Ragebound Introduces New Playable Protagonist on PlayStation.Blog

Hey there, fellow gamers! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from The Game Kitchen, who have teamed up with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re diving into something fresh and exhilarating for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Get ready to meet a brand-new character hailing from the age-old rivals of the Hayabusa Clan: the formidable Black Spider Clan.

Today, I’ll take you on a behind-the-scenes journey, diving deep into how this character concept emerged, what you can expect, and some game mechanics we’re particularly buzzed about.

Kicking off our character design phase for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, an intriguing question sparked our creativity: How cool would it be to play as someone from an opposing faction? We’ve all had that dream while playing our favorite series—when a game lets you explore perspectives from the other side. With the Black Spider Clan being such a fierce presence in the 3D Ninja Gaiden saga, their intense style and iconic characters have always captivated us. So, why not reintroduce them in an all-new avatar? That’s how Kumori was conceived.

Kumori, a proud kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, stands as a striking counter to Kenji, the other main character in the game. While Kenji still walks the path of learning under his master Ryu Hayabusa’s watchful eye, Kumori has cemented her status as her clan’s top warrior. In the wake of her clan’s near demise, she bears the heavy responsibility of their restoration and defense. Her fighting style is ruthless and adaptable, leveraging modern weapons, enemy techniques, and even demonic powers to achieve her goals. She abandons traditional codes, following only the path to victory.

In contrast to Kenji’s katana and up-close combat style, Kumori wields kunai, providing her with extended reach, rapid strike speed, and the flexibility to attack from nearly any spot or surface. Her agility makes her an exceptional choice for tackling enemies in tight spots or during chaotic encounters.

Though Kenji and Kumori hail from rival clans, they are united by shared values: loyalty, honor, and a fierce dedication to their respective clans. Despite their different origins, they embody a new generation influenced by legacy but unshackled by historical restraints. Their destinies collide when they face formidable demonic adversaries, trapping both in the demon realm. Confronted with obliteration, they forge an unlikely alliance, knowing their clans might never accept such unity. This precarious partnership is both a valuable asset and a complicated burden that forever alters their destinies.

As players guide these fused warriors, they’ll have access to the strengths of both characters, merging their weapons, abilities, and tapping into a new energy source: Ki. By collecting Ki from fallen foes, Kumori manifests potent Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram, designed to slice through barriers and enemies alike, expanding attack range and inflicting massive damage.

Their shared fury propels monumental attacks. Each time an enemy falls to a Hypercharged assault, their rage intensifies. Upon reaching its zenith, players unleash breathtaking screen-clearing attacks—an electrifying testament to vengeance and sheer power. Staying true to the essence of Ninja Gaiden, the gameplay is relentlessly fast and smooth. Weapons and techniques meld seamlessly, without any unnecessary interruptions to switch characters. The combat flows, keeping the adrenaline pumping nonstop.

Character gear plays a pivotal role as well. Players can harvest Golden Scarabs to unlock upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans enhance passive abilities like boosting melee damage or improving defense. Meanwhile, Kumori introduces a unique edge with her Shadow Arts, unlocking inventive Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts catering to various playstyles and strategic choices.

While Kumori’s physical form remains imprisoned in the demon realm, her spirit journeys alongside Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she momentarily regains her physical form, enabling interaction with hidden paths unseen by human eyes. The clock ticks during these transformations, adding pressure as players navigate puzzles and intense challenges within a limited timeframe. These episodes offer exhilarating platforming sequences, strategic combat engagements, and distinctive exploration opportunities, enriching the game’s rhythm and depth.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek at Kumori. We’re eagerly anticipating when you’ll get to tread both the Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninja paths in this new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.

Keep your eyes peeled for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, landing on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 by summer 2025!