Hey there, gaming enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you straight from The Game Kitchen, working alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’re unveiling a thrilling new feature for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound—a completely original second playable character hailing from the legendary foes of the Hayabusa Clan: the Black Spider Clan.
Today, I’m eager to take you on a journey through the creative process behind this idea, what this new character brings to the table, and some exciting gameplay elements we’re excited for you to experience.
When we started brainstorming new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one thought sparked our interest: what if players could step into the shoes of an enemy clan member? It’s that rare thrill of experiencing a game from a totally different perspective—a possibility we couldn’t resist exploring. The Black Spider Clan, well known for their fierce presence in the 3D Ninja Gaiden entries, has always captivated us with their distinct style and memorable figures. Thus, the character of Kumori was born, offering a fresh take on this classic rivalry.
Meet Kumori, a formidable kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, who stands as a striking counterpart to Kenji, the game’s primary protagonist. While Kenji is still a protege under the tutelage of Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already solidified her status as the Black Spider Clan’s top fighter. Her journey involves the responsibility of resurrecting and safeguarding her clan’s legacy. With a ruthless and pragmatic demeanor, Kumori employs modern weaponry, enemy techniques, and even demonic powers without hesitation to achieve victory. Her path is not confined by tradition, only by the goal of triumph.
Unlike Kenji, who wields a katana focusing on close combat, Kumori’s choice of kunai allows her rapid, high-range attacks from almost any position, making her incredibly agile and adaptable. This makes her especially effective in targeting enemies in hard-to-reach places and navigating chaotic skirmishes.
Although Kenji and Kumori hail from opposing sides, they share underlying principles of loyalty, honor, and duty to their respective clans. They represent a new generation of warriors who, while shaped by legacy, are not chained to the past. Their destinies intersect when they face a formidable demonic threat, trapping them in the demon world. In a dramatic twist, they decide to unite their powers, defying their clans’ expectations to forge an uneasy yet powerful alliance—a move that will irreversibly shape their futures.
As combined warriors, players can access the best of both characters, blending their weapons, capabilities, and a new resource known as Ki. By gathering Ki during battles, Kumori can summon potent Spider Weapons, like a Kama or Chakram, that can cleave through both walls and enemies, expanding combat range and dealing immense damage.
Harnessing their collective fury powers devastating moves. Each enemy felled by a Hypercharged attack fuels their rage further, until it culminates in a breathtaking, screen-clearing strike—a testament to the series’ fast-paced, relentless combat. Here, everything flows seamlessly without halting to switch characters, keeping the adrenaline pumping and action uninterrupted.
The way you outfit your characters is crucial too. By collecting Golden Scarabs, you unlock various upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans focus on passive benefits—boosting melee attacks, fortifying defense, or amplifying Hypercharge effects. Kumori, however, introduces a fresh twist with her Shadow Arts, unlocking new Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts tailored to diverse playstyles and strategic approaches.
While Kumori’s physical form remains stranded in the demon world, her spirit continues with Kenji. Demonic Altars allow her to temporarily regain physical form, letting players interact with a demonic dimension unseen by human eyes. Yet, time is of the essence here, requiring quick thinking, clever problem-solving, and overcoming intense obstacles before the clock runs out. These sequences promise exhilarating platforming, strategic combat, and unique exploration that enhance the game’s pace and complexity.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak peek at Kumori. We’re eagerly awaiting your experience with the paths of the Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninjas in this thrilling new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Mark your calendars—Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to hit PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025. Can’t wait to see you there!
