Hey there, fellow gamers! I’m thrilled to bring you some exciting news straight from The Game Kitchen, and in collaboration with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re unveiling a fresh twist in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound with the introduction of a brand-new character hailing from the legendary Black Spider Clan, long-standing rivals to the renowned Hayabusa Clan.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the curtain to reveal how this character came to life, what they bring to the table, and give you a sneak peek at some gameplay elements we’re particularly excited about.
As we embarked on developing new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a captivating idea sparked our imaginations: what if you could step into the shoes of an enemy faction member? Throughout gaming history, these moments where you get to experience the world from a different perspective are rare and thrilling. The Black Spider Clan has always intrigued us with their bold style and memorable characters, so we thought, why not reinvent them? That’s how Kumori came into existence.
Kumori is a fierce kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, serving as a dynamic counterpart to Kenji, our other protagonist. While Kenji is still learning the ropes under his mentor, Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already claimed her spot as the top warrior of her clan. After the near downfall of the Black Spider Clan, she bears the responsibility of rebuilding and safeguarding its future. With an unyielding and practical approach, Kumori embraces modern weaponry, enemy tactics, and even demonic powers to achieve her goals, unfettered by traditional codes; she follows only the path that promises victory.
Where Kenji favors his katana for up-close combat, Kumori is all about versatility with her kunai. These grant her a superior range, swift attack speed, and adaptability, making her an expert at taking down foes from almost any vantage point. Her quick reflexes and adaptability shine in chaotic situations and against hard-to-reach adversaries.
Despite their differences, Kenji and Kumori are bound by core values like loyalty and honor, each fiercely committed to their respective clans. Even though they hail from opposing sides, they are the epitome of a modern generation of warriors, shaped by legacy but not confined by it. Their stories intertwine at a critical juncture as they confront a formidable demonic threat, trapping them together in the demon world. Challenged with survival, they form an unlikely alliance, a union their clans would scorn. This partnership, both a blessing and a curse, is a significant turning point that alters their destinies forever.
As players, you get to harness the full potential of both these characters, merging their abilities, weapons, and tapping into a new energy source: Ki. By collecting Ki from enemies, Kumori’s spirit can unleash powerful Spider Weapons, like the Kama or Chakram, capable of tearing through walls and enemies, expanding your arsenal’s range and impact.
Their joint fury fuels earth-shattering attacks. As you dispatch enemies with a Hypercharged assault, their rage intensifies. Once it peaks, you’re set to unleash a screen-clearing attack that is as spectacular as it is powerful, embodying the series’ signature fast-paced and relentless action. The game’s combat seamlessly integrates every weapon and technique, ensuring that the adrenaline is always pumping without any need to pause for switching characters.
Equipping your heroes also adds a strategic layer. By collecting Golden Scarabs, you can unlock upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans boost melee strength, fortify defenses, or enhance Hypercharge effects, while Kumori introduces something unique with her Shadow Arts, unlocking new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts, offering diverse playstyles and strategies.
Though Kumori’s body is confined to the demon world, her spirit journeys alongside Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she can temporarily return to her physical form, engaging with a demonic realm that unveils hidden paths invisible to mortal eyes. Given the fleeting nature of these interactions, players must swiftly navigate, solve puzzles, and tackle formidable challenges within the time constraint. These segments enrich the game with thrilling platforming, strategic combat, and unique explorations that deepen its rhythm and complexity.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about Kumori’s debut. We can’t wait for you to delve into the intriguing worlds of Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninjas in this new installment of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look forward to getting your hands on Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025!
