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Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Item: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJul 31, 2025

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperThe Game Kitchen

Overview

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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers intriguing character dynamics and nostalgic ties to the franchise, winning praise for its partnership between Kenji and rival Kumori. However, critics argue the narrative lacks depth and fails to capture the stylish essence of the original games, serving primarily as a backdrop for gameplay. While some appreciate its connections to the series, others find it underwhelming and ultimately unengaging. The game may please die-hard fans, but it struggles to present a compelling standalone story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

100%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound has garnered some appreciation from critics, particularly for its character dynamics and connections to the franchise's legacy. Eurogamer Portugal highlights the interesting partnership between Kenji and his rival, Kumori, which adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. Similarly, Metro GameCentral praises the depth this fusion brings to the story, as it revolves around Kenji's efforts to protect Hayabusa Village from a demon invasion. Push Square also notes that the setup is simple yet effective, providing a solid context for the gameplay. Additionally, Vandal points out that the narrative includes numerous references to the Ninja Gaiden series, which may resonate well with long-time fans of the franchise. However, several critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Digital Chumps argues that while the narrative maintains the tone of ninja clans and demons, it ultimately falls short by lacking the stylish and bizarre elements that characterized the original games. GamingTrend echoes this sentiment, stating that although the story serves as a parallel to the original NES game, it lacks depth and fails to deliver any particularly interesting developments. Vandal also mentions that the narrative is primarily a backdrop for gameplay, suggesting that it does not fully engage players on its own merits. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the character dynamics and nostalgic references and those who find the narrative lacking in depth and excitement. While Eurogamer Portugal and Metro GameCentral commend the character relationships and the setup, critics like Digital Chumps and GamingTrend emphasize the story's failure to capture the essence of the original Ninja Gaiden titles. This divergence indicates that while Ragebound may appeal to fans with its familiar elements, it ultimately struggles to deliver a compelling narrative that stands on its own.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a critically acclaimed action-platformer, praised for its responsive controls, fast-paced combat, and engaging mechanics like the Hypercharge system. While the gameplay offers rewarding depth and challenges for both newbies and veterans, some critics note it may feel overly guided and complex for newcomers. Overall, it stands out in the genre, balancing challenge and accessibility, and is highly recommended by reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and fluid controls. Reviewers like ComicBook and Push Square praised the game for its responsive controls and fast-paced combat, emphasizing the importance of mastering the Hypercharge system which adds depth to the gameplay. Digital Chumps echoed this sentiment, noting that the inclusion of mechanics such as Guillotine Attacks and Hypercharged attacks enhances both the action and platforming elements. Eurogamer Portugal also appreciated the fast-paced hack-and-slash style, mentioning that new mechanics, including character fusion, contribute to a more dynamic and challenging experience. Overall, the gameplay is described as rewarding for players who exhibit skill and precision, making it appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike. While the majority of reviews are positive, a few critics pointed out some potential drawbacks. For instance, GamingTrend mentioned that while the gameplay is engaging, it can sometimes feel overly guided, which may detract from the sense of exploration and freedom that players might desire in a platformer. Additionally, while Metro GameCentral found the variety of abilities and mechanics accessible, there is an implication that the complexity might overwhelm some players who are not as familiar with the franchise. This highlights a potential barrier for newcomers who may struggle to fully grasp the intricacies of the gameplay. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound delivers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience. The combination of responsive controls, challenging mechanics, and fast-paced action has resonated well with reviewers, leading to a strong recommendation for the game. Critics like Vandal and Eurogamer Portugal noted the tactical thinking required and the variety of challenges presented throughout the levels, further solidifying the game’s reputation as a standout title in the action-platformer genre. Overall, Ragebound appears to successfully balance challenge and accessibility, making it a noteworthy addition to the Ninja Gaiden series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound impresses with vibrant pixel art and fluid animations, earning mostly positive reviews for its modernized aesthetic that honors the franchise. Critics praise its impeccable design, with standout visual elements enhancing its appeal. However, some find certain levels lacking excitement or feeling drab compared to rivals like Streets of Rage 4. Despite some critiques on consistency and design, the overall sentiment is that the game's graphics are a significant strength, marking a worthy addition to the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's vibrant pixel art and fluid animations. ComicBook highlights the "modernized pixel art style" that successfully honors the franchise's legacy while distinguishing itself from other titles. Digital Chumps echoes this sentiment, noting the "impeccable pixel art" that enhances the game's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, Vandal commends the "spectacular" pixel art, emphasizing the well-defined sprites and beautiful backgrounds that contribute to the game's visual charm. Push Square also reinforces this positive view, stating that the pixel art and animation are excellent, marking them as a standout feature of the game. However, not all opinions are uniformly positive. Eurogamer Portugal points out that while the pixel art captures the essence of classic games, some levels feel "basic" and lack excitement. Metro GameCentral takes a more critical stance, describing the pixel art as "a little drab at times" and suggesting it does not match the quality of other modern pixel art games, such as Streets Of Rage 4. This indicates that while the game has strong visual elements, there are moments where the graphics may not fully engage players or live up to expectations set by its contemporaries. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound features a strong visual design that resonates well with its audience. The majority of reviewers, including GamingTrend and Push Square, appreciate the blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, which enhances the game's appeal. While some critiques highlight areas for improvement, such as level design and consistency in visual quality, the prevailing opinion is that the graphics and visual design are a significant strength of the game, making it a worthy addition to the Ninja Gaiden franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound's sound design and music, praising its energetic, retro-inspired soundtrack that enhances gameplay and honors the franchise's legacy. While some reviews lack specific details on sound elements, the overall consensus highlights the dynamic compositions and impactful audio experience, making it a key asset of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance the overall gaming experience. ComicBook praises the energetic, retro-tinged soundtrack, emphasizing its contribution to the chaotic atmosphere of the game. Similarly, Digital Chumps notes the pulsing nature of the music, which includes callbacks to the original Ninja Gaiden, further enriching the gameplay. Eurogamer Portugal appreciates how the soundtrack respects the legacy of past games, while GamingTrend specifically commends the remixed NES songs for sounding spectacular. Metro GameCentral adds to this sentiment by highlighting the great rock soundtrack, which complements the action, and Vandal describes the music as fabulous and dynamic, with catchy compositions that evolve alongside the gameplay. While the reviews are largely positive, there are a few areas where critics have not provided extensive details. Eurogamer Portugal, for instance, acknowledges the soundtrack's contribution to the atmosphere but does not delve into specific elements that could have provided a deeper understanding of the sound design. This lack of detail may leave some readers wanting more information about the nuances of the audio experience. Additionally, while Vandal mentions the quality and variety of sound effects, the absence of specific examples or comparisons to other titles may limit the impact of this praise. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound are significant assets to the game, enhancing the overall experience and paying homage to the franchise's legacy. The energetic and dynamic compositions, as noted by critics like ComicBook and Vandal, create an engaging atmosphere that resonates well with players. Despite some minor shortcomings in detail from a few reviewers, the positive sentiments surrounding the soundtrack and sound effects suggest that Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound successfully delivers an audio experience that complements its gameplay and honors its roots.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound boasts strong replay value with numerous secrets, challenges, and a ranking system that encourages players to revisit levels for better scores. Critics praise its rich content, making it a haven for completionists. However, concerns arise over accessibility due to varied difficulty settings, which may alienate casual gamers. Ultimately, dedicated players will find plenty to engage with, while the game’s challenge may deter some.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound are predominantly positive, highlighting several features that enhance the game's longevity. Critics like Push Square and Vandal emphasize the game's numerous secrets, optional challenges, and a ranking system that incentivizes players to revisit levels for better scores. Eurogamer Portugal also points out that the game includes various challenges and objectives that cater to those looking to improve their performance, reinforcing the idea that completionists will find ample content to engage with. Furthermore, Digital Chumps notes that while the game can be completed in about 7 hours, completionists can potentially double their playtime, suggesting a rewarding experience for those who invest the time to explore all the game has to offer. However, there are some concerns regarding the overall replay value, particularly related to the game's difficulty settings. Critics like GamingTrend mention that while the inclusion of hard modes and unlockable skins can enhance replayability, the easier difficulty may limit the appeal for some players. This sentiment is echoed by Metro GameCentral, which acknowledges the existence of ultra-difficult secret levels but suggests that these may primarily attract veteran players, potentially alienating those who prefer a more accessible experience. The mixed feelings about the game's difficulty could deter casual gamers from fully engaging with the replayable content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound offers a solid replay value, particularly for dedicated players who enjoy challenges and striving for higher scores. While some critics express concerns about the accessibility of the game due to its varying difficulty levels—citing opinions from GamingTrend and Metro GameCentral—the majority, including Push Square and Vandal, highlight the game's rich content and incentives for replaying. This creates a balanced view that suggests the game can cater to both completionists and those seeking a challenge, though the latter may need to be more experienced to fully appreciate the replayable aspects.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound" is predominantly positive, with critics praising its ability to modernize the classic 2D gameplay while retaining the essence of the franchise. ComicBook highlights the game's tightly packed platforming experience, emphasizing its challenging and rewarding nature. Similarly, Digital Chumps commends the game as a "pitch-perfect action game," underscoring the revitalization of the franchise through its challenging combat and speed. Eurogamer Portugal also echoes this sentiment, noting that the game pays homage to classic titles while introducing fresh ideas, making it one of the standout games of 2025. Critics like Push Square appreciate the return to the series' roots, pointing out fantastic gameplay, rich level design, and a beautiful art style that collectively enhance the experience for fans. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks that could affect the game's reception among long-time fans. GamingTrend mentions that while the game respects the series, its low difficulty and player dictation may disappoint those who expect a more challenging experience. Metro GameCentral notes that while the game is fun and accessible, it does not innovate significantly, which could leave some veteran players wanting more. This sentiment suggests that while the game is enjoyable, it might not fully satisfy those who are looking for the intense challenge that the original titles provided. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that "Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound" successfully revitalizes the franchise and appeals to both new and veteran players. The game is celebrated for its engaging gameplay, nostalgia, and modern elements, as highlighted by Vandal's description of it as an "essential title" for fans of action-platformers. While there are concerns regarding difficulty and innovation, the overall reception is that the game is a satisfying return to form, making it a noteworthy addition to the series. Critics largely agree that it strikes a balance between honoring its roots and providing a fresh experience, solidifying its place in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

"Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound" earns rave reviews for modernizing classic 2D gameplay while staying true to the franchise's roots. Critics laud its challenging platforming, engaging combat, and stunning art, positioning it as one of 2025's standout titles. However, some long-time fans may find its lower difficulty and lack of innovation disappointing. Overall, it's a satisfying revival that balances nostalgia with fresh elements, making it a must-play for action-platformer enthusiasts.

MONSTER

Reviews

68 reviews found

Vandal

PlayStation 5

Jul 31, 2025