Greetings, fellow gamers! We at The Game Kitchen, together with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, are thrilled to introduce a fresh, original character to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. This new addition hails from the Hayabusa Clan’s longstanding adversaries: the famed Black Spider Clan.
Today, allow us to take you behind the scenes, showing how this concept was born, sharing what you can anticipate from this intriguing new character, and diving into a few gameplay elements that have us particularly excited.
While brainstorming the new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one idea sparked our creativity: What if players could step into the shoes of an opposing faction’s member? It’s a fantasy many of us entertain when immersed in our beloved games, those rare instances when you get to see the world from a different perspective. The enigmatic Black Spider Clan caught our attention with their fierce demeanor and memorable characters in the 3D iterations of Ninja Gaiden. We thought, why not reintroduce them in a reimagined format? This is when Kumori came into being.
Kumori, a formidable kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan, stands as a captivating counterpart to Kenji, the other lead character. While Kenji is in the process of honing his skills under the mentorship of Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already carved her path as the premier combatant in her clan. With her clan teetering on the edge of collapse, she shoulders the task of its resurgence. Zealous and pragmatic, Kumori employs modern weaponry, borrows enemy techniques, and taps into demonic powers to ensure triumph. No traditional codes guide her; she follows only the route that promises success.
Kenji fights with a katana and specializes in close-quarters combat. In contrast, Kumori uses kunai, enabling her to reach further, attack quickly, and engage enemies from virtually any vantage point. Her nimbleness and versatility make her a standout fighter, particularly effective in tackling foes in tough-to-reach spots or amidst chaotic battles.
Despite their divergent backgrounds, Kenji and Kumori are united by shared principles: loyalty, honor, and a devotion to their clans. Though they hail from opposing factions, they symbolize a new breed of warriors, influenced by their legacies but not shackled by them. Their fates intersect at a crucial junction when they confront a formidable demonic adversary, trapping them both in the demon world. Confronted with destruction, they make the unimaginable decision to combine their powers, fully aware that their clans would never approve of such a partnership. This precarious alliance is both a gift and a bind: an essential connection that will shape their futures forever.
As a combined force, players can access the full potential of both characters, merging their weaponry, skills, and tapping into a new energy called Ki. As you harness Ki from enemies, Kumori’s spirit has the power to call forth fierce Spider Weapons like a Kama or Chakram, chopping through adversaries and barriers, offering new reach, and causing immense damage.
Their shared fury ignites potent attacks. Defeating an opponent with a Hypercharged assault amplifies their rage. When their fury hits its zenith, players can unleash a devastating, full-screen attack, a breathtaking show of power and reprisal. True to Ninja Gaiden’s core, gameplay remains quick-paced, seamless, and relentless. All armaments and techniques integrate smoothly, eliminating the need to pause to switch heroes. Combat flows instinctively, maintaining an exhilarating pace and unyielding action.
Character customization is crucial as well. Players gather Golden Scarabs to unlock enhancements, talismans, and new techniques. Kenji’s talismans boost melee attacks, bolster defenses, or amplify Hypercharge impacts. Kumori adds her unique flair with Shadow Arts, unlocking fresh Spider Weapons and mighty Ragebound Arts suited for different playstyles and strategies.
Kumori’s physical presence is anchored in the demon world, leaving only her spirit to journey alongside Kenji. However, via Demonic Altars, she can briefly reclaim her physical form. This allows her to interact with an alternate realm, unveiling paths hidden from human sight. Yet, her time in this form is restricted, requiring players to swiftly solve puzzles and tackle demanding challenges before the clock runs out. These sections deliver exhilarating platforming moments, strategic combat scenes, and distinctive exploration opportunities, adding layers to the game’s tempo and richness.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek into Kumori’s world. We eagerly await your chance to explore both the Hayabusa Ninja and Black Spider Ninja paths in this thrilling new segment of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, launching on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
