Team Ninja has rolled out a substantial update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, now at version 1.0.7.0, introducing exciting features like New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and more. This patch, promised to address fan feedback since January, is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
The much-anticipated New Game Plus feature allows players to kick off a new game on any previously cleared difficulty, carrying over their arsenal of weapons and Ninpo. However, these will reset to Level 1, ensuring a fresh challenge without the ability to immediately jump to a higher difficulty.
Enhancing the gaming experience further, Photo Mode has been added to the in-game options menu. This feature enables players to capture stunning in-game moments by freely adjusting the camera within set limits.
For those who prefer 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 balance changes, Team Ninja has tweaked the gameplay dynamics by lowering enemy Hit Points in Chapters 8 and 11, increasing the number of enemies in Chapters 13 and 14, and boosting the damage output of some of Ayane's attacks.
Additionally, a series of bug fixes have been implemented to enhance stability and performance. These include resolving control issues at high frame rates, fixing controller vibration problems, correcting out-of-bounds glitches, and addressing game-breaking bugs in specific chapters, as well as preventing crashes during extended play sessions.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was unveiled as a surprise release during the January Xbox Developer Direct. This updated rendition, powered by Unreal Engine 5, not only enhances graphic expression but also introduces new playable characters and improves battle support functions.
IGN's review of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black awarded it an 8/10, praising it as a "definite and gorgeous improvement over its Sigma 2 release, and still an excellent action game all around," despite noting that fewer enemies with more health might not make it the definitive version.
Below are the comprehensive patch notes for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0:
Additional Content:
- New Game+: Start a new game on a cleared difficulty with previously obtained weapons and Ninpo, all reverted to Level 1.
- Photo Mode: Accessible from the Options Menu, allowing for screenshot captures with adjustable camera settings.
- Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle the visibility of your projectile weapon under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu.
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 frame rates over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
- Resolved controller vibration issues related to computing load or FPS settings.
- Corrected bugs causing players to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
- Fixed game-breaking bugs that halted progress in specific chapters.
- Addressed a crash bug during long play sessions.
- Other minor bug fixes implemented.