During the recent Xbox Developer Direct showcase, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black made a surprise debut, much to the excitement of fans. However, not everything about this remaster has pleased gamers. The main concern lies in the massive 86 GB file size, which is quite a leap from the original version’s modest 7 GB footprint. It’s a size that seems daunting to many, especially when compared to previous installments.
Xbox’s Developer Direct was packed with announcements about big titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and South of Midnight, but Ninja Gaiden 2 Black truly stole the spotlight with its shadow-drop release. This resurgence in interest around Ninja Gaiden is partly due to the revelation that Team Ninja is collaborating with PlatinumGames on Ninja Gaiden 4. Alongside this announcement was the remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, instantly available and ready to stir up conversation amongst the community.
Shadow-drops tend to grab attention, reminiscent of the surprise launch of Hi-Fi Rush a couple of years back. This marks the fourth version of Ninja Gaiden 2 since its original 2008 release on Xbox 360. It later appeared on other platforms as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 in 2009 and as a PlayStation Vita port, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus, in 2013. For those who hopped onto 2021’s Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, a stunning update now awaits with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for today’s consoles.
The unexpected file size doesn’t sit well with some players. To put it in perspective, the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection—housing the Sigma editions of all three games—totals just 14 GB. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black stands out significantly at 86 GB, only slightly less than Team Ninja’s other recent project, Rise of the Ronin, and nearly matching the scale of 2020’s Nioh 2.
Though the beefed-up size can likely be attributed to improved graphics and the transition to Unreal Engine 5, the hefty requirement is a sticking point, especially since it’s not an open-world game. Those eager to revisit this action-packed classic will need to consider freeing up space on their hard drives. As for the anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, one wonders just how large a file it might demand.
Koei Tecmo is heralding 2025 as the “Year of the Ninja,” with several major Ninja Gaiden offerings on the horizon. Alongside Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, fans can gear up for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a 2D action sidescroller crafted by The Game Kitchen, known for their work on Blasphemous, due later this year. And looming large is Ninja Gaiden 4, expected to cap off an exciting year for Ninja Gaiden enthusiasts with its release in the fall.
For fans of Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary ninja in possession of the Dragon Sword, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black offers a fresh take on high-speed battles with graphics fully reimagined in Unreal Engine 5. This remaster spruces up the gore for an authentically visceral experience while allowing players to toggle dismemberment graphics if they choose. Along with these visual improvements, there’s a beginner-friendly mode and new playable characters like Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel. With a mixture of nostalgia and new content, this release aims to bridge old and new fans of the series beautifully.
