Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to bring you some exciting news from The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’ve got a fresh addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound with a new playable character from the storied Black Spider Clan, a long-standing rival to the Hayabusa Clan.
Today, we’re diving into how this intriguing concept took shape, giving you a glimpse of what this new character brings to the gameplay and sharing some details that have us all excited.
When we first embarked on the journey of creating new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one exciting idea caught our fancy: what if we could experience the game from the perspective of an enemy faction? It’s a thrilling notion for any fan of longstanding game franchises – those rare opportunities where you’re allowed to walk in the adversary’s shoes. The Black Spider Clan, with its fierce warriors and unforgettable personas, has been a captivating presence in the 3D Ninja Gaiden series. So, why not give them a fresh revival? Enter our latest creation: Kumori.
Kumori is a fierce kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan and offers a fascinating contrast to Kenji, our current protagonist. While Kenji is still honing his skills under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori is already a formidable warrior, leading her clan after its near downfall. She shoulders the heavy responsibility of revitalizing and safeguarding their legacy. Pragmatic and ruthless, Kumori embraces modern weaponry, enemy strategies, and even demonic powers to achieve victory. Her only guiding principle is the path that leads to triumph.
In contrast to Kenji, who wields a katana for close-quarters combat, Kumori uses kunai, which lend her extensive range and speed, allowing her to attack from almost any position or surface. Her nimbleness and versatility make her a formidable force, especially in challenging terrains or tumultuous skirmishes.
Despite their differences, Kenji and Kumori are united by shared values: loyalty, honor, and a strong sense of duty to their clans. Although they hail from opposing factions, they symbolize a new generation of warriors who honor their legacy but aren’t tethered to it. Their paths cross at a critical juncture when they confront a mighty demonic adversary. Caught in a demon realm, they embark on an unprecedented alliance to survive – a choice that defies their tribes’ traditions. This union is both a blessing and a trial, altering the course of their destiny irrevocably.
Playing as these combined warriors allows you to harness the best of both worlds, merging their arsenals and unlocking a newfound power source called Ki. As you gain Ki from defeating enemies, Kumori’s essence can wield powerful Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram, capable of slicing through both enemies and obstacles, allowing for massive damage and expanded reach.
Their combined fury fuels devastating attacks. Each enemy taken down with a Hypercharged move amplifies their rage, culminating in a spectacular attack that clears the screen. True to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, the gameplay is rapid and seamless, maintaining tension without the need for character switches. The combat remains fluid, ensuring relentless action.
Equipping your characters effectively is crucial. Collect Golden Scarabs to unlock upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans enhance melee hits, defense, and Hypercharge efficiency. Conversely, Kumori introduces the Shadow Arts, unveiling new Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts suited to various strategies and combat approaches.
Though Kumori’s physical form is trapped in the demon world, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she can momentarily reclaim her corporeal form, revealing hidden paths through her unique perspective. However, this interaction is time-bound, pushing players to quickly navigate and solve riddles to overcome challenges. These segments deliver exciting platforming adventures, tactical battles, and exploration opportunities, enhancing the game’s depth and pacing.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this preview of Kumori. We’re eagerly waiting for you to carve your own path as both a Hayabusa Ninja and a Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling new installment of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, coming in Summer 2025.
