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 highly requested features such as New Game Plus, a Photo Mode, and other enhancements, as detailed in a recent blog post from the developers. The update is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, as well as PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

New Game Plus allows players to dive into a new game on any difficulty they've previously completed, 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 bypassing higher difficulties.

For those looking to customize their gameplay experience, a new "Show Projectile Weapon" option has been added to the Game Settings in the Options menu. This feature lets players choose whether to display the projectile weapon on their character's back, enhancing immersion and personalizing the visual experience.

On the balance front, Team Ninja has adjusted enemy health and numbers across various chapters. Specifically, the Hit Points of enemies have been reduced in Chapter 8, "City of the Fallen Goddess," and Chapter 11, "Night in the City of Water." Conversely, more enemies have been added to Chapter 13, "The Temple of Sacrifice," and Chapter 14, "A Tempered Gravestone," while some of Ayane's attacks now deal increased damage.

The patch also includes several bug fixes, addressing issues ranging from control problems on high-performance PCs, controller vibration inconsistencies, game-breaking bugs in certain chapters, and crashes during extended play sessions.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, an updated rendition of the cherished action game, was unexpectedly released during the January Xbox Developer Direct. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, it not only enhances graphic expression but also introduces new playable characters and improved battle support functions. In our review, IGN awarded it an 8/10, noting that while the game might not be the definitive version due to fewer, tougher enemies, it's a stunning and significant improvement over the Sigma 2 release, cementing its status as an outstanding action game.

For a detailed look at all the changes, here are the full patch notes for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black version 1.0.7.0:

Additional Content:

• New Game+: Added the ability to begin a new game on a difficulty level you have previously cleared with the weapons and Ninpo you obtained in your previous playthrough already unlocked. When starting a new game this way, your weapons and Ninpo will be reverted to level 1.
• Photo Mode: Added Photo Mode to the in-game Options Menu. You can move the camera around within a set limit to take screenshots.
• Ability to Hide Projectile Weapon: Added a "Show Projectile Weapon" option under "Game Settings" in the Options Menu, which allows you to hide your projectile weapon while it is 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"
• Raised the damage dealt by some of Ayane's attacks.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed control issues that occurred when playing at over 120 FPS or while under high computing load.
• Fixed an issue where controllers would not vibrate based on computing load or FPS settings.
• Fixed bugs that caused the player to go out of bounds during certain chapters.
• Fixed bugs that made it impossible to progress during certain chapters.
• Fixed a bug which caused the game to crash during long play sessions.
• Other minor bug fixes.