Master the art of combat in Ninja Gaiden Black, the brutal action-adventure that tests your reflexes. This extensive guide, featuring 77 sections, covers everything from getting started to conquering all 10 boss fights. Find strategies for tough encounters, optimal character builds, and secrets to aid your journey.
Part 1
Your essential guide to starting Ninja Gaiden Black. Learn the controls, basic combat, and essential techniques to survive the early challenges. Get ready to fight!
Alright, let's get you started on your journey through Ninja Gaiden Black! This first part is all about getting a feel for the game, understanding the controls, and learning some fundamental moves that will save your skin more times than you can count. Don't worry if it feels a little overwhelming at first; we'll break it all down so you can start slicing and dicing like a pro.
First off, let's get familiar with how you'll be controlling Ryu. Think of these as your basic tools:
Basic Attacks:
- X Button: This is your standard attack. Quick and reliable for most situations.
- Y Button: This is your hard attack. It's slower but hits harder, and if you hold it down, you can charge up a devastating Ultimate Technique (UT).
Movement and Actions:
- A Button: Your jump button. You can also use it for other actions like interacting with things, and holding it down lets you dive underwater.
- B Button: This is for your secondary weapons or projectiles. Holding it down lets you charge up a projectile for extra power.
Menu and Camera:
- Start Button: Brings up the main menu.
- Select Button: Opens the options menu.
- LB Button: Your block. Essential for survival!
- LT Button: Another action button, often used in conjunction with others.
- RB Button: This re-centers your camera, which is super handy when things get hectic.
- RT Button: Brings up your map. Always good to know where you're going.
Navigation and Special Moves:
- D-Pad Left/Right: Cycle through your different weapons.
- D-Pad Up/Down: Switch between Ninpo, secondary weapons, or healing items.
- Wind Run (X + A): This lets you dash forward quickly. Great for closing gaps or dodging.
- Ninpo (B + Y): Use your mystical arts! These consume Ninpo energy, so use them wisely.
- Counterattack (Press X or Y while blocking): If you time your attack just right after blocking an enemy's strike, you can perform a powerful counter. This is crucial for dealing with tougher foes.
- Reverse Wind (Move Analog Stick in any direction while blocking): This lets you quickly evade attacks by sidestepping.
Now, there's a cool little mechanic called the Chiburi. After you clear out all the enemies in an area, Ryu will perform this move where he wipes the blood off his weapon. When he does this, your health will regenerate. Keep an eye out, though – if he doesn't do the Chiburi after a fight, it means there's still an enemy lurking around somewhere that you need to find and eliminate.
When Ryu takes damage, you'll see a red meter appear on his health bar. After a battle, if you perform the Chiburi, your health will refill up to the point indicated by that red meter. To fully restore your health, you'll need to find health items or wait for it to regenerate over time, but the Chiburi is your first line of defense for quick recovery.
Part 2
Learn how to master the Obliteration Technique, charged projectiles, water running, and manual saving in Ninja Gaiden Black. Plus, dive into the Dragon Sword and Lunar weapon combos!
Alright, let's get into some of the cooler mechanics you'll be using in Ninja Gaiden Black. These aren't necessarily tied to a specific mission, but knowing them will make your life a whole lot easier.
The Obliteration Technique
This is a crucial one for managing crowds. If you leave enemies even partially alive after slicing them up, they'll keep coming at you. To avoid this, once you've dismembered an enemy, get close and press the Y BUTTON. Ryu will finish them off cleanly. Trust me, you don't want a bunch of crawling, limbless enemies chasing you down!
Charged Projectiles
You'll get a few different projectile weapons throughout the game, and three of them can be charged up for extra oomph: the Fiend's Bane Bow, Windmill Shuriken, and Incendiary Shurikens. Just hold down the B BUTTON while you have one of these equipped, and Ryu will power up his throw. A charged shot can easily lop off a limb or even take an enemy down completely.
The Water Run
This one's pretty neat. When you're running across water, as soon as Ryu's feet hit the surface, tap the A BUTTON. He'll run right on top of it! If you happen to fall in, don't sweat it – just keep tapping A BUTTON to get back on the surface.
Infinite Oxygen
Good news for underwater sections: Ryu can now breathe underwater forever! No need to worry about finding air pockets or running out of oxygen. Just swim through and explore to your heart's content.
Manual Save
You can choose to save manually in the options menu. Once enabled, you'll need to access a Save Statue twice. The first access refills your health, and the second time you interact with it, the manual save menu will pop up. It's a good idea to get in the habit of manual saving, especially before tough boss fights.
Ryu's Armory Reloaded: Weapon Combos
Now, let's talk weapons! Knowing your combos is key to dealing with different enemy types and situations.
Dragon Sword / True Dragon Sword
This is your bread and butter. Here are some essential combos:
- Level 1: PIERCING DRAGON'S FANG (XXXXX), TIGER ROAR (XXY), SEAL OF TEN (XX → XX), THREE LIGHTS (XX → XY), BLADE OF EMPTY AIR (XYX), SCARLET DRAGON (X, HOLD Y), WINDMILL SLASH (→ X), VIOLENT WIND (→ XX → X), PIERCING WIND (→ XX → Y), CRIMSON TEMPEST (YY), HAZE STRAIGHT SLASH (HOLD Y), AZURE DRAGON (→ Y), SCARLET DRAGON (→ HOLD Y)
- Level 2: DRAGON TEAR (XXX → X), FANG OF THE WOLF (XXYY), IKARUGA (XXY → Y), WRATH OF IZANAGI (XX → XYY), BLADE OF SUSANO'O (XYXXXX), IZUNA DROP (XYXXXY), VIOLENT GALE (→ XX → XX), DRAGON OF HEAVEN (→ XX → YY → Y), DRAGON OF EARTH (→ XX → YY → HOLD Y), UNDEFEATABLE DEMON (YYY), FLYING CRANE (ROTATE 360, Y)
- Level 3: FORTUITOUS PHOENIX (XXYYYY), GLEAMING BLADE (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y)
- Level 4: STEEL SPLITTER (XXXY), CLOUD DRAGON FLYING SWALLOW (X, HOLD Y, YYY)
- Ultimate Techniques: OBLIVION CROSS CUT (HOLD Y + ESSENCE), BLADE OF THE DRAGON'S SCALES (HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE), ROARING GLEAM (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y + ESSENCE), TRUE DRAGON GLEAM (LVL 4) (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE)
Lunar
The Lunar staff is faster now, especially when upgraded. Remember, not all combos are equally effective, so practice!
- Level 1: DRAGON'S FANG SPIN (XXXX), GLEAMING SHADOW (XXY), INFINITY THRUST (X → XX), BOLTED GATE (→ XX), FIERCE LION (Y), REMNANT BLOSSOMS (HOLD Y), WANING MOON (→ Y)
- Level 2: DRAGON TALON SPIN (XXXY), YIN-YANG THRUST (X → XXX), ABSOLUTE DARKNESS (X → XYX), IZUNA DROP (X → XYXY), SUN AND MOON (X → XYY), CHARGING LION (→ XXX), FIRST WIND (→ YYX), MOONLIT SHADOW (→ YYY), WANING EVIL (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y)
- Level 3: AMITABHA THRUST (X → XXXX), MOLTEN ROCK (XYXXX), STRANGE SOUL (XYYYY), BLADED SPIDER (YYY → YYYYY), DESTRUCTION SPIN (ROTATE 360, Y)
- Ultimate Techniques: EIGHT DESTRUCTIONS (HOLD Y + ESSENCE), DANCE OF FLAME (HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE), HAZY SHADOW (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y + ESSENCE), HEAVENLY SHADOW (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE), HEAVENLY IZUNA (ROTATE 360, HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE + Y)
Eclipse Scythe
The Eclipse Scythe section seems to be cut off in the source text, but we'll cover it when we have the full details!
Part 3
Unlock the full potential of Ninja Gaiden Black's arsenal. Detailed guides for the Scythe, Falcon Talons, Tonfas, and Kusari-Gama, including combos and ultimate techniques.
This section details the various weapons available in Ninja Gaiden Black, focusing on their unique combos and ultimate techniques.
Scythe
The Scythe is a versatile weapon with good mid-range reach and a powerful aerial combo. It's particularly effective against larger enemies like mechs and werewolves.
Level 1 Combos
- PIERCING MOON: XXXXX
- SHADOW BANISHER: XXXX, X (HOLD BUTTON)
- MIST SLASH: XXXXY
- CORPSE SWEEP: XXY
- DEMON'S JAW: XYY
- ROUND HAZE: --> XXX
- FLYING HEADS: YY
- SERPENT'S CURSE: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- SOUL IMPALE: --> Y
- HUNTED CHIMERA: --> YY
Level 2 Combos
- DEATH'S GATE: XXX --> XXX
- DEMON PROCESSION: XXXXYYY
- DEATH'S CHARIOT: XXXY
- REVERSED WATERFALL: --> XYYYYY
- CRIES OF ARES: YYY
- GRAVEYARD SPIN: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- DEATH'S PILLAR: XXX --> XXY
- RIVER STYX DROP: XXX --> XX, Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- REVERSED TSUNAMI: --> XXXXX
Ultimate Technique
- UNDERWORLD ERUPTION: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- EMPIRE DESTROYER: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
- MASSACRE SWEEP: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- EXTERMINATION SWEEP: ROTATE 360, PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Falcon Talons
The Falcon Talons excel at rapid, close-range attacks. Mastering their counterattack is key to unleashing devastating combos and Obliterations.
Level 1 Combos
- LION'S ROAR: XXXXX
- PANTHER TAIL KICK: XXX --> XXX
- TIGER'S CRUSHING JAW: XX --> X
- FLYING TIGER'S CLAW: XYX
- WHITE TIGER FLURRY: --> XXX
- WHITE TIGER GOUGE: --> XXXY
- BARED LION'S FANG: --> XXX, Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- BEAR STRIKE: YY
- FURIOUS TIGER CLAW: YY --> Y
- KING OF BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- THUNDEROUS EARTH: --> Y
Level 2 Combos
- HEAVENY WOLF: XXXYYY
- RAVENOUS THROW: XXX, PRESS AND HOLD Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- RUNNING FLAME: XXYY
- VERMILION BIRD STRIKE: XX --> YYY
- PIERCING WOLF'S FANG: XYYY
- THUNDEROUS LION'S ROAR: --> XXXXXX
- CHARGING BOAR: YYY
- FURIOUS TIGER KICK: YY --> YY
- CRY OF THE PHOENIX: --> YY
Level 3 Combos
- CRUSHING VERMILION BIRD STRIKE: XX --> XXXXXX
- IZUNA DROP: XX --> XXXXXY
- WINGS OF THE PHANTOM ROC: XX --> XXYY
- WINGS OF THE VERMILION BIRD: XX --> XYYYY
Ultimate Technique
- CLAW OF A HUNDRED BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- FURY OF THE DIVINE BEASTS: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Tonfa
The Tonfas offer a faster attack speed and medium range, making them a good alternative to the Falcon Talons. Their Ultimate Technique can hit multiple enemies effectively.
Level 1 Combos
- GREAT EDGE: XXXXX
- IVORY FLOWER: XXXYX
- BLOOMING IRIS: XX --> XX
- CYPRESS COLUMN: XX --> XY
- CRADLED MOON: XY
- CRIMSON EDGE: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, Y
- DEMONS' STAVES: --> X
- DEMON DEVOURER: --> XYY
- IRON WHEEL: YY
- VERMILION FAN: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- FLEETING BLOSSOMS: --> YY
Level 2 Combos
- FALLING PETALS FLOWING WATER: XXXYXXXX
- IZUNA DROP: XXXYXXXY
- FLUTTERING PEACOCK: XX --> Y
- FLOWER GARLAND DROP: XX --> XY
- DEMONS' DIAMONDS: --> XX
- STORM OF THE FOUR WINDS: YYY
- OVERLAPPING STORMS: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos
- ONE THOUSAND BLOSSOMS: XXYYY
- DEMON TEARS KICK: --> XXXXX
Ultimate Technique
- SPRING WIND: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
- UNCONTROLLABLE BLOOM: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Kusari-Gama
The Kusari-Gama is a weapon with mixed ranges, effective against smaller enemies like ninjas and fish-like fiends. It can be somewhat unruly but offers unique attack patterns.
Level 1 Combos
- FACE STRIKE: XXXXX
- SKULL SHATTERER: XXYY
- HUNTING HEAVENS: XY
- ONE HUNDRED FEET: --> XX
- SPIRAL ATTACK: YY
- STORM OF SIX FLOWERS: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- SWEEPING CLOUDS: --> Y
- FLOWING SPIN: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 2 Combos
- GREAT SWEEP: XXXXY
- EAR SLICER: XXXYYY
- SERPENT SWING: XXXYY --> Y
- MIDNIGHT BLADE: XXX --> X
- SHRIKE DROP: XXX --> X (HOLD BUTTON)
- FLYING VINE: XX --> Y
- DEMON CUTTER: XX --> Y (HOLD BUTTON)
- FALLING SNOW: XYYYX
- TEMPLE BELL DROP: XYYYY
Part 4
Learn all weapon combos for Vigoorian Flails and Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang in Ninja Gaiden Black, plus Muramasa shop items like Herbs of Spiritual Life for $3000.
Vigoorian Flails Combos:
Level 1 Combos:
- Dragon and Phoenix: XXXXXX
- Fire Pit: XXY
- Looming Fog: XYX
- Grasping the Moon: XYY
- Flowing Waves: --> XX
- Horn of the Chimera: --> XXY
- Flame Wheel: YY
- Erupting Flame: --> X
- Nine Heavens: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 2 Combos:
- Dragon Slaughter: XXX --> XXXXXX
- Opened Path: XXXXXY
- Wandering Destruction: XXXY
- Pale Light: XXXY
- Foe Destroyer: XXYY
- Furious Strike: XYXXXX
- Izuna Drop: XYXXXY
- Insane Raven: XYYY
- Insane Devil: --> XXXXX
- Interrupted River: --> XXXY
- Shining Heavens: YYY
Level 3 Combos:
- Furious Strike: XXX --> XXXXXYXXX
- Izuna Drop: XXX --> XXXXXYXXY
- Piercing Mountain: XXX --> XXXXXYYYYYY
- Rising Serpent: --> YY
Ultimate Technique:
Golden Dragon: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
Dancing Phoenix: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
UT Note: Tap the Y button repeatedly for additional strikes.
Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang Combos:
Level 1 Combos:
- Falling Flowers: XXXXX
- Mahayana Blade: XXXYY
- Double Lightning Strike: XX --> XX
- Falling Dragon: XXX --> X
- Double Zhong Kui Slash: XYX
- Fire Dragon Spinning Descent: XYY
- Purgatory Slash: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y
- Twin Continuous Slash: --> XX
- Flying Dragon: --> XY
- Swooping Dragon Fang: YYYY
- Rolling Haze Slash: PRESS AND HOLD Y
- Rising Earth Blade: --> Y
- Purgatory Slash: --> PRESS AND HOLD Y
Level 2 Combos:
- Blade of Nirvana: XXXY
- Blade of Dharma's Way: XYY
- Lightning Pierce: XX --> XXX
- King Slayer: XX --> Y
- Mighty Zhong Kui: XYXXXX
- Zhong Kui Izuna: XYXXXY
- Zhong Kui Heavenly Sparrow: XYXXX, Y (BUTTON DELAY)
- Falling Zhong Kui: XYXXY
- Wind and Clouds: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, Y
- Twin Cross Cut: --> XXX
- Descending Dragon: --> XYY
- Rise to Heaven: ROTATE 360, Y
Level 3 Combos:
- Penetrating Lightning: XX --> XXX
- Bladed Wind: XX --> XY
- Emperor Slayer: XX --> YY
- Spinning Zhong Kui: XYXXXXY
- Zhong Kui Whirlwind: XYXXYY
- Spinning Fire Dragon: XYYY
- Divine Blade: X, PRESS AND HOLD Y, YY
- Great Chasm: YY, --> Y
Level 4 Combos (Blade of the Archfiend Only):
- Underworld Drop: XX --> YYYY
- Blade of the Mind: XX --> YYYYY
Ultimate Technique:
Path of the Demon Dragons: PRESS AND HOLD Y + ESSENCE
Eight Heavenly Dragons: PRESS AND HOLD Y + MAX ESSENCE
Dual Katana Note: After Ryu defeats Genshin in Chapter 14, he acquires the Blade of the Archfiend. When he equips this weapon, he combines it with the True Dragon Sword, which replaces the Dragon Claw & Tiger Fang.
Secondary Weapons/Projectiles:
- Shuriken
- Windmill Shuriken
- Incendiary Shuriken
- Gatling Gun
- Fiend's Bane Bow
Muramasa Reloaded:
Muramasa sells items at high prices. There are no special items to obtain from him for collecting Crystal Skulls, which only serve for Achievement Points and a special unlockable.
Health Items & Enhancements:
- Herbs of Spiritual Life: $3000
- Grains of Spiritual Life: $5000
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