Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Image
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84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: From the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed (now KOEI TECMO GAMES) NINJA GAIDEN series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. The best of both eras comeFrom the acclaimed team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound successfully unites the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed (now KOEI TECMO GAMES) NINJA GAIDEN series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure.

    Our story begins when Ryu Hayabusa journeys to America to honor his father's will. While he is away, the barrier between the human and the demon worlds suddenly shatters, unleashing a terrifying army upon the Hayabusa Village, which now faces an unprecedented threat in Ryu's absence.

    To stand against this new threat, Kenji Mozu, a young ninja from the Hayabusa Village, rises to the challenge!
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 63
  2. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Jul 30, 2025
    100
    Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to form for the series, delivering tight 2D action-platforming, masterful level design, and thrilling boss battles, all underscored by stylish pixel art and an energetic soundtrack. Though brief in runtime, its challenge, polish, and replayability make it an experience that every action platforming fan should play.
  2. Jul 30, 2025
    90
    A fierce and stylish comeback for Ninja Gaiden, powered by tight, demanding gameplay and a gorgeous pixel art. A true masterclass in pain and precision.
  3. Aug 22, 2025
    90
    Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a love letter to the platform games of the 90s, and at the same time, it also feels fresh. I don’t know how they did it, but this game is a masterpiece of the genre, and it stays true to the Ninja Gaiden universe. The level design is spectacular, and they did an amazing job at maintaining a high level of detail throughout the entire experience. It’s also nice to see that the two characters in the game seamlessly complement each other, and you need each character’s expertise/skills in order to move onward in the game. Also, boss battles are very cool, they manage to surpass expectations by adding sophisticated gameplay ideas, while still keeping everything engaging and very interesting. Whether you are a fan of Ninja Gaiden, platform games or want to speedrun a game, I think Ragebound delivers everything you’re looking for and much more. Yes, there are some frustrating levels, you might need to restart sections a few times, but that’s the nature of the beast.
  4. Jul 30, 2025
    87
    Ragebound is a love letter to 2D action platformers, blending arcade heritage with modern solutions and jaw-dropping production design. Short but dense, the game manages to amaze with inspired design, fiery direction, and two protagonists who are perfectly integrated into the gameplay. The challenge isn't brutal at first, but those willing to push themselves further will find plenty to keep them occupied. A satisfying return to a legendary saga, and a damned promising taster while we wait for the "real" Ninja Gaiden.
  5. Jul 30, 2025
    82
    NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is more than a tribute, it's a modernized take built on a sharp understanding of the original. It retains the series' signature challenge and slick combat while introducing fresh elements like dual protagonists, offering a new experience for both veterans and newcomers.
  6. Jul 30, 2025
    80
    Sharp as a katana and pointed as a kunai, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a delightful butchery that will definitely appeal to fans of old-school 16-bit action, somewhere between the agility of Shinobi III and the explosiveness of Contra: Hard Corps. While it's possible to finish it at full speed and get a poor time-to-value ratio, the savvy player will understand that it's all about achieving the best score and pushing your limits, even if it means hurting yourself to feel better.
  7. Jul 30, 2025
    60
    I was excited to see what The Game Kitchen could do with Ninja Gaiden. Unfortunately, the answer is a bit disappointing. Ragebound is rock solid and feels really good in your hands, but it lacks spark, passion, X-factor, surprises. I could go on. At a time when sharp 2D action games are not exactly in short supply, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a solid revival of a classic series that will probably make the old core happy, but I would start somewhere else, Katana Zero, for example.

See all 66 Critic Reviews