* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound
A 2D side-scrolling action game released July 31, 2025, developed by Spanish studio The Game Kitchen and published by Dotemu and Joystick. Set within the same timeline as the 1988 NES title "Ninja Gaiden," it is a spin-off depicting events in Japan while Ryu Hayabusa is away in America.
Description
Overview
"Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound" is a side-scrolling 2D action game released on July 31, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It was developed by the Spanish studio The Game Kitchen, known for the "Blasphemous" series, and published by France's Dotemu and Joystick. Produced under license from Koei Tecmo Games as an official spin-off, it was announced at The Game Awards in December 2024, with a boxed release for Nintendo Switch and PS5 following on September 19, 2025.
Relationship to the Ninja Gaiden Series
The game is set within the same timeline as the original 1988 Famicom/NES title "Ninja Gaiden" ("Ninja Ryukenden" in Japan). Framed as an "alternate story" depicting events unfolding in Japan while Ryu Hayabusa is away in America, it follows two protagonists: Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from Hayabusa Village, and Kumori, a rival ninja from the Black Spider Clan, as they confront a demonic threat.
Gameplay
The game is defined by richly detailed pixel-art visuals and fast-paced sword-based combat that carries forward the feel of the original series. Stage design incorporating wall-running and ninja tools, combined with combo-focused melee combat, reconstructs the spirit of the classic NES and arcade entries through modern game design.
Context and Reception
Team Ninja designated 2025 the "Year of the Ninja," releasing this title alongside "Ninja Gaiden 2 Black" and "Ninja Gaiden 4" the same year. "Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound" was well received by longtime fans and has been described as a return to the series' roots as a 2D action title.
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This page is intended to introduce Japanese sword culture and is not affiliated with any of the works mentioned.