Hey there, gamers! This is an exciting moment for all of us at The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re thrilled to introduce a fresh face to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Meet the newest, fully original character from the Hayabusa Clan’s notable adversaries, the fabled Black Spider Clan.
In this behind-the-scenes look, we’re diving into the creative process that brought this character into being. We’ll also give you a taste of what’s in store with this new addition and share some gameplay tidbits that have us buzzing with excitement.
Our initial brainstorming for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound started with a tantalizing thought: how fascinating would it be to play as a member from an enemy clan? We’ve all relished those unique gaming moments where you get to walk a mile in the adversary’s shoes. The Black Spider Clan, a force to be reckoned with in the 3D Ninja Gaiden series, captivated us with its daring and memorable figures. This curiosity led us to the creation of Kumori.
Kumori is no ordinary kunoichi; she’s the pride of the Black Spider Clan and stands as a dynamic contrast to Kenji, the game’s other lead. While Kenji learns under Ryu Hayabusa’s tutelage, Kumori is already the clan’s top warrior. Following the near destruction of her clan, she bears the responsibility of restoring and safeguarding its legacy. Kumori is a no-nonsense fighter, leveraging contemporary weapons, enemy techniques, and even demonic forces to achieve her objectives. She isn’t constrained by tradition; she’s guided solely by the quest for victory.
Differing from Kenji’s katana-based, close-combat style, Kumori’s kunai give her incredible reach, speed, and versatility, allowing her to fight from almost any spot. Her nimbleness and flexibility make her a formidable opponent, especially in challenging environments or during chaotic battles.
Kenji and Kumori may stand on opposing sides, yet they share the same core values: unwavering loyalty, a sense of honor, and a strong commitment to their clans. Both represent a new era of warriors, informed by their lineages but not shackled by it. Their paths intersect as they confront a daunting demonic menace, trapping them both in a demon realm. In the face of annihilation, they make a daring decision to combine their strengths, despite the knowledge their clans would never approve. This reluctant partnership is both a gift and a burden, altering their futures irrevocably.
By uniting as fused warriors, players can tap into the strengths of both protagonists, blending their weapons, skills, and a fresh power source: Ki. By collecting Ki from foes, Kumori’s spirit conjures potent Spider Weapons like a Kama or Chakram, capable of cutting through barriers and enemies, expanding attack range, and dealing considerable damage.
Their combined fury powers remarkable assaults. As enemies fall to Hypercharged attacks, their wrath grows. When their fury peaks, players can unleash a breathtaking, all-encompassing attack. Consistent with Ninja Gaiden’s tradition, the gameplay is swift, smooth, and unyielding. Weapons and skills merge seamlessly, so there’s no need to pause for switching characters, keeping the tension high and the action non-stop.
Character gear management also plays a significant role. By gathering Golden Scarabs, players can unlock enhancements, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans focus on passive buffs like increased melee damage, better defenses, or enhanced Hypercharge abilities. Kumori adds a unique dimension with her Shadow Arts, unlocking fresh Spider Weapons and formidable Ragebound Arts tailored to diverse playstyles and tactics.
Since Kumori’s physical form remains bound in the demon world, only her spirit accompanies Kenji. However, through Demonic Altars, she can momentarily return to her physical form. These instances allow her to interact with a parallel demonic realm, unveiling hidden routes unseen by human eyes. But time is of the essence, pushing players to solve complex puzzles and tackle formidable challenges before time runs out. These segments introduce thrilling platforming, strategic skirmishes, and distinctive exploration moments that enrich the game’s tempo and depth.
We hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into Kumori’s world. We can’t wait for you to explore the paths of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja, adding a fresh chapter to the storied Ninja Gaiden saga.
Mark your calendars: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025!
