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Hello everyone! Representing The Game Kitchen, alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we’re thrilled to unveil a fresh twist in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Get ready to meet a brand-new character from the storied Hayabusa Clan’s adversaries: the illustrious Black Spider Clan.
Today, we’re excited to give you a peek behind the curtain at how this concept emerged, what this new character brings to the table, and some details we’re eager to share about gameplay.
When we embarked on creating new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one idea captivated us: Wouldn’t it be electrifying to play as a member of an enemy faction? Playing as the antagonist in our favorite games is a rare treat—those moments when a game allows you to walk in the shoes of the opposition. The Black Spider Clan, ever-present in the 3D Ninja Gaiden episodes, has always piqued our interest with its intense style and unforgettable personalities. So, we thought, why not reintroduce them in an entirely fresh way? And thus, Kumori was conceived.
Kumori stands out as a fierce kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, offering a dramatic contrast to Kenji, the game’s other lead. While Kenji is still honing his skills under the tutelage of his mentor, Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori is already recognized as the preeminent fighter in her clan. In the aftermath of the Black Spider Clan’s near-disintegration, she shoulders the daunting task of restoring and safeguarding their legacy. Pragmatic and unrelenting, Kumori pulls no punches. She embraces contemporary weaponry, enemy moves, and even dark powers to achieve her objectives, guided only by the path to victory.
Kumori’s fighting style sets her apart from Kenji, who wields a katana and excels in close-quarters combat. Kumori opts for kunai, giving her a longer reach, faster attack speed, and the versatility to strike from almost any angle or terrain. Her quick reflexes and adaptability make her formidable, especially in tricky areas or chaotic battles.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Kenji and Kumori share core values: they both seek glory, honor, and a strong sense of duty to their clans. Even though they’re raised on opposing sides, they symbolize a new wave of warriors shaped by their legacies but not shackled by them. Their destinies collide at a crucial juncture when a formidable demonic threat entangles both in a world of demons. Faced with the possibility of obliteration, they decide on a daring move: to combine their forces. A choice their clans would never condone, it forever changes the course of their futures.
As one, the players harness the strengths of both characters, blending their arsenals, skills, and a newfound source of energy: Ki. As this Ki is garnered from foes, Kumori’s spirit calls forth mighty Spider Weapons, like a Kama or Chakram, enabling attacks that cut through walls and enemies alike, opening up new possibilities and inflicting heavy damage.
Their united rage also boosts their power to unleash monumental attacks. With each enemy vanquished through a Hypercharged attack, their fury only grows. Once at its zenith, players can release a sweeping attack that clears the screen—a stunning spectacle of vengeance and might. Consistent with the essence of Ninja Gaiden, gameplay remains rapid, seamless, and intense. Weapons and techniques blend effortlessly, keeping the excitement at its peak and the action uninterrupted.
Equipping your characters is crucial. Accumulating Golden Scarabs unlocks upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans emphasize passive boosts like enhanced melee damage, defense, or amplified Hypercharge effects, while Kumori adds her distinctive flair with Shadow Arts, introducing new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts to suit various playstyles and strategy approaches.
Kumori’s physical form remains trapped in the demon realm, with only her spirit accompanying Kenji. However, through Demonic Altars, she can temporarily return to her physical form. These episodes enable her to explore a demonic dimension, unveiling hidden paths invisible to ordinary eyes. Time is of the essence during these moments, urging players to think on their feet, crack puzzles, and surmount challenging combat and platforming sequences before the clock runs out. These segments provide thrilling platforming adventures, strategic combat challenges, and unique exploration avenues that enrich the game’s pace and complexity.
We trust you found this sneak peek into Kumori intriguing. We’re eager for you to embark on the journeys of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this exhilarating new installment of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Catch Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
