Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Update Adds New Game Plus and More

Team Ninja has unveiled a significant update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating the game to version 1.0.7.0. This patch, which fulfills earlier promises made in response to fan feedback, is now accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. The update introduces several exciting features including New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and additional quality of life improvements.

New Game Plus allows players to embark on a fresh journey on any difficulty they've previously conquered, retaining their arsenal of weapons and Ninpo from prior playthroughs. However, these items will reset to Level 1, ensuring a challenging yet familiar experience. Notably, players can't leap directly into a higher difficulty using this mode.

Enhancing the visual experience, Photo Mode has been integrated into the game's Options Menu. This feature enables players to freely move the camera within predefined limits to capture stunning in-game screenshots.

For those who prefer a cleaner look, the update introduces the ability to hide the projectile weapon carried on the player's back. This option can be toggled in the Game Settings under the Options Menu, providing a more streamlined aesthetic.

Balance changes have also been implemented. The Hit Points of enemies in Chapters 8 and 11 have been reduced, while the number of enemies in Chapters 13 and 14 has been increased. Additionally, the damage output of certain attacks by Ayane has been boosted.

The patch also addresses several bug fixes, particularly those affecting gameplay on high-performance PCs. Issues related to control at over 120 FPS, controller vibration based on computing load, out-of-bounds glitches, progression-blocking bugs, and game crashes during extended play sessions have all been resolved.

Ninja Gaiden Black 2, an enhanced version of the classic action game, was a surprise reveal during the January Xbox Developer Direct. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, it boasts improved graphics, new playable characters, and enhanced battle support functions. In IGN's review, which awarded the game an 8/10, it was noted that while the game may feature fewer but tougher enemies compared to some versions, it remains a visually stunning and robust action title, significantly improved over its Sigma 2 predecessor.

Below are the detailed patch notes for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0:

Additional Content:

• New Game+: Start a new game on a previously cleared difficulty with weapons and Ninpo from your last playthrough, albeit reverted to level 1.
• Photo Mode: Access via the in-game Options Menu to take screenshots with adjustable camera movement.
• Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle the visibility of your projectile weapon in the "Game Settings" section of the Options Menu.

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".
• Increased damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed control issues at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
• Corrected controller vibration issues related to computing load or FPS settings.
• Addressed out-of-bounds glitches in certain chapters.
• Fixed bugs that blocked progression in specific chapters.
• Resolved crashes during long play sessions.
• Implemented other minor bug fixes.