Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, 2 Black 2 Furious

Ninja Gaiden Black set the standard for high-speed, brutally challenging action games, but Ninja Gaiden 2 Black aimed to take things even further with more weapons, bigger enemies, and an overhauled combat system. But does this sequel refine the formula, or does it stumble under the weight of its own ambitions?

In this episode, we break down how Ninja Gaiden 2 Black compares to its legendary predecessor. The combat is faster and bloodier than ever, with a limb dismemberment system that changes how fights play out, forcing you to adjust tactics on the fly. The visuals have seen a clear upgrade, with improved animations and larger environments, but at what cost? The game pushes its engine to the limit, and with that comes some performance struggles and occasional janky camera angles that make certain fights more frustrating than they should be.

We also discuss the changes in level design, enemy variety, and difficulty balancing—does Ninja Gaiden 2 Black feel fair, or does it veer into cheap territory? And of course, the biggest question: is this still a must-play today, or does the original Ninja Gaiden Black still reign supreme?

Join us as we slash through the highs and lows of this action-packed sequel and decide—should you pass, or is this still worth a run?