
Ninja Gaiden Returns as Side-Scroller ‘Ragebound’ | Image Source: www.ign.com
LOS ANGELES, December 12, 2024 - The beloved Ninja Gaiden franchise has made a spectacular return with a new round, as announced at the 2024 game prizes. The new title, Ninja Gaiden: Ragaround, reinvents the series as a 2D lateral displacement action platform. Developed by The Game Kitchen, known for its work in Blasphemous, and published by Dotemu, the team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Revenge by Shredder, the game is officially licensed by Koei Tecmo and will be launched in the summer of 2025 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
A new hero emerges
According to Dotemu’s official statement, the game presents a new protagonist, Kenji Mozu, who salutes the Hayabusa clan. The story is developed in Hayabusa Village, collecting where the NES version of Ninja Gaiden went. Ryu Hayabusa, the original hero, went to America to avenge his father’s death, leaving the village vulnerable. Suddenly, a break between human and demon worlds opens, triggering a wave of chaos. Kenji comes to protect his house and the people of the invading demonic army in a high-risk battle to restore balance.
Classic game with a modern Twist
According to Dotemu, Ninja Gaiden: Ragaround is very inspired by the NES version of the franchise, offering a fast and stimulating fight that remains true to its roots. The game aims to be accessible to new players while offering the technical and profound challenges that veteran fans are waiting for. Players will face a multitude of reliable enemies, escape deadly traps such as peak wells and burning dangers, and veil treacherous chasms in a lateral displacement format that combines nostalgia and modern mechanics.
The Ragebound combat system includes undergraduate skills, ensuring that players can adapt their game style as they move forward. Hidden collection objects and optional mission objectives increase replayability, while complex platform sequences test accuracy and skill. The game also promises epic battles against the colossal enemies of the lead caliber, pushing players to master their ninja skills under intense pressure.
History in a darker era
Ragebound’s story deepens the series by exploring issues of duty, resilience and heroism. The game takes place in a dark and dangerous era for the Hayabusa clan, with the demonic invasion that serves as the backdrop for Kenji Mozu’s journey. His research aims not only to save the village, but also to prove himself as a worthy successor to Ryu Hayabusa. The combination of action and narration ensures an immersive experience, which is aligned with the legacy of the narrative adhesion franchise.
What’s going on?
According to Dotemu’s previous successes, like Ninja’s teenage mutant turtles: Shredder Revenge, Ninja Gaiden: Ragaround offers a polished and visually striking experience. The Game Kitchen’s development team infused the game with complex details, creating a vibrant but threatening world. The high-speed fighting sequences are complemented by fluid animations and a meticulously designed environment, attracting players to the heart of the action.
Dotemu and The Game Kitchen stressed their commitment to honour the legacy of the series while introducing new elements to involve a wider audience. Modernizing the game ensures that it retains the essence of the original as it appeals to contemporary players, making it a worthy addition to the history of franchise.
Release and promotion
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will be released in the summer of 2025. His commercial, revealed in The Game Awards 2024, has already generated a significant emotion among fans and industry experts. According to IGN, the mix of classic game and modern improvements places him as one of the most anticipated versions of the year. The event also had a series of other important announcements, highlighting the dynamic future of the gaming industry.
Wesley Yin-Poole, UK News Editor for IGN, stressed the potential impact of the game, stating that its return as a side scroller marks an exciting evolution for the franchise. While fans look forward to their release, Ragaround promises to deliver the adrenaline-oriented action and the complex challenges Ninja Gaiden has been defining for decades.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ninja Gaiden: Ragaround and other highlights of The Game Awards 2024, while the game world continues to evolve with innovative and revitalized classic titles.