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 to fans back in January. The update is now available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
With the introduction of New Game Plus, players can dive into a new game on any difficulty they've previously conquered, bringing along their arsenal of weapons and Ninpo from the last run. However, these items will reset to Level 1, ensuring a fresh challenge without the ability to skip directly to higher difficulties.
Enhancing the visual experience, Photo Mode has been added to the in-game Options Menu. This feature allows players to freely move the camera within designated limits to capture stunning in-game screenshots.
For those who prefer a cleaner look, the ability to hide the projectile weapon carried on the player's back has been implemented. This can be toggled on or off under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu.
On the balance front, 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 aimed at improving gameplay stability. These fixes address control issues at high frame rates, controller vibration problems, out-of-bounds glitches, progression-blocking bugs, and crashes during extended play sessions, among other minor issues.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was a surprise hit during the January Xbox Developer Direct, offering an updated version of the classic action game. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, it boasts enhanced graphics, new playable characters, and improved battle support functions. In our 8/10 review, IGN 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 detailed look at all the changes, 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 your weapons and Ninpo from the last playthrough, though they'll revert to Level 1.
- Photo Mode: Access this feature in the in-game Options Menu to take screenshots with adjustable camera angles.
- 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.
- Resolved controller vibration issues related to computing load or FPS settings.
- Fixed bugs causing players to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
- Addressed bugs that halted progress in specific chapters.
- Fixed crashes during long play sessions.
- Implemented other minor bug fixes.
