PlayStation.Blog: Ragebound Introduces a New Playable Protagonist

Hey everyone! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news from The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re unveiling a fresh twist in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound with a new playable character hailing from the rival Black Spider Clan.

Let’s dive into the story of how this concept came to life, what you can anticipate from this addition, and a peek into some gameplay elements that have us all excited.

When we started brainstorming for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a thought sparked our creativity: how cool would it be to play as someone from the opposing side? It’s a scenario we often fantasize about with our favorite franchises, those rare opportunities to walk in the shoes of a formidable adversary. The Black Spider Clan, central to the 3D Ninja Gaiden series, always fascinated us with their fierce moves and unforgettable personas. So, we thought, why not reintroduce them innovatively? This is how Kumori came into the picture.

Kumori, a distinguished kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan, stands as a fascinating foil to Kenji, the other lead in the game. While Kenji is still mastering his skills under Ryu Hayabusa’s mentorship, Kumori is already an accomplished fighter within her clan. In the wake of her clan’s near destruction, she bears the responsibility of rebuilding and ensuring their future survival. Ruthless and strategic, Kumori utilizes modern weaponry, enemy strategies, and even demonic powers to achieve her goals. Her loyalty lies solely in the path that leads to triumph.

In contrast to Kenji, who wields a katana and excels in close-quarters combat, Kumori cleverly uses kunai, allowing her swift attacks and striking from virtually any position. Her agility and versatility make her a formidable opponent, especially in difficult terrains and chaotic battles.

Despite their distinct fighting styles, Kenji and Kumori share core values: both are driven by loyalty, honor, and a deep sense of duty to their clans. Though originating from warring factions, they embody a new era of warriors, influenced by heritage yet unchained from the past. Their destinies entwine when a demonic threat forces them into the demon world. Facing potential obliteration, they make an unexpected decision: to combine their strengths, even knowing their clans might never approve such an alliance. This precarious union marks a turning point, forever altering their futures.

As their powers merge, players gain access to the best attributes of both characters, blending their weaponry, skills, and drawing on a new power source: Ki. Collecting Ki from foes, Kumori’s spirit can summon mighty Spider Weapons, like the Kama or Chakram, which can cut through barriers and adversaries, unlocking new levels of combat prowess.

Their collective fury drives devastating attacks. Each defeat with a Hypercharged move fuels their anger. Once rage peaks, players can unleash a breathtaking, area-clearing attack. Staying true to the Ninja Gaiden essence, the gameplay remains fast-paced and seamless. There’s no need to pause when switching characters, ensuring the action remains relentless.

Equipping your characters is key. Players can gather Golden Scarabs to unlock new upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans enhance passive skills, boosting melee damage, and improving defenses. Kumori offers a unique touch with her Shadow Arts, enabling new Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts, catered to diverse playstyles and strategic methods.

While Kumori’s physical form is trapped in the demon world, her spirit journeys with Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she can temporarily regain her physical form, interacting with another dimension to unveil hidden paths unseen by humans. However, this time is short-lived, urging players to think on their feet, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges quickly. These segments deliver riveting platforming, strategic battles, and exclusive exploration opportunities, enriching the game’s pace and complexity.

We hope this overview of Kumori has piqued your interest. We’re excited for you to explore both the Hayabusa Ninja and Black Spider Ninja paths in this thrilling new installment of Ninja Gaiden’s legacy.

Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025. Can’t wait to see you there!