The Xbox Developer Direct had a few surprises for us, not least of which a new Ninja Gaiden game.

But sneaking a little bit under the radar was the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remaster of the titular sequel from Team Ninja.

Shadow dropping during the event and going straight into Xbox Game Pass, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was certainly a surprise reveal, especially following the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection which dropped a few years back.

However, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a full remaster of the 15 year old game, converting it to Unreal Engine 5, updating all effects, characters and lighting.

This also includes updates to gore and blood and adds in a dismemberment feature. Coupled with additional characters, a beginner – Hero Play Style – mode and even newly added features from spinoffs incoporated into the game, this is the best time to dive into a Ninja Gaiden game.

New characters include Momiji, Ayane and Rachel.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is out now on PC, PlayStation and Xbox Game Pass. Ninja Gaiden 4 is expected to release later this year.