Team Ninja has rolled out a significant update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating the game to version 1.0.7.0. This patch introduces exciting new features such as New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and more, fulfilling promises made in response to fan feedback back in January. The update is now available across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
New Game Plus allows players to kickstart a new playthrough on any difficulty level they've previously conquered, carrying over their weapons and Ninpo. However, these will reset to Level 1, and players won't be able to immediately jump into a higher difficulty setting using this mode.
Enhancing the visual experience, Photo Mode has been added to the in-game Options Menu. Players can now freely adjust the camera within predefined limits to capture stunning in-game screenshots.
For those looking for a cleaner look, the ability to hide the projectile weapon carried on the player's back is now available. This can be toggled on or off under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu.
In terms of gameplay balance, Team Ninja has made several adjustments. Enemy Hit Points have been reduced in Chapter 8, "City of the Fallen Goddess," and Chapter 11, "Night in the City of Water." Conversely, the number of enemies has been increased in Chapter 13, "The Temple of Sacrifice," and Chapter 14, "A Tempered Gravestone." Additionally, the damage output of some of Ayane's attacks has been boosted.
The patch also includes a series of bug fixes, addressing issues such as control problems on high-performance PCs, controller vibration inconsistencies, out-of-bounds glitches, progression blockers, and game crashes during extended play sessions, among other minor fixes.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was a surprise launch during the January Xbox Developer Direct, offering an updated version of the classic action game, rebuilt with Unreal Engine 5. This upgrade not only enhances the game's graphical fidelity but also introduces new playable characters and improved battle support functions.
In our review, IGN awarded Ninja Gaiden 2 Black an 8/10, 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."
For those eager to dive into the specifics, here are the full 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 unlocked weapons and Ninpo from your last playthrough, though they'll revert to Level 1.
- Photo Mode: Access this feature in the in-game Options Menu to move the camera and take screenshots.
- Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle the "Show Projectile Weapon" option under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu to hide your projectile weapon when 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"
- Increased the damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks.
Bug Fixes:
- Fixed control issues at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
- Addressed controller vibration inconsistencies based on computing load or FPS settings.
- Fixed out-of-bounds bugs during certain chapters.
- Resolved progression blockers in specific chapters.
- Fixed crashes during long play sessions.
- Other minor bug fixes.
