Greetings, everyone! On behalf of The Game Kitchen, alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we’re thrilled to herald a fresh addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Get ready to meet a new, completely original playable character hailing from the Hayabusa Clan’s enduring rivals—the infamous Black Spider Clan.
Today, we’re taking you behind the curtain to share how this idea was born, what to anticipate from this intriguing new character, and some gameplay snippets we’re super eager to reveal.
When brainstorming characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one idea sparked our creativity: wouldn’t it be incredible to step into the shoes of an enemy faction member? Fans have long craved those rare gaming moments that let them see life through the eyes of the opposing side. The Black Spider Clan, renowned for its ferocious style and unforgettable personalities in the 3D Ninja Gaiden chapters, captivated our crew once again. Thus began the journey to create Kumori.
Kumori stands as a formidable kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan, offering a sharp contrast to Kenji, the game’s other standout character. Unlike Kenji, who’s still honing his skills under Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has solidified her reputation as the clan’s leading warrior. After the Black Spider Clan nearly faced annihilation, she’s on a mission to rebuild and protect its legacy. Pragmatic and relentless, she utilizes modern weaponry, enemy techniques, and even demonic powers to achieve her goals. Her path is dictated not by tradition, but by the pursuit of victory.
While Kenji wields a katana, emphasizing close combat prowess, Kumori’s prowess comes from her skill with kunai. Her weapon of choice allows for high range attacks and speed, delivering strikes from almost any angle or terrain. Her agility and adaptability make her a force to be reckoned with, excelling in hard-to-navigate environments and frantic battles.
Despite their differences, Kenji and Kumori share a core of loyalty, honor, and an unwavering commitment to their clans. Coming from opposite ends of the spectrum, they symbolize a fresh generation of warriors, influenced by history but not restrained by it. Their destinies cross at a crucial moment faced with a demonic threat that traps them both in a sinister realm. With extinction looming, they confront the unimaginable—they choose to combine their powers, aware their clans would reject such an alliance. This forbidden bond becomes both a curse and salvation, permanently altering their fates.
By uniting, players gain unrivaled access to the strengths of both Kumori and Kenji, merging weaponry and skills with a new energy source called Ki. This Ki is harvested from foes, allowing Kumori’s spirit to unleash potent Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram, slicing through obstacles and adversaries with ease and delivering colossal damage.
Their combined fervor also unleashes destructive assaults. Each time a Hypercharged attack vanquishes an enemy, their rage intensifies. Once maxed out, players can deploy a breathtaking move that decimates foes on screen. True to Ninja Gaiden’s spirit, the gameplay is swift and relentless, seamlessly melding weapons and tactics without the need to pause for character switches. The action flows effortlessly, maintaining a high adrenaline rush throughout.
Equipping your characters plays a vital role too. Collect Golden Scarabs to unlock upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans focus on bolstering physical prowess, defenses, or enhancing Hypercharge impacts. Meanwhile, Kumori’s Shadow Arts add a unique spin, unlocking fresh Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts suited to varied playstyles and strategies.
Kumori’s spirit accompanies Kenji while her corporeal form remains trapped in the demonic world. Through encounters with Demonic Altars, she can temporarily regain her form, interacting with an alternate dimension to unveil hidden paths unseen by humans. But there’s a catch—her time in this state is limited, pushing players to solve puzzles and overcome challenges swiftly before the clock runs out. These sections promise exhilarating platforming, strategic combat, and exploratory opportunities, enriching the game’s narrative and pace.
We hope this glimpse into Kumori’s world has piqued your excitement. We’re eager for you to experience the journey of the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Mark your calendars—Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to hit PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025.
