Hey everyone! On behalf of The Game Kitchen, alongside Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound—introducing a fresh, original character from the iconic Black Spider Clan, longtime rivals of the Hayabusa Clan.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share how this concept came to be, what you can expect from this new character, and some gameplay elements we’re incredibly eager to discuss.
When we first started brainstorming new characters for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, we couldn’t shake one intriguing question: Imagine being able to play as someone from an enemy group! It’s a dream shared by fans across various franchises—those rare, exhilarating moments where a game lets you walk a mile in the shoes of the opposition. The Black Spider Clan, a thriving force in the 3D Ninja Gaiden games, fascinates us with its fierce reputation and unforgettable characters. So we thought, why not resurrect them in an all-new light? This line of thinking led us to create Kumori.
Kumori shines as a kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan and offers a stark contrast to Kenji, our game’s other protagonist. While Kenji is still under the mentorship of Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already proven herself as the foremost warrior in her clan. Facing the near-decimation of the Black Spider Clan, she is dedicated to its resurgence. She’s tough and forward-thinking, utilizing modern tools, enemy tactics, and even demonic powers to reach her objectives. Tradition doesn’t bind her—she’s all about winning.
Unlike Kenji, who engages enemies directly with his katana, Kumori uses kunai, which allows her to attack swiftly and from a distance. Her flexibility ensures she excels in complicated setups or crowded areas, striking from any position with agility and precision.
Despite their differing paths, both Kenji and Kumori share a common bond: they’re driven by loyalty, honor, and a strong sense of duty toward their clans. They might be on opposing sides, but together they symbolize a new era of fighters—shaped by tradition, yet not shackled by it. Their lives intersect dramatically when a mighty demonic force threatens them, trapping both in the demon realm. Forced to consider the unthinkable, they join forces, aware that their clans would never accept such a merger. Their unity is both a blessing and a burden, forever altering what they know.
In this new alliance, players gain access to the strongest aspects of both characters, merging their weapons and powers with a new energy called Ki. Harvesting Ki from foes allows Kumori’s spirit to summon potent Spider Weapons, like the Kama or Chakram, which can slice through obstacles and adversaries, unlocking a broader range of attacks.
This combined fury powers devastating moves, with each successful Hypercharged attack amplifying their rage. Once it peaks, players can unleash a massive screen-clearing assault, a thrilling demonstration of wrath and might. Staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, the gameplay remains seamless and dynamic. There’s no pausing to switch—combat flows naturally, keeping the action relentless and heart-pounding.
Character customization is vital, too. Players can collect Golden Scarabs to unlock new capabilities, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans offer passive bonuses, like enhanced melee performance or improved defense, while Kumori introduces Shadow Arts, unlocking fresh Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts, all catering to a variety of playstyles and strategic options.
Though Kumori’s physical form is trapped in the demon world, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she can temporarily reappear in her tangible form, allowing her to discover hidden paths invisible to human perception. These moments force quick thinking, demanding players navigate complex situations and tackle formidable challenges within the time limit. These segments aim to enhance the game’s pace and depth with exhilarating platforming and strategic combat elements.
We hope this preview of Kumori has sparked your interest. We’re eager for you to delve into the journey of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this thrilling new chapter of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in the summer of 2025.
