Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a love letter to the series' NES roots

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound revives nostalgic 80s action with dynamic gameplay.

: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, crafted by The Game Kitchen, beautifully honors the series' NES legacy. With Kenji Mozu at the helm, players navigate an action-packed narrative set during the 1988 NES game timeline. Gameplay involves rapid-paced levels demanding quick reflexes, featuring dual protagonists from the Black Spider Clan. Scheduled for a summer release, this title will enchant fans on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound serves as an homage to the beloved NES roots of the Ninja Gaiden series. This 2D action game from Spanish studio The Game Kitchen, known for Blasphemous, steps away from its darker themes, embracing the colorful, high-paced essence of the 1980s. Game director David Jaumandreu reflects, "I'm an '80s kid," underscoring the deep-rooted nostalgia and affection pouring into this project during the development process.

The storyline places players in the shoes of Kenji Mozu, a member of the Black Spider Clan, usually antagonists in the series. Set concurrently with the 1988 NES game events, as Ryu Hayabusa journeys to avenge his father, demons besiege Hayabusa Village. Kenji must rise to the occasion and fend off the demonic threat. Jaumandreu mentions, "It's like when you get to make a Star Wars game, and you fantasize about controlling an Empire character," highlighting the fresh twist of allowing players to embody the traditionally villainous Black Spider Clan.

Gameplay is frenetic and intense, fitting the fast-paced mold of classic action series. Each level grades players on speed and damage, encouraging mastery and replayability. In a unique twist, Kenji teams up with Kumori, another member of the Black Spider Clan. Merging their souls for survival, players will experience dynamic combat and platforming, switching between Kenji and Kumori based on challenge requirements.

Combat mechanics in Ragebound revive a style that has faded in modern gaming. Enemies fall with a few precise strikes, with an emphasis on nimble movement and tactical prowess. The blending of fast-paced combat with precise platforming tests player capability, reminiscent of infamous challenges such as Hollow Knight's Path of Pain, according to Jaumandreu.

The game's release, scheduled for this summer, spans multiple platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. David Jaumandreu asserts, "We really put a lot of effort into creating a Ninja Gaiden game." His hope is for players to find a sense of nostalgia that instinctively feels familiar, thrilling the loyal fans of the franchise.

Sources: Engadget, The Game Kitchen, Dotemu

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