Hey there, gamers! Unveiling exciting news from The Game Kitchen, partnered with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja: we’re thrilled to introduce an outstanding addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Enter a fresh face from the Black Spider Clan, the ancient rivals of the Hayabusa Clan, now joining as a playable character.
Let’s dive into how we brought this character to life, what they bring to the game, and a sneak peek at some of the gameplay details that have us jumping with joy!
When we sat down to brainstorm ideas for new additions in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a pivotal question popped up: what if you could take on the role of a character from an enemy faction? There’s something truly exhilirating about flipping the script and stepping into the boots of the opposition, you know? The Black Spider Clan has left an indelible mark in the 3D iterations of Ninja Gaiden. Their fierce presence and unforgettable style linger on, which led us to think: why not reintroduce them in an all-new form? Thus, Kumori was crafted.
We’re excited to introduce Kumori, a skilled kunoichi at the pinnacle of her abilities within the Black Spider Clan. A stark contrast to Kenji, our other main character who’s honing his skills under Ryu Hayabusa’s watchful eye, Kumori stands unmatched in her clan. Tasked with leading her clan into the future after their near-disbandment, her pursuit of victory supersedes traditional codes. She’s tough, resourceful, and ain’t shy about using modern weapons and enemy techniques to succeed, even dabbling in demonic powers.
Kumori’s combat style diversity sets her apart from Kenji’s close combat with a katana. Wielding kunai, she brings a swift attack speed and the ability to strike from nearly any angle, making her a standout fighter in the game. Her flexibility is especially valuable in chaotic battles and tight spots where precision is key.
Despite being from rival clans, both Kenji and Kumori harness a shared dedication to their respective clans, bonded by their values of loyalty and honor. These young warriors come together in a showdown with an overwhelming demonic force. Facing potential destruction, they choose the unimaginable—combining their strengths. This alliance, frowned upon by their clans, is both their curse and their saving grace—altering their fates forever.
As players, you’ll enjoy the power of both characters merged, blending weapons, skill sets, and a unique energy source called Ki. Use this energy to command Kumori’s spirit and unleash formidable Spider Weapons like the Kama or Chakram, designed to cut through enemies and obstacles alike.
Their combined wrath fuels potent attacks, with every enemy defeated by a Hypercharged attack stoking their fury. Once their rage levels peak, unleash a game-changing attack that devastates the screen. Stay true to the hallmark of Ninja Gaiden—fast-paced, fluid, and relentless combat that never allows for downtime. Character transitions happen seamlessly, ensuring the thrill of combat is uninterrupted.
Upgrading your characters remains vital. Collect Golden Scarabs to open up new enhancements and techniques. Kenji leans toward strengthening melee damage and defense, while Kumori introduces Shadow Arts, unlocking Spider Weapons and Ragebound Arts for a variety of playstyles.
Kumori’s spirit journey with Kenji involves using Demonic Altars to temporarily regain her physical form, interacting with the demon world to discover hidden paths. These segments push you to rapidly solve puzzles and face fierce opponents before time runs out, adding layers to the game’s complexity and excitement with platforming challenges and strategic battles.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this insight into Kumori’s introduction. We’re eager for you to dive into both the saga of the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this captivating new chapter of Ninja Gaiden’s saga.
Ready your consoles because Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound hits PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in summer 2025. We can’t wait for you to join us!
