Dotemu and The Game Kitchen just dropped a new gameplay trailer for NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, and it cuts deep—literally. The trailer gives us our first look at Kumori, the game’s second playable character and a deadly member of the infamous Black Spider Clan.
Armed with modern weapons and demonic power, Kumori doesn’t play by the rules. Her fighting style is fast, brutal, and driven by pure survival instinct. While she might be an unlikely ally, her role in this new 2D sidescrolling action platformer sets the stage for a story of rival clans, soul fusion, and demon-slaying mayhem.
Kumori Brings Chaos—and Power
Kumori’s arrival shakes things up in a big way. She’s from the Black Spider Clan, longtime rivals of the Hayabusa lineage, and she’s not afraid to fight dirty. In the new trailer, we see her tear through enemies with a mix of modern tech and supernatural power, ditching the traditional ninja code in favour of getting the job done—fast.
Unlike Kenji, the other protagonist, Kumori’s abilities lean heavily into aggression. Her moveset blends quick strikes, ranged weapons, and cursed enhancements that let her bend the rules of combat. Her style reflects her story: someone out for survival, revenge, and something deeper tied to the demonic forces now spilling into the world.
But she’s not just a second skin. Kumori has her own story arc, challenges, and combat twists. Together with Kenji, she forms one half of the game’s central mechanic—Ninja Fusion—a system that lets you combine both characters’ abilities for devastating results.
A World on the Edge of Darkness
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound picks up right after the original NES game. The human and demon realms are colliding, and everything’s spiraling into chaos. With Ryu Hayabusa away on a personal mission, it’s up to Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa Clan, to hold the line against an invasion from beyond.
That’s where Kumori comes in. She might be from the enemy Black Spider Clan, but the situation is bigger than old grudges. As the world begins to fall apart, the two Ninjas are forced into an uneasy alliance—one that fuses their souls and skills into a single, powerful bond through a new mechanic called Ninja Fusion.
Their shared journey plays out across dangerous levels packed with monsters, massive bosses, and hidden secrets. Expect fast, high-stakes fights, platforming challenges, and more than a few surprises as their bond—and the threat—deepens.
Pixel Art, Demon Beasts, and a Killer Soundtrack
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound keeps things 2D, but don’t mistake it for retro. The pixel art is detailed, fluid, and absolutely loaded with atmosphere. Environments are lush, layered, and crawling with danger, while enemies range from classic ninjas to grotesque, demonic beasts that wouldn’t look out of place in a horror game.
Bosses are massive, animations are smooth, and every slash or spell pops off the screen with clarity. Whether you’re exploring crumbling temples or the corrupted edge of the demon realm, everything feels grounded in that old-school NINJA GAIDEN grit—with just enough flair to feel modern.
Backing all of this is a new soundtrack, including tracks from guest composers. It leans hard into the dramatic tone, pushing the action with rhythmic intensity while matching the game’s darker vibe. And if you’re looking for more than just the main story, there’s plenty here—upgradable abilities, secret missions, optional challenges, and hidden collectibles to find along the way.
Kumori Makes Her Mark
With Kumori officially revealed, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is shaping up to be more than a nostalgia trip. It’s a full-on reinvention of the series, blending the spirit of the classic series with slick, modern gameplay and bold new ideas. Between two playable characters, soul-fused combat, and a world slipping into hell, there’s a lot to be excited about heading into its Summer 2025 launch.
Are you team Kenji or team Kumori? Let us know which side of the ninja war you’ll be siding with—and what you think of the new trailer.
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