Hey folks! Here at The Game Kitchen, alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we’re thrilled to announce a fresh addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Say hello to a brand-new playable character straight from the storied Black Spider Clan, rivals to the Hayabusa Clan for ages.
In this post, let’s dive into the creative journey behind this character, uncover what to expect, and share some juicy gameplay insights we’re excited about.
When brainstorming ideas for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one question really got our creative juices flowing: How cool would it be to play as a member of a rival clan? We all love those games that offer a rare chance to see things from the enemy’s perspective. The Black Spider Clan has always fascinated us with its fierce reputation and memorable figures in past 3D Ninja Gaiden games. That sparked the thought: Why not give them a fresh spotlight through a new character, Kumori?
Meet Kumori, a kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan. She’s a dynamic counterpart to Kenji, our other leading protagonist. While Kenji hones his skills under the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori stands tall at the pinnacle of her clan as their top warrior. Tasked with revitalizing and safeguarding her clan’s future after its near demise, Kumori fights with a blend of ruthlessness and pragmatism. She breaks from conventional ninja lore and embraces a modern arsenal, enemy tactics, and even dark arts to achieve victory. Her code is simple: win at all costs.
Unlike Kenji, who brandishes a katana for close-quarters combat, Kumori opts for the swift and versatile kunai, allowing her to attack from a variety of positions and surfaces. Her agility makes her a formidable force, particularly against foes in tricky spots or chaotic battles.
Despite their differences, both Kenji and Kumori share an unwavering loyalty, honor, and duty to their clans. Even though they come from opposing sides, they’re both shaping a new era, acknowledging their heritage yet not confined by it. Their paths cross dramatically when a significant demonic threat traps them in another realm, forcing an unlikely union to prevail against overwhelming odds. While their alliance might seem unthinkable to their clans, it’s a crucial turning point that reshapes their fates.
By merging their strengths, players get to enjoy all the best elements from both characters. Kumori’s spirit, driven by Ki harvested from enemies, summons potent Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram to decimate foes and obstacles alike. This opens up new tactical possibilities while delivering serious damage.
Their fiery combined rage leads to crushing assaults. Every enemy defeated with a Hypercharged attack adds to this fury, culminating in an explosive, screen-wide move. Staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, the combat remains quick, smooth, and relentless. Players can swap techniques without pausing, keeping the action consistently intense.
Customizing your warriors adds another strategic layer. As you gather Golden Scarabs, you can unlock new enhancements, talismans, and abilities. Kenji’s talismans enhance attributes like melee power and defense, while Kumori’s Shadow Arts introduce new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts that cater to various playstyles.
Although Kumori’s physical form is trapped in the demon realm, her spirit journeys with Kenji, with Demonic Altars allowing her temporary physical appearances. In these intense periods, she can access a mystical dimension to find hidden paths unseen by normal eyes. However, her time is limited, so players need to act swiftly, overcoming puzzles and challenges. These segments introduce exhilarating platforming, intricate combat, and unique exploration, enriching the overall game experience.
We hope this glimpse into Kumori’s world has piqued your interest. We’re eager for you to embark on this new adventure through the intertwining legacies of the Hayabusa and Black Spider clans in Ninja Gaiden’s next chapter.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to release for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025. Can’t wait to see you there!
