Xbox quietly drops remake of Xbox 360 classic you can grab now

Ninja Gaiden fans are eating good, as Microsoft just revealed that a classic Xbox 360 exclusive entry in the series is getting the remaster treatment - or, I should say, has gotten the remaster treatment, because it’s available to buy right this second.

Yesterday’s Xbox Developer Direct had a lot of goodies for Xbox owners, chief among them being the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4.

However, Microsoft had a little trick up their sleeve. While Ninja Gaiden 4 might be a ways off, you won’t have to wait to get some more Ryu Hayabusa action in your life.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a “graphic remaster” of the original 2008 Xbox 360 exclusive Ninja Gaiden II, and it’s available on most platforms… now.

That’s right, no release date for this bad boy. It’s available to download and play on Xbox Series S/X, Steam and PlayStation 5 as of last night.

Interestingly however, although Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is referred to as a graphic remaster by publisher Koei Tecmo, that kind of sounds like it’s underselling it.

As revealed in the extended trailer and the Steam page description, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is adding a bunch of new content to the OG experience - including a new mode and new playable characters.

“This remaster includes additional elements from spin-off titles released after the original. Players can control three additional characters: Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel,” states the description on the Steam page.

“The game also includes "HERO PLAY STYLE" mode that provides automatic support in challenging situations, making it accessible for those who may not be confident in their action skills.”

Just a heads up if you’ve never played a Ninja Gaiden game before; don’t be afraid to use that new “Hero Play Style” mode, because good lord these games are hard. Dark Souls, eat your heart out.