Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound marks the newest installment in a venerable series that has captivated gamers for 36 years. Developed by Koei Tecmo, the iconic ninja Ryu Hayabusa has graced platforms ranging from arcades to the Nintendo Entertainment System, and from the original Xbox to PC. Hayabusa’s dynamic gameplay has also made him a beloved character in titles like Dead or Alive and Warriors Orochi. With the collaboration of The Game Kitchen, known for their acclaimed work on the Blasphemous series, players can anticipate a thrilling experience filled with precise, fast-paced combat.
Dynamic Ninja Action Through the Years
The Evolution of Ryu Hayabusa
The inaugural entry in the Ninja Gaiden franchise debuted in 1988 as an arcade beat-em-up, where players control a ninja tasked by the U.S. government with saving the president from Nostradamus’s descendants. The narrative unfolds predominantly in the U.S., and to distinguish itself from other arcade titles, the game features intricate controls allowing for varied moves akin to those found in iconic fighting games, such as Street Fighter.
However, the franchise gained a more coherent storyline with the release of three pivotal NES titles, which many fans consider superior to recent reboots. The saga begins with Jo Hayabusa, Ryu’s father, whose dramatic duel leads to his untimely death. This pivotal moment is revisited in the trailer for Ragebound, hinting at its significance within the overarching narrative.
Driven by a thirst for revenge, Jo’s son, Ryu, embarks on a journey of vengeance that introduces him to CIA agents, Foster and Irene Lew. They guide him toward his father’s murderer, Bloody Malth, and ultimately to the Jaquio, whose defeat sets the stage for Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos. This continues with Ashtar, a new adversary, capturing Irene and forcing Ryu into a climactic battle.
Originally intended to be titled Ninja Gaiden 3: The Ancient Ship of Doom, the final chapter in the first trilogy sees a conspiracy unravel involving interdimensional rifts, with Ryu thwarting their plans with Irene’s assistance. Despite some ported versions, the game ultimately reached completion.
A significant contributor to the series was Tomonobu Itagaki, who, while working on Dead or Alive, slyly included Ryu as a hidden character. While Dead or Alive garnered praises for its innovative fighting dynamics, it faced criticism for character designs. Nevertheless, the franchise enjoyed a resounding revival with the 2004 release of a new Ninja Gaiden for Xbox, which established a fresh narrative filled with visceral combat and popular character cameos.
This reboot expanded the lore by nodding to NES titles. For instance, a character named Sonia was revealed to be a guise for Irene Lew, thus intertwining old and new narratives into a cohesive timeline across the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises.
The Path Forward with Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
New Beginnings or a Fleeting Venture?
The announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound generated excitement, particularly due to The Game Kitchen’s involvement, which signals an intriguing blend of challenge and tight gameplay design reminiscent of their previous titles. This adaptation suggests players can look forward to formidable bosses and numerous secrets woven into the narrative.
The earlier NES editions showcased Ryu’s versatility, allowing players to perform a plethora of ninjitsu moves, from launching fiery wheels to summoning shadow clones. In the revival on Xbox, the gameplay expanded further, providing Ryu with a diverse arsenal of weapons that change playstyle depending on the context.
As the narrative unfolds, the question arises whether the developers will adhere to existing lore or explore fresh narratives entirely. The newly released trailer hints at a revisit to Jo’s duel with Bloody Malth, yet Ryu notably appears in a mentoring capacity to a new protagonist, Kenji Mozu. It remains uncertain whether Kenji will be the sole character through the game or if Ryu may eventually be playable, possibly with a distinct moveset reflecting his legacy.
Current Insights and Expectations of Ragebound
Introducing Kenji Mozu: The Apprentice
In addition to the gameplay trailer, the publisher Dotemu confirmed the story arc for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. The narrative unfolds as Ryu Hayabusa carries out his father Jo’s last wishes in the United States. Meanwhile, a demonic invasion threatens Hayabusa Village, leading Kenji Mozu, Ryu’s student, to take the lead in combating the supernatural threats.
According to the developers at The Game Kitchen, they aim to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay elements. While NES titles offered a series of standalone challenges, Ragebound aspires to deliver a more expansive world with fast travel capabilities. The emphasis will be on platforming mechanics, powers, and exhilarating boss encounters. Initial gameplay footage appears promising, showcasing Kenji’s agility and combat prowess.
In early sequences, Kenji displays his skills by swiftly dispatching enemies while a kill meter tracks his progress. Further scenes highlight precise dodging, creative attacks, and acrobatics as Kenji navigates the battlefield. Observers will also notice familiar enemy designs reminiscent of past Ninja Gaiden titles, culminating in a climactic encounter with a formidable beast that echoes the gaming style of Blasphemous. Fans eagerly await more previews, particularly of this intense confrontation.
Source references include Dotemu/YouTube and Dotemu.
All images and additional information sourced from Screen Rant.
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