The average user rating for this Game is 8.5 out of 10 (based on 71 Votes).
Boba F. gave it a10: The best part of this game is that even after you've mastered one difficulty, the next difficulty up will hand your ass to you on a silver platter. This is one of the few games since the golden era of 8 and 16 bit consoles where the developers expect you to die multiple times while trying to beat a boss. And because they're so hard, it makes it all the better when you finally master your technique and jump out of your chair after you take them down on the 5th try or so. Any difficulty above normal includes a bunch of new enemies from the hurricane packs for you to fight (they also join in on boss fights on these difficulties), and all the easy or exploitable bosses were redesigned to lay the smackdown on you this time around. Remember how easy the second version of Alma was? Yeah, not so much now. In my opinion, she's now the hardest boss in the game. Additionally, you get to fight a computer-controlled Ryu with all your moves (including ninpo), more health than you, and upgraded weapons. In short, if you haven't beat 90% of the other games you've played with minimal deaths and without really even feeling that challenged, Ninja Gaiden Black may not be the game for you. The odds could not be more stacked against you in this game. But the thing is, the best of the gaming community will find themselves equipped with more than enough weapons and moves to carve their way through the endless lines of enemies that can kill a slow and unskillful player in seconds flat. Possibly m favorite game ever.
David S. gave it a10: How come 9 out of 10 people think this is such a great game????? How come nearly all gaming websites gave this game great ratings???? How come the bad reviews are all the same???? " It's too hard" i'll tell you why because NGB is a true gamers game not pokemon or mario bros thats why. Quit crying because you suck at this game and get some skill. NGB is my favorite game of all time and is a true gamers game and NG2 will be the same.
Dan A. gave it a10: As far as Action games go, this is top dog next to God of War.
V. K. gave it a10: Unbelievably smooth game play and great graphics.
Dig V. gave it an8: Do not play Ninja Gaiden Black if you can't handle its difficulty.Quit whining. This game isn't for Sally and Suzy. Kozars like you can go play Ratchet and Clank with all the little tykes.I like the fact that the first two red ninjas can send Ryu back to hell on the most difficult first board I've ever played in the history of my 20 years of gaming. We need more Master Ninja difficulty settings in all our games.
L B gave it a10: Lets face it, games have been lowering the complexity bar for a while now. And thusly, there are way too many people who don't know how to beat a game with out a cheat, or need that camera just perfect, or whatever special circumstances they come up with. But what I love about ninja gaiden black is that is the most difficult game I have played. Ever. Its pretty, sure. Sound Design, great. But I call me crazy, I like a challenge. Cant see whats going on off screen, adapt and overcome or die. Its that simplicity that I enjoy and the game is a puzzle in itself. Combat is repetitive? How when there are so many ways to kill something? And if its too hard for you, well, go play halo. Thats something you could do with your eyes closed. In short, all developer of action games should look to Ninja Gaiden as a model. Dont coddle your customers, challenge them.
Mark J. gave it a10: I. Caliban you are an idiot, people who like ninja gaiden are good at it and have beaten it on very hard and want more of a challenge so they added master ninja, if you suck at the game (like I did for a while) put black on ninja dog mode and this game is not just for challenge being a ninja is really fun, flying around doing flips you just feel cool. If you suck at the game get over it and stop complaining.
Shane S. gave it a9: First off, the game's not that hard. There IS an easy mode. You just have to know the code to unlock it. This is one of those rare games where the game guide is a must have. The bosses work in much the same way as boxers from Punch Out. They all have a weakness to exploit. It's just that the weaknesses in the bosses of NGB are less obvious than those of Punch Out. Overall the game is of superb quality. It's only downfall is that even the easy mode can be a bit tough for some. If you can beat RE4 on Professional, then you can beat this game on Easy Mode. Otherwise go run and hide back in your shelter of games that just roll over and die for you.
Rick gave it a10: Rubbish game!! Well thats what I first thought. I couldnt play it. I thought this game is bloody crap Im trying to beat this dude (first boss) Im sure im doing all the right things and he keeps kicking my arse. So how wrong was I? I put it down for a good 8 or 9 months. Didnt even look at it again but my eyes kept stumbling over high score reviews of it...I was at a loss. I knew I wasnt doing something right, maybe it was just a steep learning curve and that im sure with practice I could get it down. I beat the first boss but then got doubly stuck on the second boss. What was I doing wrong? My mistake was I was looking at this game from too much of a hack and slash button mash point of view. I didn't really think of roll dodging as a first move defence then offence takes precedence in this game. The dudes a ninja he's not a barbarian! Once I started to pick up the thread, what a joy to behold did I find. Easily one of the best games on the console. Up there with HalfLife2, San Andreas, Halo. I agree with angry Andreas this is a gamers game and was so glad I picked it up and put more effort into it. If anyone has read my post on Galleon this is the same type of game - steep learning curve but worthy once you put in the time. Infact the gameplay elements of Gaiden are top notch. You dont want lay down easy dead beat battles handed to you on a plate. You want tough, thought provoking challenges that keep you coming back for more. I tell my nephew off for walking away at the first sign of a game with challenge. I tell him thats what makes a game more than a game and its what you look for in a title. Must have game.
Chris I. gave it a9: Totally wicked game. Considering that my greatest complaint about most Xbox games is the ridiculously small amount of time it takes to master them, this game with its 25+ hr completion time is a welcome addition to my game library.
John gave it a10: This is better than dvil may cry, gd of war and prinse of persia. This is the original stuff ryu hayabusa existed already in Nintendo consoles and now he will get his sweet revenge in Ninja Gaiden Black in Xbox, (and Ninja Gaiden 2 in Xbox 360.) With amazing graphics, surround dound madness, detailed environment and characters and brilliant story. The graphics is awesome and 100 times great than other adventure games, man i love the glorious graphic effects. With lightning speed gameplay you will wish you would that you want tobe the ninja in the game. So for those who havent played this, this is one of the most challenging, a rare treatfor video gamers. If you have Xbox buy it. If you dont have, buy or borrow an Xbox and buy the game. Ninja Gaiden black is a treasure.
Elijah G. gave it a9: A fantastic game that is a must own for the x-box. Everything about the game is great. It's the ultimate action adventure game.
[Anonymous] gave it a10: Incredible. This game is excellent in graphics, sound, gameplay, and just about every other aspect there is. Some may say it's too difficult, but in Black they've added a Ninja Dog (easy) difficulty so new players can learn the ropes! Highly recommended, for $30, you won't regret the buy!
Zak S. gave it a10: Well, I really don't know where to start! I mean, i only borrowed the first NG, but NGB is much better. The gameplay is awesome, the graphics detailed to every minute pixel, and the stroy is just awesome. The sounds, the gameplay, and the difficulty gives this game excellent replay value! For someone who likes martial arts, and some good storylines, this is a MUST!
Aramis G. gave it a9: A totally awesome action. Not for whimps or casual gamers. Packs in about 30 hrs (that is 22 hrs more than the overly easy God of War). Unfortunately it suffers from slowdown and sports a "dull" look on the Xbox 360. Hopefully Tecmo will up-date their emulator.
Andreas SJ gave it a9: I have a hard time understanding the reviewers here that pan the game for being too hard. I'll be the first to admit frustration isn't fun, but what Ninja Gaiden does so very very right, which WARRANTS its insane difficulty, is that it's actually one of the fairer games on the market, if ever in history. If you play Tecmos previous fighting games, such as the DOA series, youll know frustration when the CPU automagically counters every single attack you make on the hardest difficulty: This is a skill based mechanic, and any CPU application of it will be cheating, so the experience becomes frustrating. In Ninja Gaiden however, at ANY time do you have the chance to block or dive out of the way. These two mechanics are the simple reason people get frustrated with the game. They don't get the idea of Ryu as a super ninja, who can block and dodge ANYTHING, and they certainly don't get the idea that NG isn't going to hold you by the hand as you learn this. NG is a gamer's game. If you grew up with the NES and games before that, you'd know what gaming used to be, and the raw satisfaction of beating impossible odds. NG is a next generation take on what a true challenge should be. Jace N, your social commentary is complete nonsense. Games were ALWAYS intended to be challenges and tests of skill. Games-as-entertainment, sure thing, take that to the guys studying Game theory, or building their businesses on it. Games are mechanisms that allow for problem solving on varying levels, and Ninja Gaiden is a mechanism that tests your reflexes and ability to judge a situation with regards to your available tools. If a game doesn't fight back, you might as well just watch TV, which i assume you enjoy quite a bit. NG is NOT for you. Glenn M. Did you expect in-depth philosophy and an enlightening experience from a game called Ninja Gaiden, which is about a guy doing backflips off buildings while fighting Hind A helicopters with a sword carved from a dragon's tooth? What's the matter here, total lack of understanding of subject matter? I guess so. Ninja Gaiden is a game for those that enjoy the satisfaction of beating a complicated machine. This goes for those feeling pride when they could beat Chessmaster, the ones that feel pride when they beat Solitaire (!), the ones that feel joy at driving a car and feeling completely in control. You won't get an experience like Ninja gaiden anywhere today, and Black making it harder and prettier, well, define harder. Black adds complexity. What happened to the human spirit, where adversity and complexity is something to be understood, mastered and eventually beaten? Did we all become mewling kittens all of a sudden? Do architects give up architecture because it's too complicated? Ninja Gaiden Black is a total steal at the budget price it's at. Mindblowing challenge, completely fair, at a more than fair price.
Jace N. gave it a0: Im not sure which is more pathetic...the army of losers snapping this up to "prove their metal" against its punishing difficulty or the additional army of losers trying to covince the world its not difficult at all and they finished it on super-ultra-mega-hard...so they must be gods then? Games are for entertainment...not a substitute for our societies complete lack of facilities and situations for our young males to prove themselves.
Cyn gave it a9: One of the best games I've ever played on X-Box ....nothing bad about the game I can say or think of. I only found ONE glitch (dont use Nimpo when Doku throws his sword). Rent it first if your 'afraid' it might be to hard. Not for someone who gets frustrated easily. did anyone else notice that everyone who gave it a bad review essentially said it was too hard?
[Anonymous] gave it a9: First off this game is like no other i have played. The first boss fight took me 4 trys to beat its the first game where i was challenged 45m into it. NGB is graphicly astounding it looks better than most next-gen trailers the colision detection is not that great but it must be hard for tecmo to design a cape that sways in the wind but dosn't disapire into solid objects. NGB bar none. I can't spel pleese escuse.
Glenn M. gave it a0: This game is completely pointless. If the only point of a game is the fact that it is challenging - who cares? I played for about an hour and a half over 3 sessions and I feel absolutely no desire whatsoever to play again (the 3rd session I forced myself to play just to give it one more chance). What a disapointment. Time for ebay. What a waste of time and money!
Matt J. gave it an8: A lengthy game that looks, sounds and plays great. If it weren't for the fact you'll spend 3/4 of it wanting to claw your own eyes out in frustration I'd give it a 9.
McFly gave it a10: Wonderfull game. Must see or in this case play to be belived. I agree with Jay and Tom wholeheartedly in its appeal stemming from its difficulty. Alex hits the nail on the head as well. Amatuer gamers beware.
Jay gave it a9: This game is brilliant. Everything is top notch from the visuals, sound, contols, story, etc. I take one point off because the camera can be a little troublesome at times but its not that bad. The rest of the game easily makes up for it. As you probably already know by now it is a hard game but thats what holds the appeal for so many. If you are willing to put the time in to practice and make yourself better the game becomes a flat out joy to play. Its the only game that made me want to play through it again the instant I beat it. And it has many difficulty levels to satisfy anyone. The included Ninja Dog mode makes the game very beatable for anyone with a attention span geater than a goldfish. It can be frustrating but keep at it. With the added content for this version and $30 price tag its a no brainer for anyone who likes well constructed video games. And when I say no brainer I mean you would have to be a moron not to pick it up or at least rent it. You know who you are.
Alex gave it a10: This game is freak'n sweet! The first one was kind of a challenge, but it's one is in a league of it's own, i think that if you hate this game then your an amatuer gamer!
Tom A. gave it a9: Great game, especially if you have never played the original like me. At $30US it’s well worth the price. I don't like saying "one of", or "one of the best" etc, so I won't. I'll be cocky and say that this currently IS the best action title you'll find on any console today. Reasons: 1. The subtle combat system. On one hand the combat system appears simple, you can: block, roll, jump, basic attack, strong attack etc. On the other hand, the combat system is also fairly deep and complex. Throughout the game there will be many different bosses and enemies that will test your skills and knowledge of the game. You must develop different strategies and tactics in order to defeat them all. This is both very fun and satisfying. The combat system gives you both freedom and control. Any who say otherwise are simply unintelligent and make excuses cause they suck. 2. The graphics, the sound, the overall polish and feel of the game. This is one of the best looking games around. Everything from the characters, environments and weapons look gorgeous and the game still runs great. The numerous cinematics in the game are all great as well. 3. Variety. While the game mostly consists of fighting there are many different platform puzzles in the game. From having to run up walls to running from a giant head you will have fun using the environment to progress through the game. There are also many different weapons to use and master in the game (many can even be upgraded, giving them more combos). Weapons all look fantastic and each is unique. Negative things about the game: No co-op or multiplayer. Game may be too difficult for people who do not have the patience or mental capacity to understand enemy/boss fighting patterns and the combat system. A bad camera system (though it was fine 90% of the time for me). A some-what weak storyline (though it more then serves the purpose for the type of game that it is -- action). Yeah, that's all I got to say. Most people should like this game even though it can be frustratingly hard at times. I give this game a solid 9/10 for its great graphics, great gameplay, lack of multiplayer and poor camera system. Look forward to the 2nd installment. Thanks.
Cargo M. gave it a7: It's not a bad game, just overrated. The popular praises of "..oh it's so pretty" and "..oh it's so difficult" do not merit perfect 10's. The gameplay is repetitive at best and the story is boring and predictable to say the least. Plus, what the hell's the deal the S&M costumes and why does Ryu look as though he's been taking steroids? I thought he was a ninja, not a linebacker for NY Giants. I really hope Tecmo hands this franchise over to another developer to return it to it's former frantic-paced, platform glory.
Tony gave it a7: A questionable and rather lacking update to the classic Ninja Gaiden. While adding very little, this game removes successive play, intercept, and nerfs a whole lot of tactics. You're basically paying for the same game, minus some of it's best features. The mission mode, although challenging, can't hold a candle to the story campaign. The best I could find in Black were a few improved weapons, the Lunar and the Kitetsu.
SmoothNinja gave it a10: JJC giving it a 2 shows 1 you havent put forth the time to realize possibly contender for best action game of this generation if not all time. And 2 although everyone gets pwned at a game at some point or another as a beginner you gave up that easily and took the easy way out. 10 all the way one of the greatest games of our time. Team Ninja thumbs up cant wait for Ninja Gaiden 2.
Jared B. gave it a10: Best game i have ever played its hardcore baddass game.
DBone gave it a5: Pretty visuals and an overall impressive production do not make up for the fact that the camera placement in this game is atrocious. Half the time you simply cannot see who's slicing or throwing a fireball at you, making the already challenging gameplay that much harder ruining any of the fun I might have otherwise been having. Also, I'm surprised nobody ever mentioned that it doesn't feel like you're in control at all when you start hacking away. You let up on the button pressing and it seems like the character has a mind of his own while he continues for a second or two afterwards.
Paul P. gave it a10: Simply breathtaking. The graphics and gameplay have been tweaked to perfection. It is still hard although on normal mode the bosses I struggled on the original Gaiden only took 2 goes at most to get through, most I've beaten first go. When you get to the dead guys, break out your Lunar and prepare to be grinning ;o)
JJ C gave it a2: Great graphic does not necessarily mean that it is a great game. The original game is already terribly difficult enough and this one is even worse. It is anything spetacular or difficult to make a "DIFFICULT" game??? Give me a break. I'd rather save my life and $$$.
Red Rose gave it a7: Fine, if you have set aside 80 hours to complete the game and don't mind going over the same bit over and over and over and over and over again because the game is so UNFORGIVING. Good graphics though ;)
Blue Falcon gave it an8: I tend to with caliban. making the game harder and having nearly all the extra content only accessible after beating it on hard (or so i have read), is somewhat cruel. it's good for hardcore fans, but not really for the majority of people. i bet most people out there would find the easy setting challenging. sometimes the puzzles in this game are painful; mostly in a tedious way, but occasionally in a wtf do i do now way. of course the game does have awesome graphics and great combat. it's definately worth owning.
D. Davis gave it a10: Yes Caliban you are the only wimp that can't take the difficulty, that why Team Ninja made the easy Ninja Dog mode just for people like you, who whine with you panties around your ankles.
The Davy JOnes gave it a10: I. Caliban has lost his mind. He sent me an email saying that he was the Queen of France and this game was his favorite. Now look - he's gone and bashed it on Metacritic. You CRAVE those higher difficulty levels, Caliban. I saw a ninja once- stole my soup, he did. He even took the spoon. It was only a plastic one I stole from the cafeteria downtown, but mine nontheless. I almost had him, but then he flipped over a building.
Eric gave it a10: Absolutely perfect. Any slight imperfections with the original, like the camera angles are fixed, in addition to a slew of additional mini-missions, weapons and outfits. Also, to those complaining of them making this version even more difficult than the original, there is now an easy setting to play in. So that shouldn't really be a complaint. Those who thought the first one was too hard gets an easier difficulty setting and those who beat the first one now can play it with more of a challenge.
Tahree Biggums gave it an8: A really solid outing. I never played the original, just heard good things, so I don't know how this one compares. This game isn't THAT difficult. I have it on the easiest setting (Ninja Dog) and its fine. Normal is pretty hard, but where's the challenge in walking through a game? Once I'm not a jackass at the game I'll bump it up to Normal, and hopefully to harder difficulties once I get really good. Like Resident Evil 4 and the original Devil May Cry, its hard, but not unbeatable or to the point where I feel a part is impossible. My problems are with manipulating the camera (why does moving the right thumbstick left make the camera go right, or to first person mode half the time?), the sound really isn't so great and I'll never understand why Japanese people always have Ninjas running around on airships, fighting tanks and fighting in a world that's like 2097. Oh well, I guess its to make Ryu look like a total bad @$$ that he can waste tanks and stuff with Shrukiens. Don't get me wrong, it's a ton of fun, it's just not perfect (10/10). Great pick up, though, especially for $30.
Zaheer S. gave it a10: Ninja Gaiden, already one of the best XBox games around, provides fodder for Tecmo to expand even further and come up with one of the best expansion/remakes of all time! The additional content is spectacular, and with the reasonable price its a must-have for people new to the game, and even most of the Ninja Gaiden veterans out there. (Plus there's an easier difficulty for all you quitters out there!)
Meh gave it a10: Caliban u moron, if u've even bothered to actually PLAY the game, you would realize that Itagaki (the lead developer) deliberately included the new Ninja Dog difficulty to cater to those who found the original game too demanding in difficulty. I, personally, never found the original too hard to finish (I've beaten it on the hardest difficulty setting, so have thousands of other players), so there's proof right there that the game can be finished. Anyway, you shouldn't be judging a game solely on its difficulty level. Your entire "review", so to speak, didnt even touch on what truly matters in a game, the GAMEPLAY. All I read was incessant bitching about difficulty, which proves how much of an inept n00b you are. so plz, caliban do us all a favour and go back to playing solitaire or something else that's more suited to your "skills" (or lack thereof).
Bob gave it a7: Ninja Gaiden Black is a great purchase for gamers who missed out on the original Xbox version of Ninja Gaiden, which many critics hailed as an instant-classic and one of the greatest action games of all time. The game is popular for its aggressive enemy A.I. and unrelenting, fast-paced action sequences. Definitely not for the weak-hearted gamers out there.
Gnarles gave it a9: "It's too hard now!" "It's too easy now!" "They're just trying to get more money!" Ahh, I can see the reader reviews now, and it almost turns my stomach. People, learn to judge a game on its MERITS - not on its difficulty or whether or not it's a "cash in". The fact of matter is, Ninja Gaiden Black is awesome. It was awesome last year, it's awesome this year, and probably no matter when it comes out, it will be awesome. The enhancements in this new version are subtle but welcome, making a great game even better. The mission mode is incredible - if you're committed enough to unlock it - while the main game remains its charmingly abrasive old self, with incredibly intense combat, ace controls, and a few surprises for the faithful. Stop complaining. Suck it up. Get the game. Be the ninja.
Luiggi R. gave it a10: Excellent game. although very hard, it's a very addicting and fun game. the weapons are still awsome. graphics are unbelieveble.The cinematics were outstanding. one of the best games ever.
I. Caliban gave it a6: Am I the only one who thinks that making Ninja Gaiden more difficult is akin to forcing doctors to wear blindfolds and tapdance during brain surgery? Making an already difficult game even harder isn't my idea of a good time. Particularly as I couldn't even halfway through the game on the easiest setting of the original. Either that or to quote Sgt. Riggs, "I'm getting too old for this sh@t."
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