Greetings, fellow gamers! We at The Game Kitchen, alongside our friends at Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, are thrilled to introduce an exciting new addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. This time, we’re bringing you an original character from the fabled Black Spider Clan, long-time adversaries of the Hayabusa Clan.
In this blog, we’ll give you a peek behind the curtain, revealing how this concept took shape and what you can expect from our newest character. We’ll also delve into some of the gameplay highlights we are super eager to present.
As we started brainstorming new character ideas for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one thought kept capturing our imagination: What if we allowed players to step into the shoes of an enemy faction member? Many of us dream of that unexpected twist in our beloved franchises — those special instances when the game world flips on its head. The Black Spider Clan has always been a formidable and captivating presence in the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. So, we wondered: why not bring them back with a fresh take? And that’s how the idea of Kumori was born.
Meet Kumori, a formidable kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, designed to perfectly counterbalance Kenji, our protagonist. Unlike Kenji, who’s still honing his skills under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa’s tutelage, Kumori has already proved her mettle as her clan’s top fighter. After the Black Spider Clan faced near-destruction, she’s taken on the tremendous task of rebuilding and safeguarding their legacy. Kumori is known for her brutal efficiency, leveraging modern weaponry mixed with enemy tactics and even demonic powers to succeed. She’s not one to stick to tradition, following only the path that leads to success.
In contrast to Kenji, who favors katana and prefers close-quarters combat, Kumori is armed with kunai. This setup gives her a tremendous range, allowing for swift attacks from virtually any position. Her flexibility and nimbleness make her a stand-out warrior, especially when tackling enemies in complex environments or chaotic skirmishes.
Even though Kenji and Kumori come from different worlds, they share a few core virtues: dedication, honor, and an unwavering commitment to their clans. Despite being on opposing sides, they represent a new lineage of fighters, influenced by legacy but not confined by it. Their destinies converge as they face a powerful demonic adversary, trapping them in the demon world. In response to this existential threat, they make an unexpected choice: to unite their strengths. It’s a union their clans would likely frown upon, but it’s a bond necessary to reshape their futures.
By combining their forces, players can enjoy the merged might of both warriors, blending their weaponry and skills while tapping into a new power source called Ki. By harnessing Ki from fallen foes, Kumori’s spirit can conjure formidable Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram. These tools are proficient in cutting through both barriers and adversaries, expanding combat possibilities and delivering incredible damage.
Their shared fury also powers extraordinary attacks. Every time you vanquish an enemy with an enhanced Hypercharged strike, their anger builds. Once at its pinnacle, unleash a breathtaking attack that wipes the screen clean. Staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, gameplay is swift, seamless, and intensely dynamic. All techniques and gear meld flawlessly, letting you be in the groove without pausing to switch characters.
Outfitting your characters is pivotal as well. Gathering Golden Scarabs opens up new upgrades, charms, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans offer passive perks like increased melee attack power, boosted defenses, and enhanced Hypercharge effects. Meanwhile, Kumori brings a twist with her Shadow Arts, unlocking new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts that cater to varied strategies and battle plans.
Since Kumori’s physical form is trapped in the demon realm, only her spirit accompanies Kenji. Yet, at Demonic Altars, she can briefly return to her corporeal form, enabling interaction with an alternate demon dimension. These moments can unveil hidden paths beyond human perception. However, her time here is limited, demanding players make quick decisions, navigate tricky situations, and tackle intense challenges before the clock runs out. These sequences deliver exhilarating platforming thrill, strategic combat, and distinctive exploration, enriching the game’s rhythm and intricacy.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek at Kumori! We can’t wait for you to explore both the way of the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
