Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2#Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
{{short description|2009 video game for PlayStation 3}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
| image = Ninja gaiden sigma 2 usa.PNG
| caption = North American PS3 cover art
| developer = Team Ninja
| publisher = Tecmo Koei
| director = Yosuke Hayashi
| producer = Yosuke Hayashi
| artist = Masahiro Nose
Hirohisa Kaneko
Mariko Hirokane
| composer = Hiroyuki Akiyama
Ryo Koike
Takumi Saito
| programmer = Yasunori Sakuda
Masanao Kimura
Takanori Goshima
| series = Ninja Gaiden
| platforms = {{ubl|PlayStation 3| PlayStation Vita|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 4|Windows|Xbox One}}
| released = PlayStation 3{{vgrelease|NA|September 29, 2009}}{{vgrelease|JP|October 1, 2009{{cite web|last=Tanaka|first=John|date=2009-07-01|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Dated in Japan|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1000333p1.html|publisher=IGN|access-date=2009-07-01|archive-date=2009-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704163038/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1000333p1.html|url-status=live}}}}{{vgrelease|EU|October 2, 2009{{cite web|last=Scammell|first=David|date=2009-07-27|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 hitting UK in October|url=http://www.gamerzines.com/ps3/news/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-date.html|publisher=GamerZines|access-date=2009-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072446/http://www.gamerzines.com/ps3/news/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-date.html|archive-date=2011-07-11|url-status=dead}}|AU|October 8, 2009{{Cite web |last=Kozanecki |first=James |date=October 6, 2009 |title=AU Shippin' Out September 6-9: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-shippin-out-september-6-9-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2/1100-6231997/ |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}}} PlayStation Vita
{{vgrelease|NA|February 26, 2013}}{{vgrelease|JP|February 28, 2013|EU|March 1, 2013|AU|March 7, 2013{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=March 7, 2013 |title=R18+: iGEA head celebrates Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus launch |url=https://www.vg247.com/r18-igea-head-celebrates-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-launch |access-date=July 22, 2024 |website=VG247 |language=en}}}}Switch, PS4, Windows, Xbox One{{vgrelease|WW|June 10, 2021}}
| genre = Action-adventure, hack and slash
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, stylized as Ninja Gaiden Σ2, is a 2009 action-adventure game developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo Koei for the PlayStation 3. It is a port of the 2008 Xbox 360 video game Ninja Gaiden II. It includes the entirety of the original story mode as well as various changes to the game's design, along with updated textures and a 720p resolution. The game changes Ninja Gaiden II in a similar, but not identical way to how Ninja Gaiden Sigma changed the original Ninja Gaiden. A port for the PlayStation Vita, titled Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus (Ninja Gaiden Σ2+), was released in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/team-ninja-reveals-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-headed-to-ps-vita/|title=Team Ninja reveals Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus headed to PS Vita|first=Richard|last=Mitchell|date=2012-09-19|access-date=2012-11-12|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL Tech|archive-date=2015-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104181352/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/team-ninja-reveals-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-headed-to-ps-vita/|url-status=live}}
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 was released for the Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One as part of the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection on June 10, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/ninja-gaiden-master-collection-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|title=Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection announced for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC|website=Gematsu|date=February 17, 2021|access-date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217230825/https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/ninja-gaiden-master-collection-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc|url-status=live}} An Unreal Engine 5 remaster that blends more aspects from the original game with Sigma 2, titled Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, was announced and released for PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S on January 23, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Jeremy |date=2025-01-24 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: Is it a remake or remaster? |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ninja-gaiden-2-black-remake-or-remaster |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |language=en-GB}}
Gameplay
File:Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 gameplay.jpg in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, featuring Rachel and Ayane]]
In comparison to the original version of Ninja Gaiden II, the game features new large-scale bosses, an online co-operative gameplay mode with three new playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, Rachel) and the PlayStation Network Trophy support.{{cite web|url= http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/ninjagaidensigma2/news.html?sid=6206597|title=GDC 2009: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 First Look|last= Torres|first=Ricardo|date=March 24, 2009|publisher=GameSpot|access-date=2009-07-03}}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5171282/xbox-360-exclusive-ninja-gaiden-ii-coming-to-ps3|title=Xbox 360 Exclusive Ninja Gaiden II Coming To PS3|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|date=March 17, 2009|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=2009-07-03|archive-date=2009-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317204257/http://kotaku.com/5171282/xbox-360-exclusive-ninja-gaiden-ii-coming-to-ps3|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-ninja-gaiden/50019|title=E3 09: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=GameTrailers|access-date=2009-07-03|archive-date=2011-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805160143/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-ninja-gaiden/50019|url-status=live}} Unlike the first game, the Sixaxis motion sensing of the PlayStation 3 controller was not used for "charging" the Ninpo magic, but instead utilized as a secret way to jiggle the breasts of female characters.{{Cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5352254/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-gets-sixaxis-jiggle-support |title=Kotaku - Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Gets SixAxis Jiggle Support |date=3 September 2009 |access-date=2009-09-03 |archive-date=2009-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906104125/http://kotaku.com/5352254/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-gets-sixaxis-jiggle-support |url-status=live }}
While Sigma 2 has additional content not in the original Ninja Gaiden II, a large amount of content was also removed from the game, or altered, such as a drastically reduced enemy count within gameplay. With Team Mission mode, where two players can play at once in cooperative gameplay, the second character will be CPU-controller partner if there is no human partner or the player is offline. In Story mode, Karma Scoring is removed and now only done in Chapter Challenge. Tests of Valor were also removed, scattering the rewards across Ryu's chapters.
In the gameplay control system, the action button changed from RB/R1 to circle, circle is now also the shuriken button. Other ranged weapons were separated to the R2 button. This allowed both the Bow/Cannon to be equipped at the same time as the shuriken. The player cannot unequip the bow or cannon. Thus, the two weapons bulk up Ryu's appearance even though they do not appear in cutscenes. Keys were completely removed. Doors simply pop open now. Now (R1) tells the player where to go. Projectile spam was greatly reduced from NGII. Healing items were increased and are the only thing one can buy. Most chests now contain yellow, blue, or red essence. Players no longer can hold onto Life of the Gods, Lives of Thousand Gods, or Spirit of the Devil; instead, they are automatically consumed upon pickup.
Changes were made to Ryu's weapons. Enma's Fang, a greatsword, was added as a new melee weapon. The Incendiary Shuriken were removed for two reasons, opening paths and their power due to the removal of the ammo count, and is instead Ayane's main projectile weapon. The Fiend's Bane Bow, now with unlimited ammo, had its Ultimate Technique removed. The Howling Cannon, a heavy cannon with a slow projectile speed, served as a replacement. Additional removed weapons include the Windmill Shuriken and the Harpoon Gatling Gun. The Weapon Upgrade system was also altered to restrict upgrades, allowing only one upgrade at a time per shop. In addition, weapons can only be upgraded at shops where a blue flame is lit; items can be bought in both types of the shop.
Enemies' health was raised to compensate fewer enemies appearing on screen. Five new bosses were added, replacing two old boss encounters. There is one new boss for each alternate character's chapter (including returning bosses from Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword and the 2004 Ninja Gaiden), a Dragon to replace the double Quetzalcoatl fight (though Quetzalcoatl can still be fought alone as in Ninja Gaiden II), and two giant statues: a giant Buddha Statue and a Statue of Liberty animated by Alexei. The Tunnel Worm was omitted, causing Ryu to fall through a tunnel leading from dark night to bright day. Most flying enemies were removed due to infinite ammo.
Finally, almost all the gore has been removed in the PlayStation 3 version. Purple mist now bursts from enemies, along with reduced blood splashes. Dismembered body parts no longer stay on the ground, but vanish. Additionally, cinematics have been altered to remove dismemberment, dissection and blood effects. In the Japanese version of Sigma 2 the player can only decapitate monsters and non-humans; even the pause menu and game over screens are colored blue instead of red to reflect this change.
The Sigma 2 Plus version for the PlayStation Vita, however, restored all the gore with the exception of the Japanese version. Its exclusive features are Ninja Race and Tag Missions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ngs2p/|title=NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA2PLUS|website=NINJA GAIDEN SIGMA2 PLUS|access-date=2019-02-15|archive-date=2019-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302164801/http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ngs2p/|url-status=live}}
Plot
The game's plot is based on that in Ninja Gaiden II. Exclusive to the Sigma version of the game are three new chapters starring three alternate playable characters: Ayane (a kunoichi from the Mugen Tenshin ninja clan, a friendly clan who helps Ryu, originally from the Dead or Alive series), Momiji (a female member of the Hayabusa clan who uses a naginata and was introduced in Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword) and Rachel (a Fiend hunter from the Holy Vigoor Empire who is in possession of the "Fiend's Blood" curse and first appeared in the 2004's Ninja Gaiden).
Development and release
File:Tokyo Game Show 2009, Ninja.jpg 2009]]
File:E3 - 2009 (4981402174).jpg of Rachel at E3 2009]]
Though Team Ninja developed the title, the series' creator Tomonobu Itagaki did not design it, as he left Team Ninja after completing Ninja Gaiden II. Yosuke Hayashi, director of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, produced and directed NGS2.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamercenteronline.net/2009/03/17/ninja-gaiden-%CF%83-ii-coming-to-ps3/|title=Ninja Gaiden Σ II Coming To PS3 [Updated]|last=Stewart|first=Kemuel|date=2009-03-17|publisher=Game Centre Online|access-date=2009-07-03|archive-date=2009-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622033318/http://www.gamercenteronline.net/2009/03/17/ninja-gaiden-%CF%83-ii-coming-to-ps3/|url-status=live}} Hayashi as the new director of Team Ninja had the game ported from its original Xbox 360 engine to the engine used to create Ninja Gaiden Sigma. The game's native resolution became 720p, compared to the original 585p in the original Xbox 360 version, with an increased use of bloom lighting effect.{{Cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ninjagaiden2-faceoff-article?page=1 |title=Digital Foundry at Eurogamer: Face-Off: Ninja Gaiden 2 vs. Sigma 2 |newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=2009-10-24 |archive-date=2009-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027002827/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ninjagaiden2-faceoff-article?page=1 |url-status=live }} Eurogamer commented that the game "has the visual edge, not just thanks to its massively increased resolution but also through the accomplished use of the RSX's pixel shaders."{{Cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ninjagaiden2-faceoff-article?page=2 |title=Digital Foundry at Eurogamer: Face-Off: Ninja Gaiden 2 vs. Sigma 2 (page 2) |newspaper=Eurogamer.net |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=2009-10-24 |archive-date=2009-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027002836/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-ninjagaiden2-faceoff-article?page=2 |url-status=live }}
As a trade off for increased resolution, the amount of on-screen action has been reduced in the PS3 version to keep the game running at an acceptable speed. Eurogamer pointed out that there are fewer enemies spawned at one time in the PS3 version of the game, and the developers "blatantly remove polygons in the Sigma edition in order to maintain frame-rate." Also of note is the reduction of bloodshed and gore-related violence than the Xbox 360 version.{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1002071p1.html|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 will contain less violence|date=2009-07-08|publisher=IGN|access-date=2009-07-08|archive-date=2009-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712041424/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/100/1002071p1.html|url-status=live}} Sprays of blood have been replaced by purple mist, and dead enemies and severed limbs will vanish from the battlefield "almost instantly" after killing an enemy. Hayashi had many textures replaced to vastly improve the visual appeal of each environment, but left most character textures unchanged.
Those who purchased the Collector's Edition of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 were treated to a comic version of the prologue, titled The Vampire War, and the original soundtrack. The Collector's Edition was limited to GameStop in North America and HMV for the UK. Pre-ordering either edition at GameStop warranted a code for a special Sigma 2 costume, mildly resembling Joe Hayabusa's own outfit, which that costume along with others can be purchased from the PlayStation Store.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/07/27/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-sneaks-into-north-america-first/|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Seakes Into North America First|date=2009-07-27|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=2009-07-28|archive-date=2009-07-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731115602/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/07/27/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-sneaks-into-north-america-first/|url-status=live}}
=''Ninja Gaiden 2 Black''=
{{Infobox video game
| title = Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
| image =
| caption =
| alt =
| developer = Team Ninja
| publisher = Koei Tecmo
| director = Shuhei Sato
| programmer = Fumihiko Yasuda
| engine = Unreal Engine 5
| platforms = {{ubl|PlayStation 5|Windows|Xbox Series X/S}}
| released = January 23, 2025
| genre = Action-adventure, hack and slash
| modes = Single-player
}}
Following the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 during the Xbox Developer Direct on January 23, 2025, Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo announced that an Unreal Engine 5 remaster, titled Ninja Gaiden 2 Black will launch later that day for PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Game Pass. Calling it "a definitive version" of Ninja Gaiden II in the vein of the original Ninja Gaiden Black, producer Fumihiko Yasuda explained that the idea came from feedback during the release of Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection in 2021, as many fans wanted to experience something closer to the original Xbox 360 game.{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/01/23/ninja-gaiden-4-developer-direct-2025/|title=The “Year of the Ninja” Commences: NINJA GAIDEN 4 Is Coming, and NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black Is Out Today|first=Sebastian|last=Yamaguchi|website=Xbox Wire|date=January 23, 2025|access-date=January 24, 2025}}
The game aims to replicate the feel of the original Ninja Gaiden II by incorporating its upgrade system and restoring its level of blood and dismemberment. The enemy count was also increased, though not to the extent of the Xbox 360 version.{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Jeremy |date=2025-01-24 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: Is it a remake or remaster? |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ninja-gaiden-2-black-remake-or-remaster |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |language=en-GB}} As the remaster was built using Sigma 2 code, it retains most of its changes and additions, such as playable Ayane, Rachel and Momiji, revised enemy placement, costumes, Tag Missions, and the Black Dragon boss, but removes the Great Buddha and Statue of Liberty bosses, as well as the "Ninja Race" mode.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/ninja-gaiden-2-black-sigma-similar-how/|title=Is Ninja Gaiden 2 Black More Like Sigma 2 or OG?|first=Ediz|last=Guner|website=GameRant|date=January 26, 2025|access-date=January 26, 2025}} The "Test of Valor" challenges, Mission Mode DLC and the Giant Death Worm boss fight that were removed in Sigma 2 are still absent in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. The New Game Plus mode was also absent on launch but was added in a post-launch update.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ninja-gaiden-2-black-update-adds-new-game-plus-and-more|title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Update Adds New Game Plus And More|first=Ryan|last=Dinsdale|website=IGN|date=February 12, 2025|access-date=March 19, 2025}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PS3: 83/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072557/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2 |url-status=live }}
Vita: 66/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus for PlayStation Vita Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=Red Ventures |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072553/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus |url-status=live }}
| IGN = 8.4/10{{cite web |last1=Clayman |first1=David |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/22/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review |website=IGN |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072554/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/22/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review |url-status=live }}
(Plus) 6/10{{cite web |last1=Ingenito |first1=Vince |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/05/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-review |website=IGN |date=5 March 2013 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072557/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/05/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-review |url-status=live }}
| PSQ = {{Rating|9|10}}{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Review (PS3) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps3/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2 |website=Push Square |date=8 October 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072553/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps3/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2 |url-status=live }}
| Destruct = 7.5/10{{cite web |last1=Sterling |first1=Jim |title=Review: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2/ |website=Destructoid |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072557/https://www.destructoid.com/review-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2/ |url-status=live }}
(Plus) 5.5/10{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |title=Review: Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus/ |website=Destructoid |date=1 March 2013 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072555/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus/ |url-status=live }}
| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review/ |website=GamesRadar |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072554/https://www.gamesradar.com/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review/ |url-status=live }}
| GI = 8.5/10{{cite magazine |last1=Vore |first1=Bryan |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 - Lady Ninjas Join This Wholesome Remake |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/30/review.aspx |magazine=Game Informer |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072555/https://www.gameinformer.com/games/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/30/review.aspx |url-status=live }}
| EuroG = 8/10{{cite web |last1=Donlan |first1=Christian |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review |website=Eurogamer |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929004743/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-review |url-status=live }}
| GameRev = (Plus) {{Rating|7|10}}{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/59207-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-review |website=GameRevolution |date=4 March 2013 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105072554/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/59207-ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-plus-review |url-status=live }}
}}
Ninja Gaiden Σ 2 has an overall Metacritic rating of 83/100. The game received an 8.4 from IGN and an 8.5 from Game Informer.{{cite magazine |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |url=https://gameinformer.com/games/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/30/review.aspx |title=Lady Ninjas Join This Wholesome Remake - Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 - PlayStation 3 |magazine=Game Informer |date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728121044/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/ninja_gaiden_sigma_2/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/30/review.aspx |url-status=live }}{{cite web|first=David|last=Clayman|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1027436p1.html|title=Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Review|work=IGN|publisher=News Corporation|date=September 22, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2012|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307045254/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1027436p1.html|url-status=live}} In 2012, ScrewAttack included it on their 2012 list of top ten "games that make you want to bone".ScrewAttack, [http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/jyl05d/screwattack-s-top-ten-top-10-games-that-make-you-want-to-bone Top 10 Games That Make You Want to Bone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410023945/http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/jyl05d/screwattack-s-top-ten-top-10-games-that-make-you-want-to-bone |date=2013-04-10 }}, ScrewAttack's Top 10, GameTrailers.com, 02/13/2012.
=''Ninja Gaiden 2 Black''=
{{Video game reviews
|MC = (PC) 81/100{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black PC Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-2-black/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=January 30, 2025}}{{efn|Score based on 7 reviews}}
(PS5) 81/100{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black PS5 Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-2-black/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=January 30, 2025}}{{efn|Score based on 5 reviews}}
(XSX) 82/100{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Xbox Series X Critic Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ninja-gaiden-2-black/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=January 30, 2025}}{{efn|Score based on 6 reviews}}
| OC = 100% Recommend{{cite web |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black |url=https://opencritic.com/game/18035/ninja-gaiden-2-black |publisher=OpenCritic |access-date=January 30, 2025}}{{efn|Score based on 16 reviews}} }}
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black also received "generally favorable" reviews on Metacritic, while 100% of critics recommended the game on OpenCritic. They liked the game's visual upgrade, while noting somewhat dated controls and animations due to being an enhanced remaster rather than a full remake. They felt it was a great starting point for beginners, as well as a fitting release to supplement the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4. Some lamented that it still lacked elements from the original release, though it was considered to be an overall improvement from Sigma 2.{{cite web |last=Valentine |first=Jake |date=January 27, 2025 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Review |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/ninja-gaiden-2-black-review/ |website=DualShockers |access-date=January 28, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Arroyo |first=David |date=January 28, 2025 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black review, a remake that rubs salt in Sigma's wound |url=https://as.com/meristation/analisis/analisis-de-ninja-gaiden-2-black-un-remake-que-echa-sal-en-la-herida-de-sigma-n/ |website=MeriStation|access-date=January 28, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Foster |first=George |date=January 28, 2025 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Review - A Stunning Step-Up From Sigma |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ninja-gaiden-2-black-review/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=January 28, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Dellafrana |first=Danilo |date=January 28, 2025 |title=Ninja Gaiden 2 Black – Review |url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/ninja-gaiden-2-black-pc-ps5-xbox-series-x-s/ninja-gaiden-2-black-recensione/ |website=The Games Machine |access-date=January 28, 2025}}
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Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.ninjagaiden.jp/ngs2/}} {{in lang|ja}}
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2] at MobyGames
{{Team Ninja}}
{{Ninja Gaiden series}}
Category:Action-adventure games
Category:Cooperative video games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:PlayStation Vita games
Category:Video games developed in Japan
Category:Video games set in Italy
Category:Video games set in New York City
Category:Video games set in Russia
Category:Video games set in South America
Category:Video games set in Tokyo