A new hero must seize the day
- by Liam Doolan
To commence The Game Awards this year, Koei Tecmo revealed it is collaborating with Dotemu (TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge) and The Game Kitchen (Blasphemous) to unveil a brand-new 2D action side-scroller installment in the iconic Ninja Gaiden franchise.
The game is officially titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and will feature the new protagonist, Kenji Mozu. The narrative continues after Ryu Hayabusa’s departure, as he seeks vengeance for his father’s death. This title is expected to launch on the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One in summer 2025.
Here’s the official press release, and you might also want to check out the game trailer above:
A new hero, Kenji Mozu, arises in NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound. The storyline unfolds in Hayabusa Village after Ryu Hayabusa travels to the United States to avenge his father’s demise, as indicated in the NES edition of NINJA GAIDEN. The barrier between the human and demon realms has been torn asunder, creating a pathway to darkness in Hayabusa Village. Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa clan, engages in battle, determined to protect his village and its inhabitants from an impending demonic menace in this dark era.
Featuring exceptional high-speed, challenging combat that the series is renowned for, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound’s sidescrolling action is immediately accessible to newcomers, while also delivering a steep, gratifying sense of strategy and refined technical complexity that will test the skills of even the most experienced ninja. Brutally slash through a multitude of nefarious enemies and demons while evading deadly fiery traps, spike pits, chasms, and more.
The young ninja, Kenji Mozu’s high-stakes adventure unfolds through breathtaking battles against enormous, boss-level titans. With upgradable abilities, concealed collectibles, significant mission objectives, and more, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is an exciting modernization of the thrilling, fast-paced combat and precise, skill-demanding platforming that the series is known for.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound features stunning pixel art, evoking the classic series while bringing a rich landscape and menacing cast of foes to life through striking, intricately detailed visuals.