Ninja Gaiden 2 vs. Black and Sigma (Comparison)

The different editions of Ninja Gaiden 2 can be confusing. There's the original Xbox 360 version, followed by Sigma 2, Sigma 2 Plus, and the Sigma 2 Master Collection. To make things more complicated, Team Ninja recently shadow-dropped a new version called Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, which is touted as the definitive edition. But what's the difference between all these versions, and which one should you get? This guide breaks it down for you.

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Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Has a Weird Problem on Game Pass

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By Brett Byll

Ninja Gaiden 2 Editions Explained

The first version of Ninja Gaiden 2 launched on Xbox 360 in 2008. Later, PlayStation 3 players received a remixed edition called Sigma 2, which was then re-released with improvements as Sigma 2 Plus and Master Collection. In 2025, Team Ninja released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black as the definitive edition of the original game.

Ninja Gaiden II 2008 ($29.99)

Ninja Gaiden II

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Released: June 3, 2008
Developer(s): Team Ninja
Platform(s): Xbox 360
How Long To Beat: 30 hours

The original Ninja Gaiden 2 was released in 2008 for Xbox 360. It continued the story of Ryu Hayabusa, the same protagonist from the first game. As a direct sequel, it featured enhanced visuals and improved controls though it offered a similar atmosphere and gameplay.

Sigma 2 ($39.99 in the Master Collection)

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

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Released: March 26, 2013
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, PS Vita

One year after Ninja Gaiden 2's initial release, its remixed and remastered edition, Sigma 2, was released for PS3. This version featured better visuals but removed much of the original's gore and dismemberment mechanics. In its place, it added three new missions and introduced three new playable characters: Rachel, Ayane, and Momiji.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black ($49.99)

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

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Released: January 23, 2025
Developer(s): Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
PC Release Date: January 23, 2025

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the definitive edition of the game, remastered and largely remade using Unreal Engine 5. It boasts current-generation visuals and includes additional content from some spin-offs, along with a quality-of-life feature called Hero Mode, designed for beginners.

The Hero Mode nerfs the game’s difficulty, allowing new players to get their heads around gameplay mechanics.

Comparison Between All Ninja Gaiden 2 Editions

The following table shows the biggest difference between primary editions of Ninja Gaiden 2.

Feature	Ninja Gaiden 2 Black	Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2	Ninja Gaiden 2
Chapters	17	17	14
Difficulty	5	4	4
Playable Characters	Ryu, Ayane, Momiji, Rachel	Ryu, Ayane, Momiji, Rachel	Ryu
Additional Boss	The Dark Dragon	Giant Buddha Statue: Hatensoku, The Statue of Liberty, The Dark Dragon	✖
Multiplayer (Online Co-Op)	✖	✔	✔
Mouse and Keyboard	✔	✖	✖
Platforms	Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X\|S, Microsoft Store, Steam, PlayStation 5	PlayStation 3	Xbox 360

For a more detailed comparison, including Sigma 2 Plus and Sigma 2 Master Collection, check out Team Ninja’s official content comparison table.

Is Ninja Gaiden 2 Black a Remaster or a Remake?

Although officially listed as a remaster by Team Ninja, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is effectively a remake. Made with Unreal Engine 5—a different game engine than the original—it features remade visuals, textures, lighting, effects, stages, and characters, all designed to match current-gen graphics.

Which Ninja Gaiden 2 Editions Should You Get?

One controversial decision by Team Ninja was to base Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's level designs mostly on Sigma 2 rather than the original Xbox 360 version. This results in fewer enemies in some areas, and the combat difficulty feels toned down.

If you're a hardcore Ninja Gaiden fan looking to experience the second installment, the original Xbox version (enhanced for Xbox One X) is your best option, as it captures the essence of Ninja Gaiden better than any later release.

However, if you're new to the franchise or seeking a fresh experience without strong ties to the series' original releases, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is the way to go. The good news is that this remastered edition is available for free with all Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, making it an offer you can't pass up.

You can now pre-order Ninja Gaiden 2 Black’s physical copy, but this edition is exclusive to PlayStation 5.

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 93%

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Released: January 23, 2025
ESRB: M For Mature 17+ // Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
Developer(s): Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
Publisher(s): Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.