Team Ninja has recently rolled out a significant update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating the game to version 1.0.7.0. This update, which was promised in response to fan feedback back in January, brings a host of new features and enhancements to the game. It's now available for players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
One of the headline features of this patch is the introduction of New Game Plus. This mode allows players to kick off a new game on any difficulty they've previously conquered, bringing along their weapons and Ninpo from the last playthrough. However, these items will be reset to Level 1 to maintain a challenge. It's worth noting that you can't directly leap into a higher difficulty with New Game Plus.
Another quality of life improvement is the option to hide the projectile weapon on the player's back. You can find this setting under "Game Settings" in the Options menu, where you can toggle the "Show Projectile Weapon" option on or off.
In terms of balance changes, Team Ninja has adjusted the gameplay dynamics. They've lowered the Hit Points of enemies in Chapters 8 and 11, making these sections potentially easier. Conversely, they've increased the number of enemies in Chapters 13 and 14, ramping up the challenge. Additionally, some of Ayane's attacks now deal more damage, enhancing her combat effectiveness.
The update also includes a range of bug fixes. These address issues that arose on high-performance PCs, game-breaking bugs in specific chapters, and other minor glitches. The full patch notes are detailed below.
Ninja Gaiden Black 2 was a surprise announcement during the January Xbox Developer Direct. This updated version of the classic action game, built on Unreal Engine 5, not only enhances the graphic fidelity but also introduces new playable characters and improves battle support functions.
In our review, IGN gave Ninja Gaiden 2 Black an 8/10, stating: "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+: Start a new game on a previously cleared difficulty with your weapons and Ninpo from the last playthrough, though they'll be reverted to Level 1.
- Photo Mode: Added to the in-game Options Menu, allowing you to move the camera within set limits to capture screenshots.
- Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: A new "Show Projectile Weapon" option under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu lets you hide your projectile weapon when it's 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 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.
