Hello gamers! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re all set to introduce something fresh to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound— a new player character from the legendary Black Spider Clan, the long-time adversaries of the Hayabusa Clan.
Let me take you behind the scenes to show you how this idea evolved, what to expect from the addition, and highlight some gameplay elements we’re particularly proud of.
As we brainstormed for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one intriguing question stood out: What if players could step into the shoes of a character from an opposing faction? This concept always fuels fascination in gaming circles, those rare moments when you’re allowed to become someone from the other side of the conflict. The Black Spider Clan, known for their intense presence in previous Ninja Gaiden titles, got us curious. Their unique style and memorable personalities didn’t just vanish with the past; they called for a fresh exploration. This curiosity seeded the creation of Kumori.
Kumori joins the scene as a kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, offering an interesting contrast to Kenji, our other main character. While Kenji continues training under Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori stands as her clan’s foremost fighter. After a near downfall, she bears the responsibility of reconstructing and safeguarding the clan’s legacy. Fierce and no-nonsense, Kumori adapts to modern warfare, enemy tactics, and even taps into demonic powers, guided by nothing but the path to victory.
In terms of fighting style, Kumori’s approach diverges from Kenji’s. He relies on his trusty katana for close combat, whereas she employs kunai, giving her an edge with long-range strikes, quick attack speeds, and the ability to strike nearly anywhere. Her nimbleness and flexibility make her a formidable opponent, especially in challenging terrains or tumultuous battles.
Despite their differing paths, both Kenji and Kumori embody loyalty and honor toward their respective clans. Their journeys intersect unexpectedly when they confront a mighty demon threat, leading them into the demon realm. With their very existence at stake, they make an unlikely decision: to unite their strengths, aware their clans might never accept such an alliance. This joint endeavor, both risky and essential, forges a connection that reshapes their destinies forever.
In their combined form, players can utilize an arsenal that includes both characters’ abilities and a novel energy source called Ki. As players gather Ki from foes, Kumori’s spirit can conjure potent Spider Weapons, which range from a Kama to a Chakram, capable of wreaking havoc and expanding combat possibilities.
Their shared fury also unleashes devastating attacks; each defeated enemy fuels their rage further. Once it hits its peak, you can trigger a spectacular attack that clears the screen with sheer power and elegance. True to the Ninja Gaiden spirit, the combat remains fast-paced, allowing smooth weapon and technique integration, keeping the momentum and excitement of the battles alive.
Character gear also plays an essential role. Players can seek out Golden Scarabs to unlock thrilling upgrades. Kenji’s upgrades focus on amplifying melee power, defenses, or enhancing Hypercharged moves, while Kumori introduces her unique Shadow Arts, enabling the use of new Spider Weapons and formidable Ragebound Arts.
Since Kumori’s physical form is stuck in the demon realm, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Yet, through Demonic Altars, she can temporarily return to her original state, revealing pathways hidden from mortal sight. These moments require quick thinking and problem-solving as players tackle challenging tasks before time runs out. These sequences not only offer exhilarating platforming and combat scenarios but also add layers to the game’s pacing and complexity.
I hope you’re as excited as we are to meet Kumori and explore the paths of both the Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninjas in this thrilling new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
You won’t have to wait long—Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to release on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025.
