Hey, gamers! On behalf of The Game Kitchen, along with our friends at Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we’re thrilled to pull back the curtain on a fresh new face for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Say hello to a completely original character from the Hayabusa Clan’s age-old adversaries: the infamous Black Spider Clan.
We’re inviting you behind the scenes in this post to explore how this concept was hatched, what to expect from this intriguing new character, and a few gameplay tidbits we’re eager to share.
When we set out to design fresh characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one idea really fired up our imagination: What if players could step into the shoes of an enemy clan member? It’s the kind of twist that energizes beloved franchises and offers those rare moments where players can see from the perspective of their foes. The Black Spider Clan, with its fierce styles and memorable characters, has been a staple in the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. This brought about the birth of Kumori.
Meet Kumori, a skilled kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan and a formidable counterpart to Kenji, the other leading character of the game. While Kenji is still under the mentorship of Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already proven herself as the top warrior of her faction. With the Black Spider Clan nearly falling apart, she’s shouldering the heavy task of rebuilding and safeguarding its future. Driven by a relentless and practical mindset, Kumori readily harnesses modern weaponry, enemy tactics, and even taps into demonic powers to get the job done. She doesn’t bind herself to tradition but follows the path that leads to success.
Kumori’s combat style sets her apart from Kenji. Instead of using a katana for close combat like Kenji, she brings kunai into play, which allows for long-range attacks and rapid strikes from virtually any position or terrain. Her agility and adaptability make her a powerhouse, especially when taking on foes in hard-to-reach or hectic places.
Despite their stark differences, Kumori and Kenji stand united by core principles: a deep sense of loyalty, honor, and dedication to their clans. Though from opposing backgrounds, they are the new breed of warriors shaped by their heritage yet not shackled by it. Their paths cross at a critical juncture when a formidable demonic menace emerges, casting both into a demon realm. In the face of destruction, they make a daring decision: to unite their powers, fully aware that their clans wouldn’t approve of such an alliance. This uneasy truce is both a boon and a curse: a necessary convergence that will redefine their futures.
In this conjoined form, players can tap into the strengths of both characters, integrating their arsenal, skills, and a fresh energy source: Ki. While harvesting Ki from foes, Kumori’s spirit can call forth powerful Spider Weapons like a Kama or Chakram, enabling her to slice through walls and adversaries with ease, expanding combat possibilities and dishing out heavy damage.
Their accumulated rage drives devastating assaults. An enemy vanquished with a Hypercharged attack fuels their fury. Once it peaks, players can unleash a breathtaking, screen-shattering attack—a true spectacle of vengeance and might. Staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s DNA, the game ensures combat is swift, fluid, and unrelenting. All weapons and moves are intricately woven, with no need to swap characters mid-battle. This keeps the adrenaline pumping and actions seamless.
Character upgrades are crucial. As you collect Golden Scarabs, you can unlock fresh enhancements, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans deliver passive boosts like heightened melee power, beefed-up defense, or refined Hypercharge effects. Kumori offers a twist with Shadow Arts, unveiling new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts tailored to various playstyles and strategies.
Even though Kumori’s physical self is stuck in the demon realm, her spirit joins Kenji’s endeavors. Through Demonic Altars, she can briefly return to her corporeal shape. During these intervals, it’s possible to interact with a unique demonic dimension, opening up hidden routes invisible to human eyes. Yet her time in this state is short, pushing players to make swift decisions, solve intricate puzzles, and navigate challenging situations before the clock runs out. These segments promise exhilarating platforming, strategic combat scenarios, and exploration that are designed to enrich the game’s pace and complexity.
We hope you’re as excited as we are about this sneak peek at Kumori. We can’t wait for you to dive into the adventures of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look forward to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
