Ninja Gaiden is a storied franchise in the gaming world, tracing its roots back to its side-scrolling arcade debut in 1988. While many gamers are familiar with the series’ iconic protagonist Ryu from the 3D installments on the Xbox or his appearances in the *Dead or Alive* series, the upcoming release, *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, brings the spotlight back to its retro origins.
This new installment is a collaborative effort from Koei Tecmo, Dotemu, and The Game Kitchen, known for their celebrated 2D soulslike game, *Blasphemous*. The partnership aims to create a visually stunning throwback pixelated side-scroller that captures the essence of classic gaming while introducing modern flair.
Early trailers showcase impressive animations and captivating arachnid-themed special attacks, emphasizing the fluidity and excitement that fans have come to expect from the series. Notably, the gameplay trailer introduces a character named Kumori, who exhibits some thrilling moves reminiscent of classic 80s beat-em-ups.
One standout moment features her energetically hopping on a motorcycle and, in an unconventional twist, using it to butt-stomp a demon, followed by a gravity-defying backflip. The action intensifies as she leaps back onto the ground after dispatching another foe, showcasing the game’s vibrant and dynamic combat system.
*Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound* is set to release in the summer of 2025, promising to deliver both nostalgia and innovation to players eager for a return to form within this beloved franchise. Fans can look forward to reigniting their passion for this iconic series in the coming years.