Part 5

Explore item costs, weapon upgrades, and the Karma scoring system in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Learn strategies for defeating Black Spider Ninjas, Tactical Ninjas, Incendiary Dogs, and Van Gelfs.

This section details various items available for purchase, weapon upgrade costs, and the intricacies of the Karma scoring system in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. It also provides strategies for defeating specific enemy types.

Items & Costs:

• Evil Way Mushroom - $4000
• Life of the Gods - $700
• Lives of the Thousand Gods - $2000
• Talisman of Rebirth - $30,000
• Jewel of the Demon Seal - $700
• Incendiary Shurikens - $100
• Arrows - $50

Weapon Upgrades:

All weapons have two upgrade slots. The first upgrade costs $10,000 Yellow Essence, and the second costs $30,000. Weapons can be upgraded to MAX status immediately if you have the funds. A maxed-out Dragon Sword is achievable by Chapter 3 with skilled play.

Talisman of Rebirth Note:

The Talisman of Rebirth must be equipped from the Pause Menu to function. If not equipped, Ryu will not resurrect upon death.

Karma Scoring System

The Karma score in Ninja Gaiden 2 is based on actions performed per battle, including combos, Ultimate Techniques, Obliterations, and kills. Unlike the first game, there is no time limit affecting Karma points.

Karma Point Breakdown:

• Combos: 100 points per hit
• Essence Technique: 2000 points
• Ultimate Technique: 5000 points
• Obliterations: 3000 points
• Killing Spree: 3000 points
• Instant Kills: 3000 points
• Enemies Killed: 1000 points per enemy

Inflicting more damage leads to a higher Karma score.

Enemy Strategies

Black Spider Ninja (Sword, Archer, Claws) & Red Spider Ninja (Incendiary Shurikens) & Phantom Warlock

These enemies are relentless and more lethal when limbs are removed. Use the following strategies:

• Strategy #1: Ultimate in the Face: Use Reverse Winds for evasion, then an On-Land Charge. This often decapitates weaker ninjas, leaving Yellow Essence. Use more On-Land Charges to perform Ultimate Techniques.
• Strategy #2: Obliteration Up the Ass: Use the combo X, Y, B, Y (On-Land Charge). This sequence leads to an Obliteration.

Tactical Ninja (Guns, Rocket Launcher, Ballistic Missiles)

These soldiers are less frenzied but swarm. They are often accompanied by ranged attackers. Prioritize eliminating supporting soldiers before engaging the main threats.

Incendiary Dogs

These enemies carry Incendiary Shurikens. Quick On-Land Charges are effective, often killing them in one or two hits and leaving Yellow Essence for more Ultimate Techniques. A Level 2 Dragon Sword allows for the Divine Swallow attack.

Pink Van Gelf & Green Van Gelf

These large monsters require a Level 3 weapon for efficient defeat. With lower-level weapons, additional combos are needed even after an Ultimate Technique. Stay evasive during their pounces and counter their melee attacks to sever limbs, then proceed with further attacks.