Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound [PC] | REVIEW

The Ninja Gaiden series has long been a staple of high-speed, high-skill action games, whether that’s with its brutal NES origins (and I’ll admit that I’ve NEVER been able to beat any of the hardcore original releases) or the slick-and-stylish 3D reboots (each of which I’ve both loved AND beaten). It’s been a while since we’ve had a new game in the series, and whilst players do have Ninja Gaiden 4 to look forward to later in the year, we’ve also got Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound – a 2D action experience that blends the old-school precision with modern gameplay innovations. The result? An exhilarating experience that certainly lives up to the high standards of the series.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Rather than stepping into the shoes of series stalwart Ryu Hayabusa, players take control of Kenji Mozu, his young protégé who has been tasked with protecting Hayabusa Village while Ryu is away. Early in the game, a demonic invasion quickly overwhelms him, leading to an unexpected partnership with Kumori, a member of their rival Black Spider Clan. It’s an uneasy alliance, but one that takes a more drastic and unusual turn when their spirits fuse, allowing the player to harness both of their abilities in combat.

The overarching story that frames all of this isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still effective thanks to the likable leads, with Kumori in particular standing out thanks to her morally grey motivations where you never quite trust her. The plot sprinkles in just enough twists and demonic threats to give an intrigue sense of adventure, so whilst it’s never TOO deep as far as the narrative is concerned, you’ll certainly be kept engaged until the end.

This dual-character mechanic underpins much of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound’s design. Kenji handles melee combat with fast, precise katana strikes, while Kumori specializes in ranged kunai attacks, giving players a mix of aggressive and tactical options that allows them to tackle each level in varying ways. It feels superb in-game, with combat proving fast, precise, and methodical, with players pushed to keep the momentum going through levels while constantly assessing any incoming threats. Kenji’s swift katana strikes form the foundation of melee encounters, while Kumori’s ranged kunai and later combined abilities introduce a second layer of tactical options – switching between close-quarters and long-range attacks gives battles a fluid rhythm that rarely feels repetitive, with each level offering plenty of rewarding moments that’ll keep players on their toes.

“Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a slick and satisfying return to the series’ 2D roots, capturing everything that made the classics so beloved while layering in just enough modern flair to keep things fresh.”

Central to this flow are two signature mechanics: the Guillotine Boost that allows Kenji to rebound off enemies or projectiles, letting players chain jumps, extend combos, and traverse hazards without losing momentum, and the Hypercharge, which rewards players who defeat enemies marked with blue or pink auras using the corresponding attack type to grant a ultra-powerful strike that can cut through armoured or shielded foes in one hit. They are both simple concepts, but they’re expertly executed to add a real thrill to the rhythm of combat where players who take advantage of their move set are rewarded most. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound absolutely captures the thrill of classic Ninja Gaiden combat, all whilst modernising it with layered mechanics that reward both speed and precision… it’s fantastic.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound spans a vast array of stages that bring with them plenty of variety: some focus on horizontal sprints, others on vertical climbs, and there are even a handful of chase sequences that keep tension high. A few levels even mix things up with motorcycle or jet ski sections, which are brief but memorable set pieces that give the game a playful edge that certainly feels like a welcome throwback to the classic side-scrolling action titles of yesteryear.

Progression through levels relies on the player’s expertise of their abilities too, whether that’s when using the Guillotine Boost to navigate large, hazardous gaps or when lining up a Hypercharge to blast through an obstacle. Admittedly, the latter could slow the pace of the game at times – especially when waiting for the opportunity to activate the Hypercharge – but it’s a problem you won’t face if you play effectively… well… for the most part. There are optional Demon Altar challenges on offer that really put your mastering of these abilities to the test, offering short, timed platforming trials that condense the game’s movement and combat into intense 30-second bursts. They’re tough as nails, but beating them always feels really, REALLY satisfying. Add to that the optional challenges and collectibles in levels as well as the customisation options on offer, and there’s really a lot to get stuck into in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound to keep players coming back for more (even if the main game can be beaten in around five-hours or so).

Check out some screenshots down below:

Visually, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound truly is a love letter to old-school action games, with vibrant pixel art that’s both modern and nostalgic. Levels are richly detailed, enemies are distinct, and bosses have a satisfying visual presence, with everything wonderfully crafted to make the world feel distinct despite there being plenty of other similar looking titles out there right now. It looks superb, which certainly complemented the slick, fast-paced action.

And if you’re worried about that classic Ninja Gaiden difficulty? Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound has you covered, with a generous set of accessibility and assist options to allow players to get the exact experience they want. Frequent checkpoints and abundant healing items help keep frustration low in general anyway, while the unlockable post-game hard mode will cater to veterans who crave that punishing challenge that the series is known for. What more could you want?

Developer: The Game Kitchen
Publisher: DotEmu
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Website: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2542120/NINJA_GAIDEN_Ragebound/