Ninja Gaiden is experiencing a resurgence, with three new titles set for release by the end of 2025. The series has not seen a mainline entry for over a decade. The upcoming titles include two 3D games: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remaster of Ninja Gaiden II that launched earlier this year, and Ninja Gaiden 4, developed in collaboration with PlatinumGames, scheduled for release in October. Additionally, a new 2D game titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is in development, featuring a retro-style side-scrolling format and produced by Dotemu alongside the creators of Blasphemous.
In Ragebound, players control a young ninja named Kenji Mozu, who is trained by the series’ mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa. Early in the game, Kenji’s body becomes possessed by the spirit of Kumori from the rival Black Spider clan, adding throwable kunai to his abilities and allowing players to temporarily control Kumori in specific segments.
As players navigate through various levels, they will encounter multiple enemies designed to challenge their strategy, requiring clever tactics to progress. While most foes can be dispatched in a single hit, larger enemies require multiple attacks but can be defeated instantly using a superpowered strike after eliminating nearby enemies marked with glowing auras.
Boss fights are characterized by large, formidable opponents that can be challenging, though an Assist Mode allows players to adjust difficulty settings as needed. Additionally, the game features visually appealing pixel art environments set in diverse locations, hidden collectibles for upgrades, and a soundtrack that incorporates heavy guitar and synth elements.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is currently available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This title aims to capture the essence that has made the series notable in the realm of action games.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games-review/716421/ninja-gaiden-ragebound-review-nintendo-switch-playstation-xbox-pc