During the recent Xbox Developer Direct showcase, the surprise announcement of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black left many excited and curious. Shadow-dropped without prior notice, this latest remaster has sparked conversations, not least because of its hefty 86 GB file size. In comparison, the game’s original version was a modest 7 GB, raising eyebrows and concerns among the gaming community.
Xbox’s Developer Direct was packed with enticing previews of upcoming titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Yet, it was the unveiling of Ninja Gaiden 4, developed in partnership with Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, that truly captured the spotlight. Alongside this major announcement, fans were treated to the launch of the Ninja Gaiden 2 Black remaster, causing quite a stir given its surprise release.
Reflecting on past events, it’s been some time since Xbox surprised us with a shadow-drop, something reminiscent of Hi-Fi Rush’s stealthy launch. This version of Ninja Gaiden 2 marks the fourth time the game has been re-released, each time offering new experiences. Originally launched in 2008 for Xbox 360, the game found its way to other platforms in 2009 as Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. Later, it saw a PlayStation Vita version and inclusion in the 2021 Ninja Gaiden Master Collection. Now, players can relish this classic with updated graphics on modern consoles.
The conversation around Ninja Gaiden 2 Black hasn’t been all positive, however. Many are grappling with its substantial 86 GB file size, starkly larger than the combined 14 GB of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection or even the 10 GB reduction compared to 2024’s Rise of the Ronin for PS5. It rivals the size of 2020’s Nioh 2, which is impressive for a remaster.
There’s speculation that the increased file size might be due to the significant graphical upgrades, making this the most visually advanced edition yet. However, such a large file size for a non-open-world game has raised questions about optimization and the transition to Unreal Engine 5. Gamers might have to clear up substantial disk space unless future patches can optimize it further. Looking ahead, Ninja Gaiden 4 might demand even more storage as it promises to expand the franchise further.
With 2025 dubbed the “Year of the Ninja” by Koei Tecmo, there’s a lot happening in the Ninja Gaiden universe. While fans are already enjoying Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, excitement builds for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a 2D side-scroller crafted by The Game Kitchen, set to release later this year. Yet, it’s Ninja Gaiden 4, expected this fall, that stands as the marquee event, poised to complete a landmark year for fans of the series.
This remaster invites players back into the world of Ryu Hayabusa, who embarks on exhilarating battles worldwide, armed with the legendary “Dragon Sword.” Enhanced with the power of Unreal Engine 5, the game flaunts completely redesigned stages and characters, alongside graphic expressions that redefine its high-speed combat. With new playable characters and modes designed both for veterans and newcomers to the series, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black promises a fresh yet familiar experience for all.
