Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Gets New Game Plus Update

Team Ninja has just rolled out an extensive update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating it to version 1.0.7.0. This patch, which was eagerly anticipated following Team Ninja's promise to address fan feedback from January, is now available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. In their recent blog post, Team Ninja outlined the exciting new features and improvements included in this update.

One of the headline additions is New Game Plus, allowing players to embark on a fresh journey at any previously conquered difficulty level. This mode lets you carry over your arsenal of weapons and Ninpo from your last run, though they will be reset to Level 1. It's worth noting that you can't directly leap into a higher difficulty with New Game Plus, ensuring a balanced challenge.

In terms of visual and customization enhancements, the introduction of Photo Mode is a significant addition. Accessible through the in-game Options Menu, this mode enables players to freely adjust the camera within predefined limits to capture stunning screenshots of their gameplay.

Another quality-of-life feature is the option to hide the projectile weapon on your character's back. This can be toggled under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu, providing a cleaner aesthetic for those who prefer it.

On the gameplay front, Team Ninja has made several balance adjustments. The hit points of enemies in Chapter 8, "City of the Fallen Goddess," and Chapter 11, "Night in the City of Water," have been reduced, potentially making these sections less grueling. Conversely, the number of enemies in Chapter 13, "The Temple of Sacrifice," and Chapter 14, "A Tempered Gravestone," has been increased, ramping up the intensity. Additionally, some of Ayane's attacks now deal more damage, enhancing her effectiveness in battle.

The update also addresses several bug fixes, particularly important for high-performance PC users. Issues with controls at over 120 FPS or under heavy computing load have been resolved, as well as problems with controller vibration based on computing load or FPS settings. Game-breaking bugs that could cause players to go out of bounds or halt progress in certain chapters have been fixed, along with crashes during extended play sessions. Other minor bugs have also been addressed to ensure a smoother gaming experience.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was initially released as a surprise during the January Xbox Developer Direct. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, this version boasts enhanced graphics, new playable characters, and improved battle support functions. In our 8/10 review, IGN praised it as a "definite and gorgeous improvement over its Sigma 2 release," despite some critiques about enemy numbers and health, affirming its status as an excellent action game.

For those eager to dive into the details, the full patch notes for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0 are listed below.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0 Patch Notes

Additional Content:

• New Game+: Begin a new game on a difficulty level you have previously cleared with the weapons and Ninpo you obtained in your previous playthrough already unlocked. Weapons and Ninpo will revert to level 1.
• Photo Mode: Added to the in-game Options Menu. Adjust the camera within set limits to take screenshots.
• Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Added a "Show Projectile Weapon" option under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu, allowing you to hide your projectile weapon while carried on your back.

Adjustments:

• Lowered the HP of enemies in Ch. 8, "City of the Fallen Goddess."
• Lowered the HP of enemies in Ch. 11, "Night in the City of Water."
• Raised the number of enemies in Ch. 13, "The Temple of Sacrifice."
• Raised the number of enemies in Ch. 14, "A Tempered Gravestone."
• Raised the damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed control issues that occurred when playing at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
• Fixed an issue where controllers would not vibrate based on computing load or FPS settings.
• Fixed bugs that caused the player to go out of bounds during certain chapters.
• Fixed bugs that made it impossible to progress during certain chapters.
• Fixed a bug which caused the game to crash during long play sessions.
• Other minor bug fixes.