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A Black Spider Clan assassin get in on the action in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, as Kumori joins Kenji for some demon-slaying.
Double trouble
Looking like a return to form for the series, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to debut this summer, delivering what certainly sounds like more of precision side-scrolling action that the iconic series has been known for. That’ll be hailing from Dotemu and developer The Game Kitchen this time around, and will feature a pretty big focus-shift.
Taking place at more or less the same time as the original, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound finds Ryu off avenging his dad’s murder, so it’ll be up to two new heroes to pick up the slack at home. Yes, two. We’ve already met Kenji, but now we know that he’ll be joined by Kumori, a Black Spider Clan assassin who pledges no allegiance to the old ways.
Forget about relying solely on the blade, Kumori is more about “modern weaponry and demonic sources of power”, according to Dotemu. From the looks of the new trailer, her story will deviate, but crossover into Kenji’s throughout the game. And the two can merge their abilities as well, to cause some serious demon-damage.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound begins immediately after the opening moments of the original NES NINJA GAIDEN. The veil between the human and demon realms has broken, leaving the world linked with a gate to darkness. After Ryu Hayabusa leaves the Hayabusa Village to avenge his father, Kenji Mozu, a fledgling Hayabusa Clan Ninja and one of the two protagonists of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, rises to confront the forces of evil.
In this dark era, the destinies of Kenji and Kumori intersect as they overcome the generational grudges of their clans. In the face of peril, their only way to survive is to use the forbidden power that merges Kumori’s spirit with Kenji’s. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound’s demon-slaying tale unfolds through the journey of two young Ninjas bound together by their shared fate of soul and skill. Their journey, filled with thrilling levels teeming with monsters, will require them to skillfully wield their fusion, “Ninja Fusion,” to maximize the talents of both Ninjas.
Kenji and Kumori’s high-stakes quests develop with show-stopping fights against powerful, boss-caliber behemoths. With upgradable abilities, hidden collectibles, unlockable secret missions, optional challenges and more, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is an engrossing modernization of the tense, satisfyingly swift battles and precise, skill-demanding platforming the series is known for.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound features exquisite pixel art, evoking the classic 2D games while bringing lush environments and a menacing cast of enemies to life in striking, wonderfully intricate detail. The dynamic action pairs with a pitch-perfect soundtrack featuring contributions from special guest composers, coalescing into an unforgettable adventure.
Dotemu press release
Look for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound to arrive for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC some time this summer.
