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Review of Ninja Gaiden II Black on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Jan 2025
Cover image of Ninja Gaiden II Black on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 23 Jan 2025
Genre: Action-adventure, Hack and Slash
Developer: Team Ninja
Publisher: Koei Tecmo

Introduction

Welcome, noble warriors and couch ninjas, to the grand spectacle of muscle, mayhem, and entirely too much blood spattering the walls! Ninja Gaiden II Black promises to suck you in with its savage combat, force you to rethink your life choices on every boss battle, and leave you wondering if maybe, just maybe, you should have taken up knitting instead. Strap in, because this gauntlet of gaming is about to get spicy!

Gameplay

Let’s talk combat. Ninja Gaiden II Black is not just a walk in a blood-soaked park; it’s a workout for your thumb muscles and reflexes. Ryu Hayabusa is back, and he’s not here to play nice. Instead, he’s here to slice, dice, and really dismember his enemies in a fashion that makes even a surgeon grab a popcorn. The game introduces a new and tantalizing mechanic—you can dismember enemies! That's right, you’re not only whittling down their health bar but also their limbs, making them question their life choices before they inevitably crumple to the ground. Facing an enemy with no arms? Expect them to flail wildly as they try to bite you. Ah, the beauty of being a ninja! What does that mean for the average gamer? Expect a steep learning curve. You’ll be dodging, slicing, and using techniques like some kind of mad ballet dancer who forgot he's in a horror film. But don’t worry; every failure just means climbing the walls in rage while your control scheme gets the workout of its life. The game doesn’t just punish you; it revels in it. Enemies swarm you like a panicked Beehive-on-legs and you’ll need to channel your inner ninja to prevail. The combat system is robust, featuring what could honestly be a degree program in combo inputs alone! You’ve got your standard attacks, but also the more complex obliteration techniques you’re going to want to master—because nothing says I-am-who-I-think-I-am like executing a perfect 20-move combo finishing with the phrase, “Take that, you vile fiend!” (And don’t get me started on the Ultimate Techniques, they’ll leave you feeling like a god…until the next wave of enemies crashes in.)

Graphics

Graphically speaking, Ninja Gaiden II Black is like a master ninja who’s just worked out and has glowing muscles under the last rays of sunlight. The world is beautifully designed, showcasing a blend of gorgeous Japanese locales and sprawling caverns with a touch of dark, moody, horror-themed vibes. When Ryu slashes through an enemy, and blood splatters cover the ground, it’s just so mesmerizing; it’s like watching someone paint a masterpiece but with more guts. Everything from the animations to the way Ryu moves has been tailor-made to create an experience that’s both fluid and impactful. The sense of speed and momentum you feel during combat is intoxicating, and when you finally land a hit just right, you’ll bask in that brief moment of glory—all while the game decides to throw five more enemies your way. Good luck relaxing for even a second! Visually, it’s a treat, and the art style encapsulates that wonderfully over-the-top level of violence one comes to expect from the Ninja Gaiden series. You’re living inside an action movie that never lets you catch your breath.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ninja Gaiden II Black is the ultimate feast of challenge wrapped in a flowing cloak of gorgeous visuals and heart-pounding gameplay! Are you ready to test the mettle of your gaming prowess? Dive in and face the rampaging hordes with Ryu as he slices through a gauntlet of enemies and demands respect (and possibly therapy) from everyone who dares to play. If you’re seeking a game that will test your limits, allow you to wield an arsenal of secret techniques like a seasoned warrior, and leave you simultaneously exasperated and exhilarated, then Ninja Gaiden II Black is your ultimate destination. Seize your controller, embrace the chaos, and prepare for a digital bloodbath like no other. Fair warning? Don’t forget to ventilate the room after your sessions; a significant amount of rage—and somewhat of a mess—is bound to be created along the way!

See Latest Prices for Ninja Gaiden II Black on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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