Team Ninja has recently rolled out a substantial update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating it to version 1.0.7.0. This update introduces a host of new features and improvements, including New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and more, directly responding to fan feedback from January. The patch is now available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
New Game Plus is a standout feature, allowing players to kick off a new game on any previously cleared difficulty, with all weapons and Ninpo from their last run carried over. However, these items will reset to Level 1, ensuring a fresh challenge without a direct jump to higher difficulties.
Another quality-of-life enhancement is the option to hide the projectile weapon on the player's back. This can be toggled on or off in the Game Settings under the Options menu, providing a cleaner look for those who prefer it.
On the balance front, Team Ninja has made several adjustments. Enemy Hit Points have been lowered in Chapters 8 and 11, making those sections slightly easier, while the enemy count has been increased in Chapters 13 and 14, ramping up the challenge. Additionally, the damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks has been boosted, adding a new layer of strategy to her combat.
The update also includes a series of bug fixes aimed at improving gameplay stability. These fixes address issues encountered on high-performance PCs, game-breaking bugs in certain chapters, and other minor glitches. The comprehensive patch notes are listed below.
Ninja Gaiden Black 2, initially released as a surprise during the January Xbox Developer Direct, is an enhanced version of the classic action game. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, it offers improved graphics, new playable characters, and enhanced battle support functions. In our 8/10 review, IGN praised the game, noting, "Fewer enemies with more health may mean Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't quite the definitive version, but it's a definite and gorgeous improvement over its Sigma 2 release, and still an excellent action game all around."
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0 Patch Notes
Additional Content:
- New Game+: Begin a new game on a difficulty level you've previously cleared, with your weapons and Ninpo from the last playthrough unlocked, but reverted to Level 1.
- Photo Mode: Access Photo Mode from the in-game Options Menu to move the camera within set limits and capture screenshots.
- Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle the "Show Projectile Weapon" option in "Game Settings" under the Options Menu to hide your projectile weapon when carried on your back.
Adjustments:
- Lowered the HP of enemies in Chapter 8, "City of the Fallen Goddess."
- Lowered the HP of enemies in Chapter 11, "Night in the City of Water."
- Raised the number of enemies in Chapter 13, "The Temple of Sacrifice."
- Raised the number of enemies in Chapter 14, "A Tempered Gravestone."
- Increased the damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks.
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed control issues at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
- Fixed an issue where controllers failed to vibrate based on computing load or FPS settings.
- Addressed bugs causing the player to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
- Resolved bugs that halted progress in specific chapters.
- Fixed a crash bug during long play sessions.
- Implemented other minor bug fixes.
