"Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Update: New Game Plus and Enhancements Added"

Team Ninja has unveiled a comprehensive patch for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, updating the game to version 1.0.7.0. This update, which fulfills a commitment made to fans in January, introduces exciting new features such as New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and additional enhancements. The patch is now accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, as well as PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

With the New Game Plus feature, players can embark on a new journey at any difficulty level they have previously conquered, retaining their arsenal of weapons and Ninpo from the prior playthrough. However, these items will revert to Level 1, ensuring a fresh challenge without the ability to skip directly to higher difficulties.

A new quality-of-life improvement allows players to toggle the visibility of the projectile weapon on their character's back. This can be adjusted in the Options menu under Game Settings with the "Show Projectile Weapon" option.

In terms of game balance, Team Ninja has made several adjustments, including reducing the Hit Points of enemies in Chapters 8 and 11, and increasing the number of enemies in Chapters 13 and 14. Additionally, some of Ayane's attacks now deal more damage.

The patch also includes a series of bug fixes, addressing issues such as control problems on high-performance PCs, controller vibration issues, out-of-bounds glitches, progression-blocking bugs, and game crashes during extended play sessions.

Ninja Gaiden Black 2, which was unexpectedly released during the January Xbox Developer Direct, is an enhanced version of the classic action game, rebuilt with Unreal Engine 5. This update significantly improves graphical fidelity, introduces new playable characters, and enhances battle support functions.

IGN's 8/10 review of Ninja Gaiden Black 2 praises the game, stating, "While the shift to fewer enemies with more health might mean Ninja Gaiden 2 Black isn't the ultimate version, it's a stunning and significant improvement over the Sigma 2 release, maintaining its status as an exceptional action game."

Here are the detailed patch notes for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Ver 1.0.7.0:

Additional Content:

• New Game+: Start a new game on any previously cleared difficulty with your unlocked weapons and Ninpo, though they will revert to Level 1.
• Photo Mode: Access Photo Mode from the in-game Options Menu to take customizable screenshots.
• Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Toggle the "Show Projectile Weapon" option in Game Settings 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:

• Addressed control issues when playing at over 120 FPS or under high computing load.
• Fixed controller vibration issues related to computing load or FPS settings.
• Corrected bugs that allowed players to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
• Resolved bugs that blocked progression in specific chapters.
• Fixed crashes that could occur during long play sessions.
• Implemented other minor bug fixes.