a pain and Rachel is downright terrible relative to her Ninja Gaiden Sigma version.

 

[DeVeAn]

Never played any of these. Is this similar to the NES games? If not, would i still enjoy it?

If you like 3D action games, Ninja Gaiden Black and any version of 2 are must plays in that genre. Somewhat similar to DMC/ Bayonetta, but also different.

 

[Timberwolf25]

Ayane is amusing as a Ryu-lite but Momiji is a pain and Rachel is downright terrible relative to her Ninja Gaiden Sigma version.

I felt Momiji had potential, but with so short a chapter, we never got to find out.
It something I'd like just for a variety and a change of pace as well as for the challenge.

I can imagine it would be tough af to beat the game with the ladies especially since you only have their default weapons.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

So boys, what can we expect from the upcoming patch ? The devs/director mentioned "balance" changes but I can't imagine how much more nerfing eeerm, "balance" they can apply to this piece of shit "remake" - would implementing the enemy encounters/numbers of OG feasible ? Is UE5 actually capable of that on this hardware or would the engine shit itself and go back to running at 10-15 FPS in the staircase scenario like in OG ?
Also, while we're at it, why can't they implement the old secondary weapons like the water gun and windmill shuriken ? I get the lack of water gun since all water based levels are now basically empty (like in Sigma 2) but why was the shuriken removed ?
The cannon btw is absolutely worthless, don't know what they were thinking when the implemented it in Sigma 2, and oh, the water dragon boss remains to this day one the most unneeded and stupid changes ever made in a game since it devolved into almost QTE levels of brain dead bullshit.

Christ, the more I think of it, the more disappointed I get with this hackjob of a game - I should have spent the 50 Euros on socks, cheap underwear...or a toothless hooker ffs - it would have been at least money well spent that way

 

[NeverYouMind]

I felt Momiji had potential, but with so short a chapter, we never got to find out.
It something I'd like just for a variety and a change of pace as well as for the challenge.

I can imagine it would be tough af to beat the game with the ladies especially since you only have their default weapons.

The issues I have with her are mostly related to mobility and combos going nowhere. Spamming aerial ultimate technique, while entertaining at first, gets old before the chapter ends. She is much better implemented in Razor's Edge.

 

[Timberwolf25]

The issues I have with her are mostly related to mobility and combos going nowhere. Spamming aerial ultimate technique, while entertaining at first, gets old before the chapter ends. She is much better implemented in Razor's Edge.

Cool. I'm currently playing RE. I haven't gotten to use her yet

 

[kindaGoth]

"Like they are Dark Souls or something"
Man, I must be getting fucking old, the generational gap is just something else

Also to all millennials in here, The ninja Gaidens were the motherfucking OG "masocore" games before everyone and their grandmas started liking and playing souls-likes.

I'll say it before and I'll say it again : FROM software games have done more harm than actual good.

I agree up until the last bit. No way they’ve done more harm than good. A game like Elden Ring being a top seller in the industry is all but necessary in the current gaming climate. Single player, doesn’t hold your hand, you only pay one time.

What’s the issue? The occasional copycat?

 

[SkylineRKR]

So boys, what can we expect from the upcoming patch ? The devs/director mentioned "balance" changes but I can't imagine how much more nerfing eeerm, "balance" they can apply to this piece of shit "remake" - would implementing the enemy encounters/numbers of OG feasible ? Is UE5 actually capable of that on this hardware or would the engine shit itself and go back to running at 10-15 FPS in the staircase scenario like in OG ?
Also, while we're at it, why can't they implement the old secondary weapons like the water gun and windmill shuriken ? I get the lack of water gun since all water based levels are now basically empty (like in Sigma 2) but why was the shuriken removed ?
The cannon btw is absolutely worthless, don't know what they were thinking when the implemented it in Sigma 2, and oh, the water dragon boss remains to this day one the most unneeded and stupid changes ever made in a game since it devolved into almost QTE levels of brain dead bullshit.

Christ, the more I think of it, the more disappointed I get with this hackjob of a game - I should have spent the 50 Euros on socks, cheap underwear...or a toothless hooker ffs - it would have been at least money well spent that way

This game is pretty close to a fraud. They clearly got NG fans on notice with this shadow drop removing the Sigma name and adding just the Black moniker. They blatantly stated they restored the original game with some additions. But this is 100% sigma with slightly tweaked damage and added gore. The game logic is Sigma. Black should be an ultimate version of the 360 game, with explosive kunai (they are incredibly fun to use), bow UT, windmill shuriken etc. Not with a completely butchered projectile game, whats the purpose of this cannon? It does the same damage and distance as the bow. They have no ammo management, no UT's.. nothing. Just shoot repeatedly. And a worse targeting system as a bonus. Gigadeath (chapter 3 boss) was shit in the original, but I felt relieved when I beat him. In this game they might as well have axed him completely. There is nothing to this fight, he does basically jack shit. You can close your eyes and auto shoot him for a minute.

In the end you are playing Sigma 2 yet again, which had released on the Master Collection together with the quite excellent NG Sigma 1 and Razors Edge for the same price or cheaper than this. I beat the game, got rid of it and I am now playing the original a lot. If anything it got me hooked to this franchise again which is good.

The Patch? Don't expect them to change the game's core. They won't suddenly let you tread water and fight the dragon as intended, they won't add Bow UT or other projectiles, they won't add ammo pick ups and purchases, they won't lock doors and add interactivity to these otherwise barren stages. They -could- increase some enemies in other difficulties and they -might- change damage numbers or lower reqs for delimb (and this is absolutely needed for the women). Those things should be easy to implement and I feel they already did do this to some extent as opposed to Sigma 2. But I don't expect a whole lot. Rather, I expect them to fix some graphics, bugs, performance and control issues. We will see.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

I agree up until the last bit. No way they’ve done more harm than good. A game like Elden Ring being a top seller in the industry is all but necessary in the current gaming climate. Single player, doesn’t hold your hand, you only pay one time.

What’s the issue? The occasional copycat?

The issue is the infinite bullshit and obnoxious "git gud" and "skill issue" memes that they spawned, the fact that everything has to be compared to them , the fact that newer generations think that they discovered the Americas in that they think they're the "OG" difficult games (lol), the fact that all copycats started copying even the horrid buttons assignments (O for dodge/right stick in to lock on etc) and idiotic mechanics (lore told via item descriptions/vague as fuck stories/lore), the fact that their fanboys feel more than a sect than actual fans in that the company can do no wrong, the fact that everything has to be a souls-like® nowadays and so on so forth...

Don't get me wrong, I started playing FROM games from the PS2 era (missed the PSX ones) and I must have played through all of their catalog but, I just can't stand the fact that they've reached this..."cult" status even though they're always 1 gen behind when it comes to tech no matter the fact that they're swimming in cash after the Bamco acquisition.
Also, they have one of the most - if not the most - obnoxious and toxic fans in the industry doing a constant circle jerk comprised of - mostly - millennials thinking they're cool shit 'cause they like "hard" games.

I wish time travel was a thing so that we could transport them back to the 8bit era with games like Ninja Gaiden, Castlevania, Megaman, Silver surfer, Battletoads etc to make them see what really "hard" games were/are like.

Also : I just didn't jive with Elden Ring, it was basically DS4 with shittier and more high Fantasy art-direction in an open world (and already looking dated on release day).

Cheers

PS: Sekiro and Bloodborne are their best game so far IMO

 

[Killer8]

nes ng needs a come back as well

It kind of is:

 

[rkofan87]

It kind of is:

well yes but i want the 3 nes ones in a collection for everything not just on nso.

 

[kindaGoth]

Cheers

PS: Sekiro and Bloodborne are their best game so far IMO

As much as I love Sekiro I wish it was the originally intended Tenchu.

 

[octos]

This game is pretty close to a fraud. They clearly got NG fans on notice with this shadow drop removing the Sigma name and adding just the Black moniker. They blatantly stated they restored the original game with some additions. But this is 100% sigma with slightly tweaked damage and added gore. The game logic is Sigma. Black should be an ultimate version of the 360 game, with explosive kunai (they are incredibly fun to use), bow UT, windmill shuriken etc. Not with a completely butchered projectile game, whats the purpose of this cannon? It does the same damage and distance as the bow. They have no ammo management, no UT's.. nothing. Just shoot repeatedly. And a worse targeting system as a bonus. Gigadeath (chapter 3 boss) was shit in the original, but I felt relieved when I beat him. In this game they might as well have axed him completely. There is nothing to this fight, he does basically jack shit. You can close your eyes and auto shoot him for a minute.

In the end you are playing Sigma 2 yet again, which had released on the Master Collection together with the quite excellent NG Sigma 1 and Razors Edge for the same price or cheaper than this. I beat the game, got rid of it and I am now playing the original a lot. If anything it got me hooked to this franchise again which is good.

The Patch? Don't expect them to change the game's core. They won't suddenly let you tread water and fight the dragon as intended, they won't add Bow UT or other projectiles, they won't add ammo pick ups and purchases, they won't lock doors and add interactivity to these otherwise barren stages. They -could- increase some enemies in other difficulties and they -might- change damage numbers or lower reqs for delimb (and this is absolutely needed for the women). Those things should be easy to implement and I feel they already did do this to some extent as opposed to Sigma 2. But I don't expect a whole lot. Rather, I expect them to fix some graphics, bugs, performance and control issues. We will see.

I agree with you. I actually lost money because I bought this game directly when I saw the trailer and "BLACK" in the name.
Still a great game, but the problem is that it's nowhere near as good as NG2 from 16 years ago, and even NG Sigma 2 on PS3, released 15 years ago, is better, because it has online co-op, which this release doesn't have.