PlayStation.Blog: Ragebound Introduces a New Playable Protagonist

Hey there, everyone! We’re absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news straight from The Game Kitchen, in partnership with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’ve got a fresh addition to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound—a completely new, playable character from the legendary Black Spider Clan, those fierce rivals of the Hayabusa Clan.

In today’s post, we’ll take you on a journey to discover how this character came to be, what makes them unique, and highlight some tantalizing gameplay features we can’t wait for you to experience.

When we started brainstorming for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, one intriguing question set our creativity on fire: How cool would it be to play as someone from the enemy faction? It’s that rare thrill we crave in our favorite game series—the chance to walk in the shoes of the other side. The Black Spider Clan, a significant presence in the 3D installments of Ninja Gaiden, has always captivated us with its intense style and unforgettable characters. So, we thought, why not reintroduce them in a stunning new form? And that’s precisely how Kumori came into existence.

Kumori stands out as a fierce kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan and acts as an engaging foil to Kenji, the other star of our show. While Kenji trains under the wise eyes of his master, Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori has already proved herself as the clan’s top warrior. After a crisis nearly wiped out her clan, she bears the responsibility of rebuilding and safeguarding their future. She fights with a pragmatic, unyielding spirit, utilizing modern weapons, enemy tactics, and even demonic powers to succeed. Kumori follows no traditional codes—only the path to victory.

In contrast to Kenji, who wields a katana favoring close-quarters combat, Kumori showcases her skills with kunai, excelling in range and speed, and striking from almost any position or surface. Her nimbleness and adaptability make her a formidable opponent, particularly in complex environments and chaotic skirmishes.

Despite Kenji and Kumori’s differences, a shared set of core values binds them: loyalty, honor, and a deep commitment to their respective clans. Although they hail from opposing backgrounds, they embody a fresh wave of warriors shaped by heritage but not confined by it. Their destinies intertwine as they confront a potent demonic force, trapping them within the demon realm. Facing obliteration, they make the unimaginable decision to unite their strengths, fully aware that their clans would never sanction such a merger. This uneasy alliance is both a blessing and a curse—a powerful bond destined to change their futures forever.

As players, your journey will tap into the strengths of both characters, combining their weapons and skills and introducing a new energy source: Ki. By absorbing Ki from foes, Kumori’s spirit can summon potent Spider Weapons, such as a Kama or Chakram, capable of cutting through walls and enemies, unlocking new ranges, and delivering colossal damage.

The combined fury of Kumori and Kenji also powers devastating strikes. Each time an enemy falls to a Hypercharged attack, their anger builds. When their rage reaches its crescendo, you can unleash a stunning, screen-clearing assault—a jaw-dropping display of vengeance and might. Staying true to the heart of Ninja Gaiden, the gameplay remains swift, fluid, and unrelenting. Weapons and techniques blend seamlessly, letting you stay in the action without pause.

Strategizing your character builds is key. Collect Golden Scarabs to unlock new upgrades, talismans, and techniques. Kenji’s talismans mainly provide passive boosts, enhancing melee damage, defense, or Hypercharge effects. Meanwhile, Kumori brings a distinctive twist with her Shadow Arts, unlocking new Spider Weapons and potent Ragebound Arts tailored for diverse play styles and strategic options.

Though Kumori’s body is trapped in the demon world, her spirit accompanies Kenji. Through Demonic Altars, she can occasionally return to her physical form. These intriguing moments let her explore alternate, demonic dimensions, exposing hidden paths unseen by human eyes. However, her time in this state is fleeting, prompting quick thinking, problem-solving, and the overcoming of gripping challenges before her time runs out. These sequences offer thrilling platforming, tactical combat, and unique exploration experiences, enhancing the game’s dynamic flow and depth.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about Kumori’s introduction. We eagerly await the moment you’ll embark on the journeys of both the Hayabusa Ninja and the Black Spider Ninja in this electrifying new saga of Ninja Gaiden.

Look out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 in Summer 2025.