Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Update: New Game Plus Added

Team Ninja has just rolled out a substantial update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, pushing the game to version 1.0.7.0. This eagerly awaited patch introduces a variety of new features and enhancements, responding directly to community feedback from January. Now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, as well as PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store, this update is set to elevate the gaming experience significantly.

One of the headline additions is New Game Plus. This mode allows players to dive into a new run with all previously acquired weapons and Ninpo, albeit reverted to Level 1. Importantly, you can only start on a difficulty you've already conquered, adding a strategic layer to your playthroughs.

In addition, a new Photo Mode has been integrated into the in-game options. This feature lets players maneuver the camera within designated boundaries to capture stunning screenshots, enhancing the visual storytelling aspect of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.

For those looking to streamline their gameplay, Team Ninja has introduced the ability to hide the projectile weapon carried on the player's back. This can be toggled in the "Game Settings" under the Options menu, offering a cleaner visual experience during gameplay.

The update also brings significant balance changes to keep the gameplay fresh and challenging. Enemies in Chapters 8 and 11 now have reduced Hit Points, making these sections less grueling. Conversely, Chapters 13 and 14 see an increase in enemy numbers, ramping up the intensity. Furthermore, certain attacks from Ayane have been buffed to deal more damage, adding to her combat effectiveness.

On the technical front, a series of bug fixes have been implemented to enhance stability and performance. Issues ranging from control problems at high frame rates, controller vibration inconsistencies, out-of-bounds glitches, progression blockers, and crash bugs during extended play sessions have all been addressed, ensuring a smoother experience across the board.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, initially a surprise release during the January Xbox Developer Direct, leverages the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 to not only enhance graphic fidelity but also introduce new playable characters and improve battle support functions. IGN's 8/10 review praised the game, 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 a comprehensive look at what's new, here are the detailed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0 Patch Notes:

Additional Content:

• New Game+: Begin a new game on a difficulty level you've previously cleared with all weapons and Ninpo unlocked, though reverted to Level 1.
• Photo Mode: Accessible from the in-game Options Menu, allowing camera movement within set limits for screenshot capture.
• Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle "Show Projectile Weapon" under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu to hide your projectile weapon when carried 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 at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
• Addressed controller vibration inconsistencies based on computing load or FPS settings.
• Corrected bugs causing players to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
• Fixed progression-blocking bugs in specific chapters.
• Resolved crash bugs occurring during long play sessions.
• Implemented other minor bug fixes to enhance overall gameplay stability.

This update is a testament to Team Ninja's commitment to enriching Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, ensuring it remains a thrilling and visually stunning experience for players across all supported platforms.