Hey there, gaming enthusiasts! We’ve got some thrilling news from The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. There’s an exciting update coming to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: a fresh, original character will soon be playable, hailing from the Black Spider Clan, familiar rivals of the Hayabusa Clan.
Let’s dive into the journey of creating this new character concept, what’s in store, and the gameplay intricacies we’re eager to unveil.
Our initial brainstorming for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound sparked a compelling question: What if players could step into the role of an enemy faction member? This idea has always been an alluring prospect in gaming, offering a thrilling shift in perspective. The Black Spider Clan, a notable element in the 3D Ninja Gaiden series, piqued our interest with its fierce reputation and memorable figures. Thus, the character Kumori came into being.
Kumori stands out as a kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan, making a fascinating contrast to Kenji, the game’s primary hero. While Kenji hones his skills under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already risen to greatness within her clan, driven to restore and defend its honor. She’s a fierce fighter, using modern tools, enemy strategies, and even dark magic to achieve her goals. Her approach is untraditional, prioritizing results above all else.
In contrast to Kenji’s close-quarters katana battles, Kumori prefers to fight with kunai, offering speed and reach, allowing her to strike from multiple vantage points and outmaneuver her foes. Her nimble combat style makes her a formidable opponent, especially in tricky environments or intense situations.
Despite their divergent paths, Kenji and Kumori share strong values: loyalty, honor, and a deep sense of duty. They come together to face a formidable demonic force, finding themselves stranded in a demon-wracked world. Forced into an unexpected alliance, they combine their strengths, efforts that would shock their respective clans. This bond is as much a curse as it is a blessing, setting their fates on an irrevocably merged course.
As these warriors unite, gamers can harness their combined strengths, merging their skills and weaponry while drawing from a newfound energy resource called Ki. As players defeat enemies, they build up Ki, allowing them to summon spectacular Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram, which can easily cleave through walls or adversaries, giving players even greater destructive potential.
Their growing anger powers exceptional attacks. Every victory with a Hypercharged move enhances their fury, culminating in a powerful, wide-reaching blow—a fitting testament to Ninja Gaiden’s signature fast-paced, fluid, and relentless action. Players seamlessly transition between techniques, maintaining excitement and momentum without interruption.
Customization is also key. Throughout the game, players collect Golden Scarabs to unlock new upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans enhance abilities like melee strength and defenses, while Kumori’s unique Shadow Arts unlock formidable Spider Weapons and Ragebound Arts tailored to varied combat strategies.
Though Kumori’s body remains trapped in the demon world, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, players can temporarily bring her back in physical form, uncovering hidden routes and secrets. These segments mix challenging puzzles and action-packed sequences, enriching the gameplay experience.
We’re thrilled to have shared a glimpse into Kumori’s character. We can’t wait for everyone to journey with both the Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninjas in this exciting new chapter.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound hits PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025. Mark your calendars!
