I wasn't expecting much from Thursday's Xbox Direct, but then isn't that always the way: It turned out to be the most laser-targeted assault on my gaming desires in years. What Microsoft is calling "The Year of the Ninja" saw the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, a mere decade after the disappointing Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, before the megaton dropped: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Out right now.
That word "Black" in this particular context had me drooling over my keyboard, which might seem a bit strange. But it's all about the history of this particular franchise in 3D. You see, for a series that contains two of the best hack-and-slash games ever made, Ninja Gaiden hasn't been enormously well-served by its re-releases and remasters over the years, with one notable exception (and now perhaps two). My opinion of the first two games could not be higher, and so when I say Team Ninja has stumbled more than a few times keeping them alive, I do so with a heavy heart. These developers rolling out the word Black in 2025 is a "We are so back" declaration I never thought I'd see.
