Ten years have passed since the Ninja Gaiden license was put on hold. It is true that the series has somewhat lost its direction, with Sigma and Yaiba episodes failing to resonate with players. However, at DotEmu, there is a strong belief in the return of this franchise, which originated in arcade halls in the 1980s, but only if it returns in a classic 2D format with beautiful pixel art. This is precisely the foundation of Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, a game that features not Ryu Hayabusa, but a new ninja named Kenji Mozu, who belongs to the Hayabusa clan in their village. We learn that Ryu Hayabusa has left for the United States to avenge his father’s death, and in his absence, demons have invaded the human village.
The pitch will indeed be showcased through numerous cinematics rendered in an animated, hand-drawn style, while the gameplay aims to blend elements of both old school and modern design. Observe how Kenji Mozu moves with flexibility and agility, characteristics typical of the series. DotEmu promises a technically complex yet rewarding game featuring horizontal scrolling movement and intense battles. These battles include dismembering demons, avoiding traps, and leaping over chasms. A minor detail: The Game Kitchen, known for the Blasphemous series, is actually handling development rather than DotEmu.
The release of Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is anticipated for summer 2025 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
