Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a perfect addition to the series. It looks and sounds amazing, and with accessibility options it feels more fair. It’s great!

The best 2D Ninja Gaiden game that pays homage before surpassing the original as a thoroughly modern pixel art action game, from its gorgeous and gory visuals to a delicious suite of cool mechanics with room for changing up your playstyle, with plenty to keep you coming back. The next 3D title in the franchise this autumn, as well as Sega's own Shinobi, has got its work cut out because the bar has just gotten higher.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an exciting and satisfying side-scroller that never gets dull, and offers amazing combat set in a gorgeous world.

Ragebound is tough to complete and even harder to master, but it’s hardest to put down. It’s demanding with little frustration, engaging with few lulls, and ultimately, a reminder that while Ryu’s modern-day adventures can be great, there’s still Ki to be found in Ninja Gaiden’s original dimensions.

Packed with fast action and impressive refinement, Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is the new gold standard for neo-retro. A game made to be replayed countless times.

It’s damn near perfect, and offers an immensely satisfying experience with plenty of replayability — it’s so good, in fact, that after completing it for the first time, I sat down and immediately completed it again on Hard Mode.

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.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the 2D series into the modern age with respect. A diverse range of levels constantly introduces fresh ideas to stave off repetition, and the focus on satisfying momentum-based gameplay that rewards mastering of abilities is the perfect match for ninja hack and slash platforming. Speedrun goals, collectibles and unlockable harder stages mean this is a game that will keep being returned to long after the main quest is over.

Despite the short runtime, there's plenty of reason to go back to it. Your completion time is scored, there are tougher optional challenges to take on even after the credits roll, and there's even a hard mode for all the masochists out there. Now that I've played through my first ever Ninja Gaiden game to completion, I've accepted that it may not necessarily be my thing, but I can certainly appreciate its unapologetic commitment to its bloody, glorious vision.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a new classic in the series, appealing to retro lovers and new players alike thanks to its fast-paced and addictive gameplay.

A game like this shouldn't be that long anyway, as with action platformers like this I have a preference for a small number of highly distinct and memorable levels. Ragebound delivers on this and gives more than sufficient reason for multiple play-throughs.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a perfect entry in the series that makes for a great entry point and a standout experience in its own right. Smooth controls, fantastic level design and some perfectly judged boss battles make for one of the best 2D action-platformers you’ll find. With the extra layer of replaying levels for better ranks and the unlockable hard mode for the bravest ninjas, Ragebound provides plenty of enjoyment and challenge for those who want it, while also being approachable for newcomers.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a wonderful game that’s sure to stand out for fans of the series and beyond. It reinforces what longtime followers love about the series, and is one of the best examples of a “tough but fair” game. It could possibly be overshadowed by its 3D counterparts, but be sure not to overlook this gem of a game. It stands out well enough on its own that it would be foolish to miss out on this well-crafted experience.

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.

With challenging stages of frantic combat and an epic style in both visuals and soundtrack, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a masterful example of 2D platforming action. It’s a strong experience throughout its full length, and both old-time fans and those new to the series are highly likely to enjoy it if they give it a try.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is one of those games you finish and it feels like it’s gone by in the blink of an eye. While there can be some frustration in difficulty spikes, by and large it feels like a perfectly-paced experience that manages to find that sweet spot: not too short, but not too long. But nearly every minute of its six-ish hours is sublime...I can see myself going back to Ragebound for years to come — popping in for a replay every now and again, because it simply feels that good to play. While Ninja Gaiden 4 is still on the way, Ragebound makes a bold statement that the series side scrolling legacy still holds plenty of promise. Ninja Gaiden is back, and hopefully it’s here to stay.

That Ragebound's story runs concurrently to the events of the first Ninja Gaiden is fitting, as Ragebound is the best the series has felt in 2D since that iconic 1989 classic, and it's more than deserving of being talked about in the same breath as one of the greatest action-platformers of all time.

Ninja Garden: Ragebound is the perfect return to the franchise’s 2D roots. Each area, encounter, and boss fight is meticulously crafted to challenge players while letting them fully embrace the fantasy of being a ninja. The gameplay flows effortlessly, making every segment feel exciting and rewarding. With its gorgeous pixel art and retro-inspired soundtrack, this is a must-play for fans of the genre.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a pitch-perfect revival of the NES classics. It captures the same fun run-and-slash feel of the original games while modernizing enough to be exciting to play, whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer. The fantastic soundtrack and excellent graphics elevate it and make the entire package shine. The closest thing I can come to as a complaint is the somewhat low difficulty level, and that is more in comparison to the franchise as a whole rather than this game being too easy. If you're a fan of action-platformers or a Ninja Gaiden fan in general, you'll find a ton to love in Ragebound.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an incredibly engaging game, offering excellent gameplay elements. It sports great references that series fans will appreciate, and an overall phenomenal experience, making it one of the best games of its genre.

Paying homage to the classics while simultaneously serving as a breath of fresh air, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound masterfully builds on the side-scrolling format of the older titles while adding its own twists.

Ninja Gaiden is back in a big way in 2025 with the prior release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black earlier this year and soon, Ninja Gaiden 4 in just a few short months. But much to my surprise and delight, Ryu Hayabusa’s continuation into the realm of AAA 3D action elites once again does not mean the abandonment of where the series started this time around.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a game I’m going to be replaying for a long time. It looks and sounds incredible, and the fast but thoughtful combat is so damn satisfying that I had a hard time putting it down long enough to write this review. Juggling different types of attacks and powerful abilities as I break auras, time Hypercharges against intimidating foes, and bounce off of demons’ heads is a blast that is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It just feels right. Ragebound may not star Ryu Hayabusa, but it’s definitely of the Dragon Lineage, and I know chasing level-specific challenges and high scores is going to be a part of my regular rotation. Ninja Gaiden fans, we were lost in the desert for a long time, but Ragebound is like running across an oasis; trust me when I tell you we’ve never been so back.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is so damn good that I would have been sad when it ended, no matter how long that took. The Game Kitchen has done an incredible job mixing the best elements of both generations of Ninja Gaiden, while adding enough new to make it stand out as its own take on the series. It’s easily one of the best games in the series, and Ninja Gaiden 4 (as well as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance) is going to have a hell of a challenge surpassing it.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound delivers a sharp and thrilling platforming experience with tight gameplay, gorgeous pixel art, and a satisfying level of challenge. The ricochet mechanic adds depth to both combat and exploration, while the well-designed stages and intense boss fights showcase the skill of the developers at Game Kitchen. Backed by a strong soundtrack and smart level design, Ragebound stands as one of the best modern takes on retro action-platformers.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers some of the best 2D combat and movement I've ever experienced in an action platformer. Almost every level is designed to maximize your abilities in combat and platforming, and test your reflexes in all the best ways. There are maybe a few too many auto-scroll levels for my liking, and I wish the bosses were a little more varied, but those are minor problems in an overall fantastic package. Ninja Gaiden is back.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a triumphant return to 2D for Ninja Gaiden. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait decades to see the series follow up on it. I genuinely loved every single level. The team at The Game Kitchen does a fantastic job of continuing to build upon established mechanics while also finding new ways to twist them and entirely new twists to throw at players through the game’s four acts. Any fan of action games needs to check this one out.

The Game Kitchen shows its love for the golden age of 16-bit action with an irresistible game, featuring fabulous design and pace.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound achieves something extraordinarily difficult: completely honoring a classic legacy while creating something that feels completely contemporary. The Game Kitchen has demonstrated that their experience with Blasphemous translates perfectly to established franchises, creating an experience that satisfies both purists and new fans. This is not simply a good Ninja Gaiden game; it's a statement that classic franchises can evolve without losing their identity. It's the demonstration that 2D and modern are not contradictory terms, and that intelligent nostalgia can coexist with genuine innovation.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound fully accomplishes the task of delivering a classic gaming experience, but with all the necessary details that make it modern and not just a nostalgia trip. The challenge is great, the visual presentation is strong, and the music is a delight. It's one of the most well-rounded titles of 2025 so far and is worth giving a chance.

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.

Few games manage to capture the spirit of classic arcade titles this successfully. It’s a game worthy of the Ninja Gaiden name, both in beauty and in challenge.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a welcome and very flattering addition to the brand's world of content, providing us with a reminder of how 2D platform games are one of the best game styles in the industry as long as they're done right. The game, while relatively short, is full of great challenges, maddening combat, and a satisfying arsenal of abilities, all while providing us with a very cute storyline and a wealth of things to discover and collect.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is great. I don't know how they got the controls so tight, but it's magic. Bonus points for tying up a story for a game I still loathe to this day. And more Kumori please.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a solid revival of the series in a 2D style, featuring fast-paced combat, well-placed platforming challenges, and high-level pixel art visuals. The dynamic between Kenji and Kumori adds variety to the gameplay with both close-range and ranged attacks, strategic use of Overload, and alternate stages in the demon realm. Despite some repetitive moments and sections where mechanics feel forced, the game maintains a steady pace and offers pleasant surprises throughout the campaign. With customization options, extra challenges, and a good balance between action and exploration, Ragebound provides a memorable and accessible experience that respects and revitalizes the franchise's legacy.

It speaks to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound’s strengths that the worst thing I can say about it is that it’s not revolutionary: sometimes you simply want to play as a pair of Hypercharged ninjas cutting through cronies in a high-octane pixelated bloodbath. After a decade-plus break since the last new game in the series, it makes sense why they chose to play it safe, and The Game Kitchen’s latest successfully pushes that premise to its limits.

If you're looking for an explosive, fun and challenging hack 'n' slash/platformer, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will not disappoint.

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.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a definite pickup if you’re a Ninja Gaiden fan and appreciate the old NES games. It might even appeal to newer fans as well. The game has a great difficulty balance. It is not easy and not too hard. The game has checkpoints that you’ll constantly respawn at, so you never have to repeat much if you die. The game has multiple difficulties (beat the game once to get “Hard”), and just like the old NES titles, it is a great speedrun game. The combat is very satisfying and the game is overall a really good evolution of the NES games. Be sure to try out this game if you’re a Ninja Gaiden fan!

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is a fun, action-packed homage to the classic series that blends retro charm with a few modern twists. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it delivers a solid experience that longtime fans will appreciate and newcomers can still enjoy; punishing difficulty, with a bit of cheapness and all.

An exciting action platformer take on Ninja Gaiden that reminded me of the classic titles for the NES. Good difficulty and excellent accessibility options make it easy to reccommend.

Don't be afraid to take on this Ninja Gaiden imagined by The Game Kitchen. While the name of the license may make you tremble, Ragebound has more than one talisman up its sleeve to ensure that all players find pleasure in it, from the brave young Genin to the invincible Jônin. Very pleasant to play, both technical and fun, it is pure arcade fun like we rarely see. With a little more inventiveness in its level design and some better exploited ideas, it would have reached the coveted rank of Ninja Master. Ryu can in any case be proud of Kenji, his protégé defended the house very well in his absence.

Ultimately, consider me a believer. For strict Ninja Gaiden and Shadow of the Ninja purists, I might still refer to 2021’s excellent Cyber Shadow for something more retro, but Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound smartly updates the classic jump-and-slash format in a way that often feels modern and clever, with satisfyingly smooth movement controls throughout. We just need a proper leaderboard to show off our sharpening skills.

Anyone looking for a true challenge wrapped in a nice retro look will find it in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. The 2D game breathes the spirit of its predecessors, but doesn't shy away from well-implemented modernizations.

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.

When you get into the flow, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is ruthlessly satisfying.

A fantastic spiritual successor to the NES trilogy of games.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a gorgeous side-scroller that's hard to put down.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an incredible revival for a venerable series. Pitch-perfect controls, fantastic encounter design, and a tough-but-fair challenge elevate this well beyond a sea of other retro action games. If there's any room for complaint, it's that I simply want more - more levels, and more reasons to come back to them.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a promising action-platformer that honors the series' roots while injecting new energy through a fresh protagonist and dynamic combat.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound takes a different approach compared to previous installments. This results in a beautiful new two-dimensional Ninja Gaiden with incredibly refined gameplay mechanics. The flow of the action is so good, it feels like it was designed in a laboratory. It's a shame that the platforming can be a bit of a drag, but otherwise, I had a hard time putting my controller down.

A fun revival that opts for solid fundamentals over innovation.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound does exactly what it aims to do. It isn’t trying to be a large, 25-hour, big-budget experience. You’ll get a solid 4 to 5 hours of fun combat and platforming the first time through. It’s full of gore, has a decent story, and the graphical splendor on offer, if you’re into pixels, makes it that much easier to recommend if the $40 price tag doesn’t turn you off.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a little uneven at times, particularly in the second half of the game, but it's still an enjoyable side-scroller. It's unmistakably loyal to the retro Ninja Gaiden games, refusing to flinch from its roots and delivering difficult combat while incorporating some of the style and flair from the modern 3D action games. It may not be as good as Ninja Gaiden 2, and nowhere near as iconic as Ninja Gaiden Black, but it's still a solid entry in the series and a great way to prepare for Ninja Gaiden 4.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an excellent action game and a must-play for fans of the franchise, especially those who appreciate the classics from the 1980s. The game does have its flaws, such as limited enemy variety, recycled bosses, and a short campaign, which might be enough for some players, but I felt that finishing it in five hours was too quick—I could easily have played for twice as long.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a competent return to the franchise's 2D roots, with polished pixel art visuals, a retro soundtrack, and challenging gameplay that should appeal to fans of the NES classics. Despite presenting some good ideas, the game lacks enough variety and personality to stand out as a major modern milestone in the series. It works well as a tribute to the franchise's past and should have great appeal among nostalgic players and speedrunners.

Ragebound's main appeal lies in its interesting and challenging boss battles. Beyond that, however, the game makes little effort to offer us anything new.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an effective reimagining of a genre that has become increasingly underrepresented. The Game Kitchen has found an ideal compromise between the immediacy of the past and the complexity expected from modern video games, creating a fast-paced, layered hack ’n’ slash built entirely around a simple gameplay solution. It’s an experiment that doesn’t fully succeed: the game alternates between overly simple and somewhat frustrating sections, though never truly challenging, and it runs out of surprises within just a few minutes, ultimately becoming too predictable — though still devilishly fun.

On the whole, I got a lot of joy from Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and perhaps in different hands, more skilled hands, the opinion would be even more positive. Perhaps those who will play this, yearning for the days of TMNT in a grotty arcade will get a kick out of the quirks and eccentricities here. I have my complaints, but I’d still recommend this game to everyone I know who likes a challenge or appreciates the retro style.

Ragebound sparkles when it doesn't over-egg the pudding, confusing additional layers for mechanical depth. And we remain convinced that, whichever clan they're from, the best ninjas work alone. [Issue#414, p.114]

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a fast-paced and pleasantly challenging, but also very straightforward and short-lived adventure.