The Unrelenting Blade: “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound” is a Glorious Return to Form

After a long hiatus, the iconic Ninja Gaiden franchise has made a triumphant return with a surprising new entry. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, developed by The Game Kitchen (the studio behind the critically acclaimed Blasphemous series), is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that serves as both a love letter to the series’ 8-bit roots and a masterful modernization of its core gameplay. Released on July 31, 2025, the game has been met with widespread critical acclaim for its tight controls, gorgeous pixel-art visuals, and challenging, yet fair, combat.

Unlike the 3D, hack-and-slash entries of the modern era, Ragebound recaptures the essence of the original NES titles. It is a game of precise platforming, relentless enemy gauntlets, and an unwavering commitment to a high level of difficulty. However, The Game Kitchen has taken a “tough but fair” approach, ensuring that every death feels like a learning experience rather than a cheap shot.

A Masterclass in 2D Action-Platforming

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound puts you in the boots of Kenji Mozu, a young ninja who must defend his village from a demonic onslaught after his master, Ryu Hayabusa, is called away. The story is a straightforward backdrop for the star of the show: the gameplay.

The game’s combat is simple to grasp but difficult to master. You have a handful of core moves, but the genius lies in how they interact with each other. The star of the show is the Guillotine Boost, a mid-air spinning kick that allows you to bounce off of enemies and projectiles, creating new paths and extending your combos. This system, along with the Hypercharge mechanic—which rewards you with powerful, instantaneous strikes for chaining specific attacks—transforms the game from a simple side-scroller into a high-octane, almost rhythmic, ballet of death.

• Fluid and Responsive Controls: The game’s controls are incredibly tight and responsive, making every jump, slice, and dodge feel satisfying and intuitive.
• Challenging but Fair Design: While the game is difficult, it never feels cheap. Enemies are never placed unfairly, and frequent checkpoints ensure that you’re never punished too harshly for a mistake.
• Gorgeous Art Direction: The game’s pixel art is stunning, with each level having a unique visual flair that makes the world feel alive and distinct. The animations are fluid, and the combat is a gory, beautiful spectacle.
• Unique Level Design: No two levels feel the same. The game constantly introduces new set pieces and ideas, from a frantic jet-ski escape to a perilous platforming section on a moving convoy, ensuring that the action never grows stale.

Minor Flaws in an Otherwise Perfect Game

While the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive (with a Metacritic score of 84), a few minor criticisms have been noted. The game’s narrative, while charming, is not its strong suit. Some critics have also pointed out that the game’s overall runtime is on the short side, with a core story that can be completed in around six hours. Additionally, a few minor issues with control responsiveness have been reported, though they are not enough to detract from the overall experience.

Despite these small flaws, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a must-play for fans of action-platformers and a perfect entry point for those new to the genre. It’s a game that honors its legacy while carving out a unique identity of its own. It’s not just a good game; it’s a testament to the enduring power of classic game design, proving once and for all that the venerable Ninja Gaiden series is not only back, but better than ever.