With the recent announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4* at this week's Xbox Showcase and the addition of *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black* to Game Pass, IGN's action game expert Mitchell Saltzman reflects on the enduring legacy of *Ninja Gaiden Black*. Even two decades later, this title remains unrivaled in its genre. Saltzman delves into the reasons behind its lasting impact, highlighting the game's challenging yet rewarding gameplay, intricate combat mechanics, and the seamless integration of action and narrative that set a new standard for action games. The depth of its design and the intensity of its battles continue to captivate players, making *Ninja Gaiden Black* a benchmark that has yet to be surpassed.