Hey gamers! It’s a pleasure to be the voice of The Game Kitchen today, collaborating with Dotemu, Koei Tecmo Games, and Team Ninja. We’ve got some thrilling news to share: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is welcoming a fresh face to the mix—an entirely new character from the famed Black Spider Clan, infamous rivals of the Hayabusa family.
We’re buzzing with excitement to give you a peek behind the curtain. We’ll cover how this concept blossomed, what to expect from this intriguing character, and share some gameplay nuggets we can’t wait for you to experience.
Picture this: when we started brainstorming for new characters in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, we asked ourselves, “What if we flipped the script and let players step into the shoes of our heroes’ nemeses?” We’ve always been captivated by those rare moments in gaming where you’re allowed to see the world from the other side. The Black Spider Clan, known for their relentless spirit and memorable characters in the 3D Ninja Gaiden installments, had us thinking—why not reintroduce them in a bold, new manner? This is how Kumori came to be.
Meet Kumori: a fierce kunoichi from the Black Spider Clan, created to be a compelling counterpart to Kenji, Ragebound’s main protagonist. While Kenji is still learning under the watchful eye of his mentor, Ryu Hayabusa, Kumori stands as the top fighter within her clan, tasked with restoring their legacy after a devastating downfall. Equipped with modern weapons, the techniques of her enemies, and a mastery of demonic powers, she fights with unmatched resolve. For her, no traditional code binds her—victory is her only guide.
Unlike Kenji, Kumori’s weapon of choice is the kunai. It offers her incredible range, blistering attack speed, and the ability to strike from virtually any vantage point. Her agility and adaptability shine through, allowing her to tackle enemies in hard-to-reach spots and thrive in chaotic battles.
Both Kenji and Kumori, though hailing from opposing factions, are tethered by similar values—loyalty, honor, and a sense of duty to their clans. While their backgrounds diverge, they embody a new era of warriors driven by a legacy that doesn’t confine them. Their fates intertwine in an epic showdown with a demonic threat in the demon world, leading to an unforeseen alliance. Their union, though unimaginable to their clans, becomes a vital necessity that binds their destinies forever.
In this fused state, players can harness the strengths of both warriors—combining their weapons, unique skills, and drawing power from Ki. As players gather Ki from foes, Kumori can draw on her spirit to summon incredible Spider Weapons, like the Kama or Chakram, that can tear through obstacles and enemies alike, unlocking devastating power and reach.
Their shared ferocity drives formidable attacks. vanquishing enemies with Hypercharged moves builds this rage. Once it peaks, you can unleash a cataclysmic assault across the battlefield, an awe-inspiring spectacle of force. Staying true to Ninja Gaiden’s essence, gameplay is fast-paced, fluid, and unrelenting, allowing for seamless weapon and skill transitions that keep the intensity red-hot.
Outfitting your characters is also pivotal. Collect Golden Scarabs to unlock new enhancements and skills. Kenji’s talismans offer passive boosts, like upping melee damage or improving defense. Kumori, however, offers a unique flair with her Shadow Arts, unveiling Spider Weapons and powerful Ragebound Arts for diverse playstyles.
Kumori’s journey is intriguing—her spirit accompanies Kenji since her physical form remains trapped in the demon realm. Yet, Demonic Altars let her temporarily return, allowing interaction with this alternate dimension, revealing paths hidden to mere mortals. Time is against you, demanding quick thinking and strategy in combat and exploration, enriching the vibrant pace and depth of the game.
We hope this sneak peek into Kumori’s world excites you. We’re eager for you to dive into the intricate paths of both the Hayabusa and Black Spider Ninjas in this thrilling extension of the Ninja Gaiden saga.
Keep an eye out for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, landing in Summer 2025.
