NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black, a timeless gem from TEAM NINJA and KOEI TECMO America, has been stunningly remastered, bringing the legendary journey of Ryu Hayabusa to PS5. Ready for the ultimate test of skill and reflex? Dive into our NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black review to find out more!
Originally released on the Xbox 360 back in 2008, NINJA GAIDEN 2 left quite an impression on action game enthusiasts. It was later ported to the PlayStation 3 as NINJA GAIDEN 2 Sigma in 2009, and a Vita version followed in 2013. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re treated to this remastered edition that fuses the best elements of both original releases, providing an unparalleled experience on the PlayStation 5.
As you step into Ryu Hayabusa’s shoes, brace yourself for a high-octane adventure. Your reflexes will be tested as you sprint through dynamic environments, slicing and dicing anything that stands in your way. This Mature-rated experience puts you in control of Ryu with the left analog stick, while the right stick manages the camera. Jump with the X button, execute quick attacks with Square, and unleash powerful blows with Triangle. By blending these moves, you’ll unlock new combos and techniques, obliterating foes with style. When the going gets tough, guard yourself with the L1 button. If you’ve tackled games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, you’ll feel right at home here.
Throw a shuriken using the Circle button to strike enemies from afar, though be wary of overuse, as foes will learn to block these if you consistently hurl them. Different projectiles are mapped to R2, and it’s best to aim first by pressing L2 for precision. Switching between weapons and items is streamlined through the D-Pad: up for melee weapons, down for items, left for ninpo, and right for explosives. And should you ever lose your way, hold R1 to reveal your path.
Discover new ninja abilities by seeking out specific scrolls or items throughout the game. Shadowless Footsteps, one of the earliest you’ll find, lets you run along walls with graceful agility. Obliteration lets you finish off weakened foes missing a limb with a swift Triangle press. Reverse Wind, executed with L1 and a directional input, gets you out of harm’s way efficiently.
Add firepower to your arsenal with the Art of Inferno by simultaneously pressing Triangle and Circle, though keep an eye on your Ki gauge as it depletes. Replenish Ki using red essence, and don’t forget to seek the Flying Bird technique for nimble wall leaps. And then there’s the Flying Swallow, which cuts down enemies from above with precision. While these are a few of the techniques available, many more await discovery when you dive into the game.
Navigate through each stage, and keep an eye out for Dragon Statues. With no adversaries around, interact with these to save your progress and heal up when they glow blue. A soft white glow indicates they’re ready for saving progress later. Picking up blue essence during combat is wise to patch up your health, critical for survival as foes will stop at nothing, even self-destructing to take you down!
Enemies won’t only leave behind red and blue essence but also a valuable yellow essence, serving as your in-game currency at the Muramasa Shop. Use it wisely to bolster your weapons like the Dragon Sword and Lunar Staff or stock up on essentials like Herbs of Spiritual Life for health recovery and Devil’s Way Mushrooms for Ki replenishment.
Aspiring trophy hunters, take note! This remaster offers a robust trophy list featuring 24 Bronze, 9 Silver, and 4 Gold trophies, alongside a glamorous Platinum for those who can conquer all objectives. Achievements range from mastering secret ninja techniques and exploring each chapter, to completing the game on various difficulty settings, and dispatching 100 enemies with different characters, including Hayabusa and Ayane.
All of this comes wrapped in the stunning remaster of TEAM NINJA’s and KOEI TECMO America’s beloved action classic, now available on PS5. The intense speed and ferocity of the gameplay demand your full attention. Priced at $49.99, NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black offers an enthralling action-packed experience.
Disclaimer: This review of NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by KOEI TECMO America.
