The legendary action game series, NINJA GAIDEN, is set to make a major comeback in a brand-new form with NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound! This highly anticipated 2D side-scrolling action platformer is meticulously crafted by The Game Kitchen, the Spanish independent game development team behind the soulslike masterpiece Blasphemous. It is co-published by Dotemu, a company specializing in reviving classic games, and Joystick. The game is scheduled for official release on July 31, 2025, for PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC Steam platforms. Under the supervision and guidance of series IP holder KOEI TECMO GAMES and Team NINJA, it aims to deliver a ninja feast blending classic and innovation to players worldwide, with Traditional Chinese language support confirmed.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound’s core philosophy is to artfully combine the traditional essence of the NINJA GAIDEN series, particularly the classic elements of the NES trilogy, with the depth and exhilarating feel of modern games. The game employs a refined pixel art style, paying homage to the series’ early entries while striving to push the boundaries of modern pixel art in its visual presentation.

A New Crisis, An Unlikely Alliance: A World-Saving Epic Woven by Two Protagonists

The story is set while the series protagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, is in America fulfilling his father’s dying wish. During his absence, the barrier between the human world and the demon realm suddenly shatters, and a terrifying demonic army invades and devastates Hayabusa Village.

Facing this unprecedented crisis, two young ninjas step forward:

• Kenji Mozu: A young ninja from the Hayabusa clan, personally trained by Ryu Hayabusa. He shoulders the responsibility of defending his home. The development team hopes to provide room for character growth through the perspective of a new protagonist.
• Kumori: A mysterious kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, a long-standing rival of the Hayabusa clan. Revered as one of the top masters within her clan, she is cool-headed, pragmatic, and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, even employing modern weaponry and demonic powers.

In this desperate struggle for survival, Kenji and Kumori are forced to set aside centuries of clan animosity and forge a forbidden alliance. Wielding the power of “Ninja Fusion,” they combine their souls and skills to combat the demon lord and save a world الأخرى to ruin. This unexpected pact is both a blessing and a curse, destined to forever change their fates.

The Power of Fusion, Reaching New Heights: Core Gameplay Highlights

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound strives for a masterful balance of classic legacy and modern innovation in its gameplay, offering a fast-paced, challenging, and deeply rewarding action experience.

Unique “Ninja Fusion” System

One of the game’s most significant features is the “Ninja Fusion” mechanic between Kenji and Kumori. Players will be able to control both ninjas “simultaneously” (or experience their fused power), combining their weapons, abilities, and an all-new “Ki” energy. Kumori’s spirit can utilize Ki to summon powerful spider-like weaponry, opening up new attack ranges and dealing immense damage. This design not only diversifies combat styles but also eliminates the need for frequent character switching during battle, ensuring fluid and exhilarating action.

High-Speed, Exhilarating 2D Action

The game pursues “fast-paced, straightforward hack-and-slash action,” complemented by “responsive controls and fluid character mobility.” Classic moves like the “Guillotine Throw” (note: the research referred to “Guillotine Boost” which seems more apt for an upward/platforming move; if it’s the throw, that’s a classic) and new mechanics like the “Hypercharge Attack” add more strategic and technical layers to combat and platforming. Game levels will be filled with challenging platforming sections, strategically designed encounters, hidden collectibles, and secret missions.

Refined Pixel Art and Homage to Classic Soundtrack

With art helmed by the Blasphemous team, expect stunning and meticulously detailed visuals, bringing lush environments and menacing enemies to life. The game’s soundtrack is another major highlight, featuring not only Sergio de Prado, composer for the Blasphemous series, but also guest composers Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Nitta, and Kaori Nakabai—the primary composers of the original NES NINJA GAIDEN trilogy. This aims to perfectly blend modern and classic elements in its auditory experience.

Development and Publishing: A Powerful Collaboration, Worthy of Anticipation

The Game Kitchen, developer of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, is renowned for its excellence in pixel art, atmosphere creation, and challenging action design, as demonstrated in Blasphemous. Publisher Dotemu has extensive experience in reviving classic IPs. KOEI TECMO and Team NINJA’s decision to collaborate with these external specialists reflects a modern IP revitalization strategy, aiming to fully leverage the passion, unique artistic vision, and specialized expertise of independent studios.

Looking to the Future: A New Chapter for the Ninja Legend

The announcement of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound has brought immense excitement to series fans and 2D action game enthusiasts alike. Based on currently available information and highly positive media previews, this title shows great promise in delivering a modernized experience while faithfully honoring the series’ essence. Its unique dual-protagonist “Ninja Fusion” system, exquisite pixel art, and re-envisioned classic soundtrack have everyone eagerly anticipating its release.

As the launch date approaches and more gameplay opportunities arise, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound will undoubtedly reveal more of its unique charm. Can this new work, carrying the glory of a classic IP and innovative spirit, once again reach the pinnacle of ninja action games in the hearts of players worldwide? Let us wait and see.

Expected Release Date: July 31, 2025

Supported Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (Steam)

Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2542120/NINJA_GAIDEN_Ragebound/