NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound
Action
Adventure
Indie
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

A brand-new side-scrolling entry to the NINJA GAIDEN series from the team behind Blasphemous, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound redefines the classic platformer saga in a spectacular, thrilling and challenging ninja adventure.

Developers: The Game Kitchen
Publishers: Dotemu Joystick
Release Date: Jul 31, 2025
Price (USD): $24.99
Current Players: 288

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(95%)
fast-paced gameplay
beautiful pixel art
satisfying combat
nostalgic homage
great soundtrack
difficulty balance
replay value
unlock mechanics
strategic layer
too easy
story issues
unlock hard mode
technical issues
short length
Overall, the sentiment towards Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is largely positive, with players celebrating its fast-paced gameplay, beautiful pixel art, and nostalgic homage to classic Ninja Gaiden titles. However, there is criticism regarding the ease of the normal mode and the story and character focus, with some pointing out that the game is short for its price yet offers replay value through hard mode and collectibles.

Positive Points

  • The game features fast-paced, fluid gameplay with responsive controls and satisfying combat mechanics that fans praised consistently.
  • Pixel art and visual aesthetics are highly acclaimed for their beauty and attention to detail.
  • The soundtrack, including some classic remixes, is noted positively by many users, enhancing the immersive experience.
  • Boss fights are highlighted as a significant strength, often providing fair yet challenging encounters.
  • There is a strong sense of nostalgia among users, with many praising it as a faithful homage to classic Ninja Gaiden titles.
  • Negative Points

  • Multiple users complained about the game being too easy compared to earlier Ninja Gaiden entries, particularly noting that the normal mode lacks challenge.
  • Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the story or character focus, particularly the emphasis on Kenji which detracted from more interesting characters like Kumori.
  • The mandatory normal mode completion before unlocking hard mode was seen as a restrictive design choice.
  • Technical issues such as stuttering or optimization problems detracted from the experience for some players.
  • The game’s length was criticized by a few users, who felt it was short for the price and left them wanting more content.
  • Mixed Points

  • The mechanic of using specific attacks to unlock power-ups from enemies received mixed reactions; while some appreciated the strategic layer it added, others found it restrictive and detrimental to the game’s flow.
  • Replayability elements such as hard mode and collectibles gave mixed impressions; while some players enjoyed replaying for higher scores or completion, others found the incentives lacking.
  • Common Themes

  • Nostalgia plays a huge role, with many users appreciating the game as a modern homage to classic Ninja Gaiden games.
  • The combination of modern refinements with retro design elements creates a widely appreciated balance that enthusiasts enjoy.
  • Fast-paced, skill-based gameplay is highlighted as a central strength, encouraging both nostalgia and strategic engagement.
  • Updated 8/5/2025, 12:02:01 AM UTC