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[mèx]

Developer: The Game Kitchen
Publisher: Dotemu
Release date: 31/07/2025
Genre: Side-scrolling Action
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, XBS, NSW
Price: 24.99 US/EU

From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed NINJA GAIDEN series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries.

The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure.

Our story begins when Ryu Hayabusa journeys to America to honor his father's will. While he is away, the barrier between the human and the demon worlds suddenly shatters, unleashing a terrifying army upon the Hayabusa Village, which now faces an unprecedented threat in Ryu's absence.

To stand against this new threat, Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa Village, rises to the challenge! Trained by Ryu, he fights fiercely but soon finds himself in desperate straits. Forced to tap into forbidden power, Kenji sets aside centuries of animosity and forms an alliance with the sinister Black Spider Clan, convinced that combining their souls and skills is the only way to protect the world out of the Demon Lord's grasp!

Combining old-school feeling with modern precision, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound retains the pick-up-and-play action of the classic titles, while introducing new layers of depth.

Alongside the new protagonist, Kenji Mozu, is the skilled assassin Kumori. Take control of these two powerful ninjas simultaneously and unravel their interconnected stories.

Use the Ninja Fusion to unleash devastating abilities and obliterate your enemies. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound features impeccable mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to truly master, challenging the skills of even the most seasoned fans of the NINJA GAIDEN series!

Step into a reimagined version of the classic NINJA GAIDEN universe, brought to life through stunning, meticulously crafted visuals. Every enemy is recreated with a level of detail that was once impossible.

The brutal, nostalgia-filled aesthetic of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound pays homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of modern pixel art, making every battle a feast for the eyes.

Performance notes: the Nintendo Switch version runs at 30 FPS, so beware.
​

 

[mèx]

The OT is just a copy-paste of the Steam page (I thought that was better than having no OT).

Critic Reviews

OpenCritic - 87
MetaCritic - 86


But Why Tho? - Abdul Saad - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an incredibly engaging game, offering excellent gameplay elements. It sports great references that series fans will appreciate, and an overall phenomenal experience, making it one of the best games of its genre.

CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 8 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound features 18 main stages and eight secret ops, or challenge levels, with the game taking around 9-10 hours to complete.

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

With six to eight hours of gameplay at a price tag of $25, I cannot recommend Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It lacks anything of interest other than this side story to the original Ninja Gaiden game, and even then, it's just introducing different ninjas that are fighting monsters. This game was supposed to be a love letter to the original trilogy, but instead, it's more like a bad photocopy of a love letter made by someone who didn't seem to care that much.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 90 / 100

Ninja Garden: Ragebound is the perfect return to the franchise's 2D roots. Each area, encounter, and boss fight is meticulously crafted to challenge players while letting them fully embrace the fantasy of being a ninja.

Cloud Dosage - Jon Scarr - 4.5 / 5

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the series back to its 2D roots with tight controls, sharp level design, and satisfying challenge. The dual-character system, Guillotine Boost, and Hypercharge mechanics add variety without overcomplicating things. Combat and platforming feel smooth and skill-based, with modern touches that respect the NES originals. The campaign is short but focused, and extra modes offer reasons to replay. If you grew up on the classics, this one hits the right notes without feeling stuck in the past.

Console Creatures - David Pietrangelo - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a fantastic return to 2D action for the franchise. It delivers a challenging action-platformer with tight mechanics, excellent level design, eye-catching visuals, and a wild story worthy of the Ninja Gaiden name.

Cultured Vultures - Jimmy Donnellan - 8 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a gorgeous side-scroller that's hard to put down.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 5 / 5

The result is a near-perfect concoction that makes roleplaying a ninja not only something to be enjoyed in the moment, but also something not afraid to test these skills by offering up a decent challenge.

DualShockers - Jake Valentine - 7.5 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a little uneven at times, particularly in the second half of the game, but it's still an enjoyable side-scroller.

Entertainium - Eduardo Rebouças - 5 / 5

The team behind Blasphemous has done it again! Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers plenty of ninja fun for players of all skill levels to enjoy.

Final Weapon - Jordan Brown - 4.5 / 5

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers some of the best 2D combat and movement I've ever experienced in an action platformer. Almost every level is designed to maximize your abilities in combat and platforming, and test your reflexes in all the best ways. There are perhaps a few too many auto-scroll levels for my liking, and I wish the bosses were a little more varied; however, these are minor issues in an overall fantastic package. Ninja Gaiden is back.

Fun Factor - Diogo Arez - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a return to the series' roots and the result is a fast paced action platformer with gorgeous pixel art and incredible boss fights that really test your skills while never feeling unfair.

Game Lodge - Jean Kei - Portuguese - 10 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a great fresh start for the franchise. The game recaptures what made its predecessors special, but brings unique things to the table and stands on its own. I ended up fully satisfied with the game and with a taste for more.

GameBlast - Farley Santos - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a solid revival of the series in a 2D style, featuring fast-paced combat, well-placed platforming challenges, and high-level pixel art visuals. The dynamic between Kenji and Kumori adds variety to the gameplay with both close-range and ranged attacks, strategic use of Overload, and alternate stages in the demon realm. Despite some repetitive moments and sections where mechanics feel forced, the game maintains a steady pace and offers pleasant surprises throughout the campaign. With customization options, extra challenges, and a good balance between action and exploration, Ragebound provides a memorable and accessible experience that respects and revitalizes the franchise's legacy.

GameGrin - Alana Dunitz - 10 / 10

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a perfect addition to the series. It looks and sounds amazing, and with accessibility options it feels more fair. It's great!

GameSpew - Richard Seagrave - 7 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a genuinely challenging action game with lovely visuals and rewarding fast-paced gameplay. It feels a bit rough in places, though, and often borders on being simply too chaotic for its own good. Assist options mean that anyone can see the journey through to its end, but better balancing or difficulty levels would have been preferred.

Gameliner - Bram Noteboom - Dutch - 3.5 / 5

Dotemu and The Game Kitchen deliver a solid homage to the roots of classic action-platformers with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound - sharp as ever in gameplay, nostalgic to the core, but lacking the surprise and staying power to truly stand out in this triumphant year of the ninja.

Gamer Escape - Aaron Botts - 9 / 10

Sometimes, the best scenario lines up for the best possible outcome. I already had some reasonable expectations going in with this game because of what it is and who's behind it. But it's always a satisfying thing to see when your expectations are met in the way you expect. I do have my nitpicks, but this isn't a game I would look over in favor of others. The Game Kitchen shows once again that they're a very skilled studio, and their efforts in handling a franchise like this is a testament to their own skillset.

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8.2 / 10

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is more than a tribute, it's a modernized take built on a sharp understanding of the original. It retains the series' signature challenge and slick combat while introducing fresh elements like dual protagonists, offering a new experience for both veterans and newcomers.

GamesRadar+ - Dustin Bailey - 4 / 5

Every time I sit back down in front of my Steam library, I find myself firing Ragebound up once again.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10

Paying homage to the classics while simultaneously serving as a breath of fresh air, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound masterfully builds on the side-scrolling format of the older titles while adding its own twists.

Generación Xbox - Frank Montes - Spanish - 90 / 100

It's a must-have game in the Xbox catalog, a gem that proves that past and present can come together to provide a fresh and unique experience. It's fast, lethal, and, without a doubt, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a firm and worthy step for a series that deserves it all .

Hardcore Gamer - Ivanir Ignacchitti - 4.5 / 5

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings a stylish new entry to the classic franchise owned by Koei Tecmo.

Hey Poor Player - Andrew Thornton - 4.5 / 5

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to 2D for Ninja Gaiden. Hopefully, we won't have to wait decades to see the series follow up on it. I genuinely loved every single level. The team at The Game Kitchen does a fantastic job of continuing to build upon established mechanics while also finding new ways to twist them and entirely new twists to throw at players through the game's four acts. Any fan of action games needs to check this one out.

IGN - Will Borger - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound looks and sounds incredible, and the fast but thoughtful combat is so satisfying it's hard to put down.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Toyad - 90 / 100

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is one the best 2D action game throwbacks that's long overdue, given the last Ninja Gaiden game was back in 2014, a 3D action title, and utter dogs***. It's beautiful, plays great and has spot-on controls, it's accommodating yet challenging, has a Hard mode that will test your mettle; there's a lot to love for old-school ninja fans out there.

In short, the whole 2D pixel-savvy action-heavy package that utterly delights. Even with some odd bugs here and there, Sega's ninja efforts may have their work cut out for them thanks to this pseudo-indie effort.

Kotaku - Timothy Monbleau - Unscored

The Game Kitchen's excellent retro revival preserves the swift action of its NES predecessors while leaving their rage-inducing elements behind

Loot Level Chill - Chris White - 9.5 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an exciting and satisfying side-scroller that never gets dull, and offers amazing combat set in a gorgeous world.

Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 9 / 10

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound revisits the franchise classic formula without relying on nostalgia, instead embracing highly enjoyable gameplay mechanics and compelling characters to carve out its own identity within the Hayabusa clan saga.

PC Gamer - Abbie Stone - 78 / 100

A fun revival that opts for solid fundamentals over innovation.

Pizza Fria - João Gabriel Xavier Marques - Portuguese - 8.1 / 10

Anyone who is a fan of the series, especially the first games, or enjoys a simple, non-stop action game will not regret playing NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound.

Prima Games - Ali Hashmi - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is my action game of the year. It's an incredibly polished and tightly designed 2D game with the right amount of challenge, combat depth, and enemy variety. Kenji and Kumori are a fun duo to follow, and The Game Kitchen has done a fantastic job honoring the original trilogy while introducing plenty of new ideas. It's a gorgeous game to look at, with some of the best animation work on the market. With plenty of replay value, it'll be a while before you put Ragebound down.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 4 / 5

The Game Kitchen really cooked here, because this looks and feels like a classic Ninja Gaiden game, but with way more going on. The sublime controls and gorgeous pixel art will cement the notion that "Ninja Gaiden is back!" While I don't love the levels themselves, the game's combat is a vehicle that takes you from place to place that you won't be bothered by it. NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound takes the series back to its roots, even rivaling its modern 3D counterparts with ease.

Seasoned Gaming - Patrick Shields - 8 / 10

There is a lot of heart, here, and I have to reward not only the effort and passion, but the totality of the amazing experience. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound takes a slight step away from the original trilogy, but it's a stealthy ninja step in the perfect direction.

SmashPad - Filippo Dinolfo - 4.5 / 5

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is, without a doubt, a fantastic game that modernizes the original formula without losing the soul of what the original games were. Dotemu is quickly becoming the go-to publisher for this kind of retro-modern fusion. If you are a veteran of the NES games, or you're coming into this one fresh, you'll be well served by what the game brings to the table.

SteamDeckHQ - Noah Kupetsky - 4 / 5

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings back the classic Ninja Gaiden gameplay in a modern way that I fell in love with. The gorgeous world and animations mix with the precise platforming and one-hit combat that I couldn't get enough of. Even with a short runtime, each level and boss fight felt distinct and enjoyable. Some of the dodging and climbing got in the way of my fights, and I didn't utilize upgrades much, but it was a ton of fun where quality over quantity goes a long way.

On top of that, it's a gem to play on the Steam Deck. Just switching to 60 FPS fixes the minor issues I found at 90, and lowers the battery drain considerably. This is a perfect game to take on the go.

TechRaptor - Austin Suther - 9.5 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an adrenaline-pumping action platformer with killer pixel art and fast-paced gameplay. Levels are challenging -- especially in hard mode -- and bosses are not to be underestimated. Stages feel dynamic and always have something new to offer, so I was hooked from start to finish.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the best 2D platformer of the year and one of the greatest Ninja Gaiden titles out there. While it isn't the longest, it is highly replayable and packed with depth.

The Outerhaven Productions - Keith Mitchell - 4 / 5

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a fun, action-packed homage to the classic series that blends retro charm with a few modern twists. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, it delivers a solid experience that longtime fans will appreciate and newcomers can still enjoy; punishing difficulty, with a bit of cheapness and all.

The Punished Backlog - Donovan Harrell - 9.5 / 10

With a brisk seven- to eight-hour runtime, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound doesn't overstay its welcome. If anything, I wish it were longer. Some longtime fans may find the more balanced difficulty a bit tame, but for most, this will feel like the Goldilocks zone between old-school punishment and modern approachability. Whether you're here for the tight mechanics, the sharp pixel art, or the emotional pull of a cursed ninja buddy-cop duo, Ragebound delivers. It's the most I've enjoyed a Ninja Gaiden game in years, and serves as a reminder of why this series still matters.

TheGamer - George Foster - 4.5 / 5

It's easily one of the best games in the series, and Ninja Gaiden 4 (as well as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance) is going to have a hell of a challenge surpassing it.

VDGMS - Darren Andrew - 9 / 10

Instead of focusing on feeling like retro Ninja Gaiden, Ragebound focuses on a more modernized gameplay approach. A gameplay that's reminiscent of the Blasphemous series for obvious reasons, but with a massive increase in speed and momentum. However, more important than feeling like Ninja Gaiden, Ragebound perfectly captures the spirit of Ninja Gaiden, which results in the best of both worlds.

Often times when there is a mashup in the gaming sector, the outcome can be less than predictable. Thankfully, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is exactly what you would expect if you gave the iconic Ninja Gaiden IP to The Game Kitchen, who have put themselves on the map with their incredible work on the Blasphemous series. Ninja Gaiden Ragebound has all the necessities that anyone could ask for. Gorgeous pixel art, extremely precise gameplay, a soundtrack and story that are highly evocative of the 90's, and disturbingly fantastic, rage inducing bosses.

Fans of Ninja Gaiden, 2D platformers, or Blasphemous all need to check out Ragebound and the bar has now been set high for Shinobi Art of Vengeance

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 9 / 10

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a pitch-perfect revival of the NES classics. It captures the same fun run-and-slash feel of the original games while modernizing enough to be exciting to play, whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer. The fantastic soundtrack and excellent graphics elevate it and make the entire package shine. The closest thing I can come to as a complaint is the somewhat low difficulty level, and that is more in comparison to the franchise as a whole rather than this game being too easy. If you're a fan of action-platformers or a Ninja Gaiden fan in general, you'll find a ton to love in Ragebound.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 7.5 / 10

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound looks great, and is a lot of fun. A few balance issues and a short run-time vs. its $40 price hold it back from greatness.

 

[ssringo]

Wish KT would release the classic trilogy like Konami is doing with Castlevania.

 

[xVodevil]

This is looking good, though I wasn't sure whether to wait for a sale just might grab it tomorrow if this price at 25€ is correct.

 

[Bartski]

 

[Zacfoldor]

I'm so hyped for this. Going to preorder tonight. This is probably going to be my goty.

 

[Mr Hyde]

Love the Ninja Gaiden revival. It's almost as good as Silent Hill coming back. Ragebound is gonna be lit

 

[Little Mac]

One more day!

 

[HRK69]

 

[Punished Miku]

The year of the ninja begins.

 

[Connificent]

 

[CrimsonTide]

This game was built for the Steam Deck baby

 

[Ristifer]

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

With six to eight hours of gameplay at a price tag of $25, I cannot recommend Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. It lacks anything of interest other than this side story to the original Ninja Gaiden game, and even then, it's just introducing different ninjas that are fighting monsters. This game was supposed to be a love letter to the original trilogy, but instead, it's more like a bad photocopy of a love letter made by someone who didn't seem to care that much.

 

[Arsic]

In. Day one.

 

[SJRB]

Went from 0 to "day 1" when I found out the devs behind Blasphemous were making this. Those games are bangers.

 

[clarky]

Copied from Steam or not, good stuff OP. Thanks.

 

[Giallo Corsa]

Man, since my Switch 2 has become my official indie/retro/pixel art machine/console, I really, REALLY hope that this will run at 60fps on the switch 2, I could always get it for my PS5 but...I'd rather the portability of the S2.

I really don't get how this is 30fps on the Switch when you have games like Ori and Cuphead running at 60, it boggles the mind...

 

[CrimsonTide]

Man, since my Switch 2 has become my official indie/retro/pixel art machine/console, I really, REALLY hope that this will run at 60fps on the switch 2, I could always get it for my PS5 but...I'd rather the portability of the S2.

I really don't get how this is 30fps on the Switch when you have games like Ori and Cuphead running at 60, it boggles the mind...

The Switch 1 should EASILY run this at 60fps, so that is baffling to me.

 

[Bartski]

Any performance reports for Steam Deck?

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

This kind of mentality is what's wrong at the core with modern gaming. Nevermind what's IN those six hours. All that matters is quantity of "content". When the obsessive focus is on quantity, maybe reevaluate why you play video games instead of bashing the game.

You can beat Resident Evil 2 Remake in like three hours without breaking much of a sweat. Nobody cares because you'll replay it five times because it fucking rules.

 

[AeonGaidenRaiden]

Any performance reports for Steam Deck?

One of the reviews is from SteamDeck HQ and they said it runs great at 60fps. Supposedly theres some minor issues at 90fps.

 

[RAIDEN1]

This entry could have gone either way, when you consider how long it has been since there has been a 2d Ninja Gaiden game, but it's one of those rare instances (akin to Streets of Rage 4) where despite the extended hiatus the developers have crafted a game that can stand toe-to-toe with the 3d entries.

 

[Lionel Richie]

MY NINJA Punished Miku we made it and the game looks peak as anticipated. Guess there's nothing else do to but to actually play this fucking beautiful thing!

 

[Ceadeus]

I hope it gets a 60fps update for switch 2, god damn I wasn't expecting that at all...

 

[GrayDock]

I almost can't believe it's happening... A new 2D Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi in the same year!!!!
I hope there's no eagles, though...

 

[Kacho]

Any performance reports for Steam Deck?

The demo ran perfectly fine so I would expect the same

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

I hope it gets a 60fps update for switch 2, god damn I wasn't expecting that at all...

WTF?! That just crushed my soul

How rediculous not to at least have the framerate unlocked ...

Also, how is this 30 fps when both Blasphemous games run lockes 60 on Switch?

 

[TexMex]

Also, how is this 30 fps when both Blasphemous games run lockes 60 on Switch?

Because it's is very clearly more graphically demanding than either Blasphemous game?

 

[Ceadeus]

WTF?! That just crushed my soul

How rediculous not to at least have the framerate unlocked ...

Also, how is this 30 fps when both Blasphemous games run lockes 60 on Switch?

I know, right? I can't even remember the last time I saw a 30fps 2D side-scroller. But it's too late my pre-order is in, and honestly, I'd buy anything Ninja Gaiden anyway.

 

[Madonis]

Ah, I just want to play this on Steam now! Trying very hard to avoid getting carried away.

 

[Pimpollo818]

Let's roll

 

[Ceadeus]

I almost can't believe it's happening... A new 2D Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi in the same year!!!!
I hope there's no eagles, though...

You've got to pick, eagles, bats, rats or fast as fuck dogs

 

[sigmaZ]

We really need a Ninja Gaiden original trilogy release (NES version) with rewind like Mega Man.

 

[HYDE]

Gosh dang Tecmo, where's my Ninja Gaiden NES & SNES Trilogy!?

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

Enjoy! I don't get mine till September.

 

[Bartski]

One of the reviews is from SteamDeck HQ and they said it runs great at 60fps. Supposedly theres some minor issues at 90fps.

Awesome! Yes, the demo ran perfectly on my trash tier PC, but those news about Switch 2 got me worried.

 

[mèx]

I've seen reports (based on the demo) about the game camera being capped at 60 FPS, which means playing at higher variable FPS can create juddering on camera motion.

Capping the camera update is actually something that happens with tons of Unity games, so I would not be surprised if this is true. It may be best to just play this at 60 capped.

 

[Little Mac]

4 more hours!

 

[Giallo Corsa]

4 more hours!

Fook yeah

In other news : If anyone hears or sees evidence of the Switch 2 running it at 60fps please report it here.