The Ninja Gaiden franchise has always been synonymous with punishing difficulty and precise, high-speed combat. From the controller-smashing days on the NES to the intense 3D action of the Xbox era, few series command as much respect in the action genre. In 2025, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound marks the franchise’s long-awaited return to its 2D side-scrolling origins—blending old-school challenge with modern polish.
But does Ragebound live up to the legend? Let’s dive in.
What Is Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound?
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a fast-paced 2D action-platformer that channels the essence of the original NES trilogy. Set in the same universe, the game introduces Kenji, a new protagonist and apprentice of Ryu Hayabusa. Rather than a reboot or remake, it’s a spiritual sequel, wrapped in beautifully animated HD pixel art and driven by kinetic combat and nostalgic design.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning HD pixel art with buttery-smooth animation
- Adrenaline-pumping retro soundtrack
- Tight, responsive controls
- Tough platforming with rewarding combat
- Tons of hidden stages and collectibles
Cons:
- Some boss fights feel needlessly prolonged
- Several upgrades lack noticeable impact
- Story and characters may feel shallow to narrative-focused players
Platforms & Pricing
You can play Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on:
- PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X/S
- Nintendo Switch / Switch 2
- PC (Steam)
Price: $24.99 for the Standard Edition across all platforms.
A Faithful Reinvention of Classic Ninja Action
At first glance, Ragebound may surprise fans who were introduced to the series through its 3D iterations. But for veterans, this feels like a long-overdue homecoming. The game opens with Kenji training under Ryu Hayabusa before journeying to America—instantly anchoring it within the existing timeline.
From there, it’s a high-speed gauntlet of wall jumps, pit dodges, and demon slashing across sidescrolling levels that ooze 1980s DNA—now delivered with a modern, cinematic flair.
Retro Challenge Meets Modern Precision
The difficulty curve is classic Ninja Gaiden: unrelenting but fair. You’ll need fast reflexes, pattern recognition, and careful timing to survive. Combat encourages strategic decisions—like triggering a powerful follow-up strike after hitting glowing enemies.
As the game progresses, you unlock a second playable ninja, Kumori from the Black Spider Clan. Her distinct movement mechanics and stage designs bring welcome variety and fresh challenges.
Visuals and Sound That Slash Through Expectations
Visually, Ragebound is a feast for pixel art lovers. Every animation, slash, and blood-splatter is masterfully detailed, with cutscenes echoing the classic NES storytelling style—now rendered in crisp HD.
The soundtrack? An electrifying blend of retro synth and shredding guitar riffs that elevate every moment of gameplay.
Where Ragebound Falls Short
While the core gameplay shines, a few missteps hold it back from perfection:
- Boss encounters sometimes drag due to overly rigid mechanics or long attack cycles.
- The in-game shop offers flashy upgrades that feel underwhelming in actual combat.
- The story, while adequate, lacks emotional depth and feels like an afterthought to the gameplay.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Resurrection of a Legendary Legacy
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is more than a nostalgia trip—it’s a fierce and faithful return to form. It recaptures the brutal magic of the original trilogy while layering in modern design, stunning visuals, and polished controls. Despite a few stumbles, this is a standout action-platformer in 2025.
Whether you’re a veteran of the old-school games or a new player hungry for a serious challenge, Ragebound delivers the ninja experience you’ve been waiting for.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
TL;DR
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound revives the iconic 2D formula with modern visuals, blistering combat, and uncompromising difficulty. While some bosses and upgrades miss the mark, the game’s style and gameplay more than make up for it. One of the most rewarding retro-style games you’ll play this year.