Hello gamers! We’ve got some electrifying news from the folks at The Game Kitchen, teaming up with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. They’re unveiling a fresh, original character for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, hailing from the infamous Black Spider Clan, long-time foes of the Hayabusa Clan.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share the journey behind this creation, details of what this new character brings to the table, and some gameplay tidbits that have us buzzing with excitement.
The idea of introducing new characters into Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound sparked a thrilling question for us: Why not allow players to slip into the shoes of a character from an enemy faction? It’s a rare opportunity in gaming—those moments when you get to live the life of an antagonist. The Black Spider Clan, with their fierce aura and memorable personalities, have always commanded attention in the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. Inspired by this, we decided to reintroduce them in an innovative way, giving birth to the character of Kumori.
Kumori steps into the fray as a formidable kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan, standing as a powerful counterpart to Kenji, our other protagonist. While Kenji is still mastering the ninja arts under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has solidified her status as top fighter within her clan. Having witnessed her clan teetering on the brink of collapse, Kumori bears the task of restoring its honor and future. She’s a pragmatic and relentless warrior, using whatever means necessary—be it modern munitions, enemy maneuvers, or even dark sorcery. Her allegiance lies solely with victory, unconstrained by conventional codes.
In contrast to Kenji’s katana-centric close-combat style, Kumori wields kunai, offering her incredible range and rapid-fire assault from virtually any vantage. Her nimbleness and versatility set her apart, making her incredibly adept at navigating chaotic battles and targeting hard-to-reach adversaries.
Even though Kenji and Kumori come from opposing factions, they share a foundation of loyalty, honor, and determination. These new-age warriors embrace their heritage, yet refuse to let it define them. Their lives become intertwined when a malevolent demon thrusts both into its realm, forcing them into an unexpected alliance. Despite knowing their clans would frown upon this union, they merge their powers to confront the common foe, forging a bond that reshapes their destinies irrevocably.
As a fused warrior, you’ll dive into a gameplay experience that marries the prowess of both characters, thanks to a shared energy called Ki. Collecting Ki empowers Kumori to summon devastating Spider Weapons like the Kama and Chakram, cutting through obstacles and foes with awe-inspiring ferocity.
Together, Kenji and Kumori unleash a storm of destructive force, their rage spilling over into earth-shaking attacks. With each conquered enemy, their wrath builds, culminating in a cataclysmic strike that razes the battlefield. The essence of Ninja Gaiden is preserved, with seamless weapon transitions and a relentless tempo keeping your heart pounding and the action undying.
Customization is another layer of depth. Collecting Golden Scarabs lets you unlock upgrades, talismans, and new techniques. Kenji benefits from talismans that amplify close-combat prowess and defense, while Kumori’s Shadow Arts pave the way for new Spider Weapons and the potent Ragebound Arts, enhancing varied playstyles and strategies.
While Kumori’s physical form remains trapped in the demon’s realm, her spirit ventures with Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she regains her corporeal self temporarily, guiding players through a demon’s landscape, unveiling secret routes invisible to mere mortals. These bursts of tangible existence challenge you with fast-thinking puzzles and intense platforming segments, enriching the game’s pace and intricacy.
We hope this sneak peek into Kumori’s world has piqued your interest. We eagerly await seeing you take on both the Hayabusa and Black Spider paths in this exhilarating entry to the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
