In 1988, the ninja craze was at its peak, fueled by popular franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a slew of martial arts films. Video games capitalized on this trend too, with titles like Ninja Gaiden making their mark in arcades and on home consoles. Fast forward to 2025, and ninjas are once again capturing the zeitgeist of pop culture. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been revived as best-selling comics, a new Mortal Kombat film is set to hit theaters, and the gaming world is buzzing with fresh interpretations of beloved classics.
Among these is the much-anticipated release of two new games named Ninja Gaiden: Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Set to launch in the fall, Ninja Gaiden 4, developed by Xbox Game Studios, promises to enhance the franchise with modern high-tech 3D action. In contrast, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, which will debut on July 31, embraces a retro 2D pixelated style reminiscent of the 1980s.
Ragebound successfully revitalizes the essence of its predecessors while steering clear of redundancy. Players take control of two distinct ninjas: Kenji Mozu from the Hayabusa Clan and Kumori from the Black Spider Clan, each offering unique gameplay mechanics that combine seamlessly. Kenji embodies traditional combat prowess, while Kumori introduces a ranged fighting style with her kunai.
The gameplay emphasizes speed and fluidity, sticking closely to the exhilarating challenges of the original titles. Players encounter a variety of foes requiring quick reflexes and sharp strategy, maintaining the adrenaline rush that characterizes Ninja Gaiden. Despite the high stakes, the game remains accessible with plentiful checkpoints and a learning curve that rewards skill and precision.
One of the game’s standout features is its narrative, which parallels the story of the original Ninja Gaiden. While the iconic Ryu Hayabusa is on his own adventures, Kenji and Kumori’s quirky partnership faces a demon invasion at home, introducing a vibrant mix of martial arts mysticism and modern action elements.
Additionally, Ragebound embraces the nostalgic aesthetics of 80s media, integrating engaging cutscenes that echo the cinematic flair of its predecessors. This combination of engaging gameplay and charming narrative creates a uniquely thrilling experience devoid of the pitfalls that can accompany retro revivals.
The visual presentation, enhanced by gorgeous pixel art from the developers at The Game Kitchen, alongside a soundtrack that marries classic vibes with modern soundscapes, elevates the nostalgia while avoiding an overly self-referential tone.
As we await the launch of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on platforms including Nintendo Switch and Xbox, it’s clear that this title is ready to not only celebrate the legacy of the original series but also carve out its own identity. With its exhilarating gameplay and appealing story, Ragebound appears positioned to become a standout title in the sea of modern video games.