NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound Reviews
The Game Kitchen has outdone itself on the Ninja Gaiden series' glorious return to 2D with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a near-perfect action-platformer.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound looks and sounds incredible, and the fast but thoughtful combat is so satisfying it's hard to put down.
A fun revival that opts for solid fundamentals over innovation.
It’s easily one of the best games in the series, and Ninja Gaiden 4 (as well as Shinobi: Art of Vengeance) is going to have a hell of a challenge surpassing it.
Every time I sit back down in front of my Steam library, I find myself firing Ragebound up once again.
Ragebound is tough to complete and even harder to master, but it’s hardest to put down. It’s demanding with little frustration, engaging with few lulls, and ultimately, a reminder that while Ryu’s modern-day adventures can be great, there’s still Ki to be found in Ninja Gaiden’s original dimensions.
Ragebound is a relentless and challenging revival that ably channels the spirit of early Ninja Gaiden games.
The Game Kitchen's excellent retro revival preserves the swift action of its NES predecessors while leaving their rage-inducing elements behind
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings a stylish new entry to the classic franchise owned by Koei Tecmo.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the kind of game that makes you want improve. Chaining death with balletic grace feels so liberating that you don't want to be interrupted in your flow. The way it implements all of its mechanics, along with increasingly interesting, beautiful, and ever-taut stage design, is a treat, and a truly linear arcade-style DLC would be a blessing should one ever transpire. While some Talismans can be purchased to actually make the game harder, the base challenge will certainly test you. It's a real shame about that frame-rate judder, but in terms of seductive 2D Ninja action, it lands squarely on catlike feet. SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance, you have been challenged to a duel.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a little uneven at times, particularly in the second half of the game, but it's still an enjoyable side-scroller.
When you get into the flow, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is ruthlessly satisfying.
A fun restatement of the Ninja Gaiden 2D formula, that is just complex enough to engage both new and old fans, while being surprisingly accessible in terms of its difficulty level.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a perfect entry in the series that makes for a great entry point and a standout experience in its own right. Smooth controls, fantastic level design and some perfectly judged boss battles make for one of the best 2D action-platformers you'll find. With the extra layer of replaying levels for better ranks and the unlockable hard mode for the bravest ninjas, Ragebound provides plenty of enjoyment and challenge for those who want it, while also being approachable for newcomers.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound achieves something extraordinarily difficult: completely honoring a classic legacy while creating something that feels completely contemporary. The Game Kitchen has demonstrated that their experience with Blasphemous translates perfectly to established franchises, creating an experience that satisfies both purists and new fans. This is not simply a good Ninja Gaiden game; it's a statement that classic franchises can evolve without losing their identity. It's the demonstration that 2D and modern are not contradictory terms, and that intelligent nostalgia can coexist with genuine innovation.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Game Kitchen shows its love for the golden age of 16-bit action with an irresistible game, boasting fabulous design and pace.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound offers a compact campaign, where visual diversity and intense dynamics are hidden behind apparent simplicity. The game itself is perceived as an almost flawless prologue to NINJA GAIDEN 4.
Review in Russian | Read full review
A worthy successor to the classic NES trilogy.
For fans of Black, Sigma, or even the NES originals, this is the closest we’ve gotten to the true spirit of Ninja Gaiden in over a decade.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the series back to its roots with incredible style. The core gameplay feels fantastic, with satisfying, fast-paced combat and platforming that'll put your skills to the test. With a wealth of challenges to meet and things to find, there's a real richness to each level that gives it plenty of replay value. The wonderful art style is the icing on the cake, and aside from one or two small nitpicks, fans should be very pleased with this throwback adventure.