Hey there, fellow gamers! On behalf of The Game Kitchen, in partnership with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce an exciting fresh addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Say hello to a completely new playable character from the long-standing Black Spider Clan, the Hayabusa Clan’s infamous rivals.
Let’s dive into the creative journey behind this character, what you’ll be getting with this new addition, and some gameplay tidbits that we’re particularly excited about.
When brainstorming new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a thought crossed our minds: wouldn’t it be just awesome to step into the shoes of someone from an enemy faction? We all have those moments in our favorite franchises, where a game lets you see the world from the other side. The Black Spider Clan, with its fierce flair and memorable characters, has always fascinated us in the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. Therefore, we asked ourselves, why not give them a new twist? That’s how Kumori came to life.
Kumori is a determined kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, offering a perfect balance to Kenji, the game’s other hero. While Kenji is still learning under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already solidified her status as the top fighter in her clan. Tasked with rebuilding the clan after near ruin, she is a force to be reckoned with. Ruthless and pragmatic, she wields modern weaponry, enemy tactics, and even demonic forces to meet her goals, bound by no tradition, only the pursuit of victory.
Unlike the katana-wielding Kenji, who thrives in close combat, Kumori opts for kunai. This choice grants her tremendous range, swift speed, and the capacity to strike from virtually anywhere. Her flexibility makes her a formidable opponent, especially in chaotic skirmishes or against foes in elusive spots.
Though Kenji and Kumori come from contrasting backgrounds, they share the same dedication to loyalty, honor, and duty. They represent a new breed of warriors, shaped by the legacies of their clans but unchained by tradition. As a demonic threat arises, trapping them in the demon world, they make the unexpected decision to unite their strengths—a move that their clans would never endorse. Yet, this unexpected alliance will redefine their paths forever.
As these merged warriors, players can tap into the strengths of both characters, using their weapons, abilities, and a unique energy resource known as Ki. By absorbing Ki from adversaries, Kumori can conjure potent Spider Weapons, like a Kama or a Chakram, which can slice through walls and enemies, expanding your attack range and inflicting immense damage.
Their combined fury triggers devastating attacks, and each defeat of an enemy with a Hypercharged strike escalates this anger. When it reaches its zenith, a screen-wiping assault can be unleashed—a breathtaking manifestation of vengeance and might. True to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, the gameplay remains swift, seamless, and exhilarating. With all weapons and moves perfectly woven together, there’s no need to pause to switch characters, ensuring nonstop adrenaline-pumping action.
Customizing your characters is crucial as well. Collect Golden Scarabs to unlock a plethora of upgrades, talismans, and skills. Kenji’s talismans enhance attributes like melee strength and defenses or boost Hypercharge effects. Meanwhile, Kumori provides a distinctive edge with her Shadow Arts, unveiling new Spider Weapons and mighty Ragebound Arts, catering to various playstyles and strategies.
While Kumori’s body is stranded in the demon realm, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Using Demonic Altars, she can temporarily regain her physical form, allowing for interactions with an alternate dimension and revealing hidden passages invisible to the human eye. These segments are time-sensitive, requiring players to think on their feet, navigating puzzles and overcoming challenging scenarios. These thrilling sequences enrich the game’s rhythm and complexity.
We hope this sneak peek into Kumori’s world excites you as much as it does us. We’re eagerly waiting for you to embark on the path of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Prepare yourself, as Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will be available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025!
