Kumori Joins the Kill: Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Gets a Second Hero
GeeksvsGeeks.com | April 16, 2025
The shadows just got a little sharper.
Dotemu, the retro revival powerhouse behind TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Streets of Rage 4, has dropped a thrilling new gameplay trailer for NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound—and with it, a surprise second protagonist: Kumori, a ruthless warrior from the infamous Black Spider Clan.
Developed by Blasphemous creators The Game Kitchen, Ragebound is shaping up to be a bold new entry in the NINJA GAIDEN legacy, fusing pixel-perfect platforming with stylish, demon-slaying carnage. And Kumori? She’s not here to play nice.
Shadows, Smoke, and Modern Mayhem
While Kenji Mozu, the young Hayabusa Clan ninja, was already teased as the game’s main character, this new trailer reveals that Kumori brings a far more unpredictable energy to the mix. She's tactical, brutal, and unconcerned with tradition. Where Kenji is disciplined and loyal, Kumori is a weapon of chaos, blending demonic power with modern tech to devastate anything in her path.
Her presence isn’t just for flash—Kumori’s journey runs parallel to Kenji’s and offers a unique perspective in the wake of NINJA GAIDEN's original NES storyline. As the veil between dimensions shatters, these two unlikely warriors must merge abilities in a literal soul-bonding mechanic called Ninja Fusion, unlocking devastating hybrid powers and new tactical possibilities.
Watch the gameplay trailer here: YouTube Link
Set immediately after the iconic NES opener, Ragebound takes fans back to the early days of NINJA GAIDEN, while confidently modernizing everything that made it legendary. The game sports stunning pixel art that manages to be both nostalgic and richly detailed. Think gothic temples, cursed landscapes, and grotesque monstrosities rendered with eerie beauty.
Combat, as expected, is fast, fluid, and punishingly precise. The trailer teases boss fights that tower over the screen, labyrinthine levels filled with secrets, and a deep progression system featuring upgradable skills, hidden collectibles, and optional challenges for completionists.
There’s a delicious dark tone here that fans of Blasphemous will immediately recognize. But this is no clone—Ragebound is unmistakably NINJA GAIDEN, infused with supernatural energy and high-stakes storytelling. The connection between Kenji and Kumori isn’t just narrative—it’s gameplay-critical. Players will need to master both styles and combine them to survive the demonic horde.
The soundtrack? Also shaping up to be a banger. Featuring original tracks and guest composers, the music promises to bring pulse-pounding energy to every screen-clearing clash.
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound launches Summer 2025 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. You can wishlist it now on Steam and follow Dotemu and The Game Kitchen on social media for future updates.
If this new trailer is anything to go by, Ragebound isn’t just a tribute—it’s a resurrection. And with Kumori joining the fray, it’s clear this ninja tale is ready to cut deep.
