NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound Review

If you loved ninjas, gore, and challenge, there was no series quite like Koei Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden. Whether it was the 2D classics or 3D modernizations, you could be sure you’d be in for a bloody good time. Sadly, after the failures of Ninja Gaiden III and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z in 2012-2013, the series went on hiatus for nearly a decade. Now, in 2025, the self-proclaimed Year of the Ninja promises to bring the franchise back to its former glory with three new titles, a remaster of Ninja Gaiden II, and a brand new mainline entry, Ninja Gaiden 4.

The other, of course, is Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, a 2D action platformer by Dotemu (TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge) and The Game Kitchen (Blasphemous). As the first brand new title for the series, there was a lot riding on it. While previews, like the one I did for ComicBook, praised the title for its great visuals and music, it was up in the air whether it would land on its feet, like a great ninja would. Fortunately, I can confirm that not only is Ragebound a great game, but it definitely makes the decade-long wait for a new title worth it.

A Ninja’s Tale

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound sticks to the basics of the series from its NES days, as it is simple 2D platforming with an emphasis on precision and speed. The biggest detour it takes is following two different protagonists and not series mainstay Ryu Hayabusa. Instead, we play as Ryu’s protege, Kenji, and Black Spider Clan member Kumori. The two, sworn enemies by clan, have to work together to stop a demonic invasion from taking over the world.

It’s a by-the-books premise done well and one many fans of Ninja Gaiden will be happy to follow, as story isn’t the main reason to play. While it does feel like a missed opportunity to craft more to said narrative, it still hits the notes it should, even if it goes quite fast towards the end.

Slicing Through Excellence

What is different, however, is the gameplay, and Ragebound has some of the best in quite a while. Its challenging platforming, frenetic combat, and stylistic design are executed with fine-tuned accuracy. You are bombarded left and right with creatures, soldiers, and a bevy of demons, but it’s nothing a sharp blade and some cool skills can’t fix. Constant hand-eye coordination is required to block enemy projectiles, time jumps, and take down foes in gory fashion, all while keeping stride.

The Ninja Gaiden series is known for such qualities, and despite not being made by the same developers, The Game Kitchen nailed it to the point that you’d think the original creators did it. This is as close to a love letter as you can get for the series. From callbacks to classic scenes from the old games to references abound, you can tell the team loves the series as much as fans do.

From Demon Caves to Cityscapes

From demon-infested caves to sprawling cityscapes, there are a lot of diverse settings in Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. While the game is on the shorter side, taking around nine hours to complete depending on your playstyle, it is by no means light on content. With bonus content, tons of replayability, and unlockable abilities, there’s a lot to enjoy and try out.

It also helps that the game is gorgeous, utilizing a sleek 2D design that’s both modern and nostalgic. Dotemu’s track record of pixel-driven titles is unmatched, with Ragebound one of its best outings in the field.

Death, Difficulty, and Determination

For gamers, it does feel like common knowledge that Ninja Gaiden games are some of the toughest around. Ragebound will satisfy that craving for challenge and more. You will die quite a bit, as surprise enemy attacks, powerful bosses, and even jumping from one place to another can spell death if you’re not careful. Fortunately, the game is enjoyable enough that the difficulty makes the experience much more memorable, especially when you overcome it.

I will say that I am not a big fan of hard games, but Ragebound’s fun gameplay and invigorating music (which is stellar) made me want to pick the controller back up and get back at it. Luckily, if you want to enjoy the game without too much difficulty, the accessibility features are extremely helpful. You can lower the amount of damage you take or how long you’ll keep your Overcharge, which can help tremendously if a tough boss, of which there are plenty in the game, has you in a tight spot.

The Blade’s Edge

I never grew up with Ninja Gaiden, but Ragebound makes me wish that I did. There’s a sense of nostalgia riddled within the game that you can’t help but love. The upbeat killer soundtrack and awesome visual style harken back to the original NES classics but still fit within today’s gaming trends and audiences.

While I do think the story felt a touch rushed at the end and not as fleshed out as it could be, as well as some repetitive elements, there’s a lot to love with Ragebound. The Game Kitchen cooked up the best Ninja Gaiden game in decades, and it’s one you’d be remiss to not play, no matter if you love a challenge or just want a fun experience. In a year full of great titles, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is sure to be a hit with many and serves as a reminder that the series isn’t going anywhere and nor should it.