Team Ninja has just rolled out an exciting update for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, elevating the game to version 1.0.7.0 with a slew of new features and improvements. This latest patch, which was eagerly anticipated following Team Ninja's commitment to fan feedback in January, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

One of the standout additions is New Game Plus, allowing players to embark on a new adventure on any previously cleared difficulty level, carrying over their arsenal of weapons and Ninpo. However, these items will reset to Level 1, ensuring that players still face a challenge. It's worth noting that you can't use New Game Plus to jump straight into a higher difficulty.

In a move to enhance the gaming experience, Team Ninja has introduced a Photo Mode, accessible through the in-game Options Menu. This feature lets players capture their favorite moments by adjusting the camera within set limits.

Another quality-of-life enhancement is the option to hide the projectile weapon on your character's back. You can toggle this setting on or off under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu, offering a cleaner look during gameplay.

The patch also brings balance changes to keep the game fresh and challenging. Enemies in Chapters 8 and 11 now have reduced Hit Points, making these sections less grueling. Conversely, Chapters 13 and 14 see an increase in the number of enemies, ramping up the intensity. Additionally, some of Ayane's attacks now deal more damage, adding a new layer of strategy to her combat style.

Team Ninja hasn't forgotten about technical issues either. The update includes several bug fixes, addressing control problems at high frame rates, controller vibration issues, and game-breaking bugs that could prevent progress or cause crashes during extended play sessions.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was a surprise hit during the January Xbox Developer Direct, reimagining the classic action game with the power of Unreal Engine 5. This engine not only enhances the game's graphics but also introduces new playable characters and improved battle support functions.

IGN's 8/10 review of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black praised it as a "definite and gorgeous improvement" over its Sigma 2 predecessor, though noted that fewer enemies with more health might not make it the ultimate version. Nevertheless, it remains an exceptional action game that continues to captivate players.

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 any difficulty you've cleared before, with your weapons and Ninpo unlocked but reverted to Level 1.
• Photo Mode: Access this feature in the Options Menu to capture screenshots by moving the camera within set limits.
• 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 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:

• Fixed control issues at over 120 FPS or high computing loads.
• Resolved controller vibration issues related to computing load or FPS settings.
• Addressed bugs causing players to go out of bounds in certain chapters.
• Fixed bugs that blocked progress in specific chapters.
• Corrected a bug causing game crashes during long play sessions.
• Implemented other minor bug fixes.

With these updates, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black continues to evolve, offering both new and returning players a refined and more engaging experience.