By Launching on Xbox later this year
- by Liam Doolan & Ben Kerry
If you didn’t catch the recent reveal, Koei Tecmo and The Game Kitchen (the creators of Blasphemous) are set to launch Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on Xbox in Summer 2025 – a fresh 2D action side-scroller installment in the franchise.
Before this upcoming title hits the platform, several ‘hands-on’ previews have been released this week. Below, we’ve compiled a summary of those insights to provide you with a sense of what to anticipate from this new Ninja Gaiden adventure.
Nintendo Life
“With breathtaking pixel-art visuals, a pulsating retro-inspired soundtrack, and fluid, responsive mechanics, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is proving to be another triumph for The Game Kitchen and a splendid return to the series’ 2D heritage. Provided the team can master the challenge level and offer seasoned players the difficulty they crave, this has the potential to be the studio’s finest project to date.”
IGN
“Old-school Ninja Gaiden devotees are sure to appreciate this resurgence. Ragebound boasts impressive pixel art, exhilarating platforming gameplay, and innovative elements that enhance the original concept. I’m eager to discover more about Kumori and the evolution of her dynamic with Kenji. Based on my experience thus far, this seems like a successful combination of a cherished yet overlooked IP with dedicated indie developers. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound arrives this summer.”
Inverse
“With Ragebound and the newly-announced Ninja Gaiden 4, it feels as though Koei Tecmo is making exemplary choices to revive this iconic franchise.”
VG247
“Ninja Gaiden Ragebound appears to be an incredible contribution to the series, even if it isn’t a main title. It embodies everything I believe is crucial to the franchise and integrates smoothly into the lore in a manner that should delight long-time fans. I highly recommend keeping a watchful eye on this; it’s looking impressive.”
Comicbook
“2025 is set to be the Year of the Ninja for Koei Tecmo, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will likely serve as one of the best ways to celebrate it. The quintessential elements that make the series iconic have been brilliantly replicated and improved. It’s a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and an exciting platformer for newcomers. This seems to be a guaranteed method to breathe new life into a once-slumbering series in a manner many will appreciate, as I do. The Game Kitchen is living up to its reputation and is crafting what could be one of this year’s top platformers, definitely worth your attention, even if it lurks in the shadows.”
Are you planning to try this game when it debuts on Xbox this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He has dedicated over 15 years to covering the gaming industry and is a lifelong enthusiast of both Mario and Master Chief.