Dotemu and The Game Kitchen have officially launched Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a 2D action platformer that revives the legendary Ninja Gaiden series for modern players. The game is available digitally starting today on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S. To celebrate its launch, a 10 percent discount off the standard price of 20.99 GBP is being offered until August 7.
The new title pays homage to the original Ninja Gaiden games released on the NES, while building on their core elements with a modernized presentation and gameplay refinements. Ragebound is set after the events of the original trilogy, in a world where the boundaries between the human and demon realms have collapsed. With Ryu Hayabusa away from the Hayabusa Village, a new hero, Kenji Mozu, takes the lead as a young ninja determined to confront the dark threat and carry forward his clan’s legacy.
In his journey, Kenji is joined by Kumori, a skilled kunoichi from the rival Black Spider Clan. Despite their long-standing feud, the two must set aside their differences and work together to face monstrous foes and uncover the truth behind the demonic invasion. Their combined abilities allow for dynamic combat and coordinated platforming, offering players a blend of strategy and reaction-based gameplay that honors the franchise’s roots.
The game’s key features include large-scale boss battles, precise side-scrolling combat, and a variety of unlockable abilities. Hidden collectibles, secret missions, and optional challenges also await those looking to test their skills further. The art direction takes inspiration from retro pixel visuals, blending nostalgic character sprites with detailed backdrops.
A major highlight is the game’s soundtrack, composed in part by Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Niita, and Kaori Nakabai—the original sound team behind the NES trilogy. These veterans work alongside Sergio de Prado, who is known for his music in the Blasphemous series, to deliver an evocative score tailored to the game’s tone and pace.
While Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is now available digitally, physical editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 are scheduled to launch in Europe and North America on September 12.
The return of Ninja Gaiden in this side-scrolling form blends old-school difficulty with modern design, aiming to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
