If you’re a fan of the 80s gaming era, Ninja Gaiden will be no stranger to you. The series redefined the action-platformer genre in its time. Now, with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, the franchise returns to its NES roots with a modern twist.
NES Days: When Ninja Gaiden Changed Gaming
The launch of Ninja Gaiden on the NES during 1988 defined new thresholds for video game animation alongside its cinematic sequences. It’s challenging gameplay with fast-paced action for players who can’t find anything to do with it. The series came with three major titles, each bringing new challenges and stories.
Ragebound: A New Chapter, Same Spirit
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a new game that brings back memories of the classic NES titles. This time, you will play the role of Kenji Mozu, the apprentice of Ryu Hayabusa. When Ryu goes to America to fulfill his father’s last wish, Kenji must protect Hayabusa Village. In this mission, he is accompanied by Kumori, a skilled assassin from the Black Spider Clan. The two together form a forbidden alliance called “Ninja Fusion,” through which they can perform powerful combined attacks.
Visuals: Modern Touch of Retro Pixel Art
The visual style of this game is high-quality pixel art, inspired by 90s anime. In every scene, you will find detailed backgrounds and smooth animations, which will remind you of old NES games. The Game Kitchen developed this game after receiving recognition for their previous projects, including Blasphemous. Their creative director, Jaumandreu, has said that his focus was on making a game that would make old fans feel nostalgic and give new players a fresh experience.
Gameplay: Old-School Mechanics with Modern Flair
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer with fast-paced combat and precise controls. It features “one-hit predominant” gameplay, where most enemies are defeated in one hit. But you will need to use specific strategies to defeat some enemies. Kenji Mozu and Kumori have different abilities, which you will need to use creatively in puzzles and combat situations.
Story: A Forbidden Alliance
When Ryu Hayabusa is in America, a demonic army attacks Hayabusa Village. To face this threat, Kenji, Mozu and Kumori join forces and form a forbidden alliance. Their mission is to save the world from the Demon Lord’s control. The narrative explores three major themes involving betrayal and sacrifice along with redemption, making the gameplay more compelling.
Development: A Passion Project
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Dotemu and Koei Tecmo. The game is a labor of love, where the developers have tried to capture the essence of the old Ninja Gaiden games. Their aim was to create a game that would make old fans feel nostalgic while giving new players a fresh experience.
Platforms and Release Date
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is scheduled to release in summer 2025, and the excitement is already building within the community. The game supports multiple platforms, which guarantees convenient access to any type of gaming experience. The game provides an opportunity to experience the epic ninja adventure regardless of which generation console you currently use or maintain a traditional setup.
The game supports Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, as well as PC gaming systems.
For Nintendo Switch users, this title holds special appeal. Thanks to the Switch’s hybrid design, you can enjoy all the fast-paced action and intricate storytelling on the go.
As the release date draws near, more details are expected to be revealed regarding preorder bonuses, special editions, and potential early access options. Ragebound is coming, and it’s bringing back the ninja legacy in style.
Conclusion: A Nostalgic Journey
The game Ninja Gaiden Ragebound exists to continue the franchise’s historic heritage and its original Nintendo Entertainment System foundation. The developers who know what made the original beloved have implemented every detail perfectly in the game, including intense gameplay, sharp animation and cutscene. In many ways, Ragebound is a love letter to those classic days, reimagined with modern flair.
With new characters like Kenji Mozu and a bold storyline, this action game brings something fresh while still delivering the high difficulty and fast-paced combat fans expect.
Ragebound brings this opportunity to fans of classic gaming together with those who value well-made adventures to keep the legacy alive. The upcoming Ragebound welcomes you to prove your skills while igniting the fighter within yourself.
