Pixel-perfect ninjas, prepare for blood.
Last week Dotemu and The Game Kitchen unleashed 14 minutes of fresh gameplay for NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, the upcoming 2D side-scrolling action-platformer set to launch on July 31 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S. We finally were able to break it all down and share what we saw with yout.
🎥 Watch the full gameplay breakdown with dev commentary here:
https://youtu.be/hOmiJsoHbdM
The video showcases a high-octane level set in a Japanese high-rise construction site overrun by demonic forces. Players control either Kenji or Kumori, two rival-clan ninjas forced to cooperate as they slice, leap, and wall-jump their way up the skeletal tower.
Kumori, who wields mystical powers and dimensional traversal skills, introduces “Demon Detour” segments that break up the action with clever alternate-reality platforming puzzles. Meanwhile, Kenji leans into brutal ninja tools and aggression, making for two distinct playstyles that encourage replayability and strategic experimentation.
Combat, Customization & Chaos
The Ragebound devs (David Jaumandreu, Miguel Murat, and Oriol Tartarin) go deep into the game’s combat systems, shop upgrades, and RPG-lite mechanics during the video.
Players can earn and equip:
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Talismans – passive bonuses supporting defense, survivability, or high-risk challenge modifiers like removing checkpoints for bigger score rewards.
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Secret Arts – powerful active abilities, comparable to NES-era Ninjutsu, that unlock flashy finishers or utility skills like time-freeze or AoE healing.
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Spider Weapons – ranged tools like the Chakram, which pierces foes and returns like a deadly boomerang, ideal for breaking through shielded enemies.
Add in the Ragebound Art system, a devastating ultimate ability activated by collecting red Rage Orbs, and you’ve got a deep toolbox for dispatching demons in style.
“We wanted to make sure that every kind of player can find their own way of playing Ragebound,” says Tartarin.
Boss Battles That Bite Back
The gameplay peaks with an intense showdown against Rhyvashi, a clawed, lightning-hurling mid-game boss. She relentlessly harasses the ninjas throughout the level before a cinematic underground brawl takes place in a demon-infested temple. Players must dodge claw strikes, falling spikes, and glowing electric orbs while searching for key moments to stagger the boss using Hypercharge-enhanced strikes.
Rhyvashi is just one of the many diverse bosses in the game. According to the devs, some are towering behemoths, others swift and airborne, but each offers unique patterns and “Hypercharge windows” that reward precise execution and creative strategy.
Score High or Die Trying
Replay value is a big focus. Each level features optional challenges, such as no-damage boss fights, mid-air chaining kills, or finishing sections without touching the ground, pushing players toward S++ rankings and unlocking powerful new gear at Muramasa’s shop.
The Ragebound team also teased a Hard Mode, which reimagines enemy placements and platforming hazards rather than just increasing health bars, offering a real test for veterans.
And let’s not forget the collectibles:
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Crystal Skulls: For top scores and hidden rewards.
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Golden Scarabs: Currency for gear.
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Ancient Scrolls: Unlocking secret side missions called “Secret Ops.”
“You Can Play However You Want”
Whether you’re a score-chasing speed runner or a cautious slicer seeking mastery over every mechanic, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound seems built with you in mind.
“You can enjoy slicing all the enemies on the screen and making some fun choreography and feeling super cool,” said Murat. “Or you can just jump past them. That’s up to you.”
With multiple builds, tons of weapons and abilities, and a slick pixel-art aesthetic drenched in old-school ninja flair, Ragebound is shaping up to be both a love letter to the NES originals and a fresh take on the genre.
Mark your calendars: July 31st is when the blade drops.
🕹️ Follow for more on Ragebound and other pixel-perfect games right here on geeksvsgeeks.com.
📺 Hyped? Rewatch the full dev breakdown: https://youtu.be/hOmiJsoHbdM
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