Hey there! I’m thrilled to share some exciting news on behalf of The Game Kitchen, working together with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’ve got something special for fans of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound—a fresh, fully original character making her debut. This new face comes from the longstanding foes of the Hayabusa Clan, the iconic Black Spider Clan.
In this article, I’m giving you a glimpse behind the scenes. You’ll discover where this idea came from, what you can anticipate from this intriguing character, and some gameplay elements that we can’t wait for you to experience.
When we embarked on developing new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a captivating thought took hold of us: wouldn’t it be fantastic to experience the game from an enemy faction’s perspective? We’ve all had those memorable moments in our favorite series when we’re allowed to walk in the shoes of the other side. The Black Spider Clan, with its fierce combat style and unforgettable personalities, has always held our fascination through the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. This curiosity led us to ask: why not give them a fresh twist? And thus, the concept of Kumori was born.
Kumori stands as a formidable kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, offering a dynamic contrast to Kenji, another protagonist in the game. While Kenji is still honing his skills under the mentorship of Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already claimed her spot as the top warrior in her clan. After a near catastrophe for the Black Spider Clan, the responsibility of rebuilding and safeguarding their future rests on her shoulders. She’s known for her ruthless pragmatism, wielding everything from modern weaponry and enemy techniques to mystical powers to achieve her goals. Her path to victory knows no bounds, not even traditional codes.
In a vibrant difference from Kenji’s katana-focused, close-range style, Kumori excels with her kunai, enabling her quick strikes from varied positions. Her agility lets her thrive even in the most chaotic or hard-to-reach fight scenarios, offering a fresh combat dynamic.
Even with their differences, Kenji and Kumori are united by their core values: loyalty, honor, and a strong dedication to their clans. Despite their opposing origins, they are the new generation of warriors, shaped by legacy yet not confined by it. Their stories come together in a crucial moment against a demonic threat, trapping them in a demon world. In a desperate bid to survive, they make the unimaginable choice to join forces—a choice that challenges the rules of their clans. This powerful yet controversial alliance will change their destinies forever.
By merging their strengths, players can harness the best from both heroes, blending their weaponry and abilities while tapping into a new energy source known as Ki. Absorbing Ki from foes, Kumori can call upon formidable Spider Weapons, like the slicing Kama or devastating Chakram, to unlock new ranges and deal massive damage.
The duo’s combined rage powers awe-inspiring attacks. Vanquish enemies with a Hypercharged move, and their fury escalates toward a show-stopping screen-clearing attack, radiating pure revenge. True to the Ninja Gaiden spirit, the action remains swift and seamless—a flourish of weapons and techniques without hindrance for a consistently high-paced thrill.
Equipping your characters becomes a critical element. Gather Golden Scarabs to access new enhancements, talismans, and skills. Kenji’s talismans center on passive advantages, boosting melee prowess, defense, or Hypercharge effects. Kumori takes a unique approach through her Shadow Arts, unlocking new Spider Weapons and empowering Ragebound Arts to fit varied playstyles and strategies.
Although Kumori’s physical form is stuck in the demon world, her spirit accompanies Kenji. At Demonic Altars, she can momentarily regain her physical state, allowing interaction with a hidden dimension invisible to human sight. These moments demand quick thinking to solve puzzles and conquer intense challenges before time runs out, enriching the game’s exploration and depth.
I hope this sneak peek of Kumori has you as excited as we are. We’re eager for you to embark on the journey through the path of the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling new installment of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is coming to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025. Can’t wait to see you there!
