Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the remaster of the 2008 classic Ninja Gaiden 2, was released unexpectedly on January 25, 2025, following the Xbox Developer Direct showcase. The remaster promised to bring back the brutal action gameplay with improved visuals using the Unreal Engine 5 to support 4K graphics and high frame rates. While many players greeted the arrival of this nostalgic hack-and-slash adventure with enthusiasm, those attempting to play it via Game Pass on PC have encountered significant technical challenges, particularly with controller compatibility.
Many Game Pass users are reporting frustrating experiences when trying to use Xbox controllers on their PCs. Some players faced issues where their controllers wouldn't register inputs at all, preventing them from moving past the main menu. An unnamed GamesRadar+ reporter recounted their narrative, stating, "I couldn’t get any of the Xbox controllers... to register inputs" even after attempting wired connections and resorting to various fixes such as disabling Steam. Others turned to Reddit, where it became evident they were not alone, as numerous users shared similar frustrations about their gaming experience being hindered by the very controllers meant to enrich it.
Interestingly, some players have discovered a peculiar workaround: using the DualSense controller from the PlayStation 5. Several on Reddit vouched for its effectiveness, stating it functioned seamlessly with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. One user noted, "…the PS4’s controller speaker piping up in the game" once they connected the DualSense Edge. This solution has become somewhat of a running joke within the community, highlighting the irony of needing to use PlayStation hardware to enjoy an Xbox game. The distinction is particularly notable as the Xbox Series version of the game doesn't seem to suffer from these problems; the controllers work well on Xbox consoles without significant issues.
The situation has sparked discussions about the Xbox Game Pass version’s performance issues compared to its Steam counterpart. Not only do Game Pass players report controller issues, but they also find themselves missing out on features like NVIDIA DLSS, which the Steam version supports. Digital Foundry’s John Linneman addressed this adversity, calling attention to the lack of DLSS as, "...a common issue when comparing Microsoft's service and Valve's platform." DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, would allow players to maintain higher frame rates and improve performance on lower-end machines, which is particularly significant for gamers who rely heavily on the Game Pass service.
While the remaster features several noteworthy upgrades—boasting improved lighting, character models, and more challenging gameplay—it hasn’t come without its pitfalls. Reaction from the gaming community has been mixed; some appreciate the visuals and updates, but the significant gameplay disruptions caused by controller issues raise concerns about the overall quality control of Game Pass releases. An unnamed GamesRadar+ journalist summed it up by stating, "Hopefully, these issues aren't too far away from being patched," expressing hope for timely solutions by developers.
For Team Ninja, the developers of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, this remaster is seen as both exciting and challenging. The original Ninja Gaiden 2 was widely regarded for its frenetic gameplay, and melding it with modern capabilities has been met with both cheers and jeers. Players have praised the return of dismemberment and gore, elements stripped from the previous remakes, which many associated too closely with the series’ identity. Yet, the criticisms hint at the broader systemic issues within the Game Pass ecosystem, particularly concerning how Xbox versions differ from other platforms.
With Ninja Gaiden 4 on the horizon, due to launch later this year, the gaming community remains hopeful. Many will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes on how previous issues with the remaster are addressed, as well as the game's overall performance on both Xbox and PC. Balancing nostalgia with technological advancements has created the perfect storm for Team Ninja: their work is under scrutiny, with fans eager to relive and evolve their experiences from the past. Changing tides with patches could swing player perception back to the positive, allowing Ninja Gaiden to reclaim its position as a beloved franchise under the new gaming age.
Old and new fans alike seem willing to give Ninja Gaiden 2 Black the chance it deserves—if the technical troubles can be resolved. The answer to Wonderland versus Wonderland remains to be seen, but for now, the excitement for Ninja Gaiden 4 builds alongside the anticipated patches for its predecessor.