Can Kenji Eclipse Ryu’s Legend in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound?

Dotemu’s Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound flips the script on the series’ storied hero, handing the reins to his protégé, Kenji Mozu. Launching December 13, 2024, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this 2D action-platformer blends lovingly crafted pixel art with a combat system that demands lightning reflexes. With one-hit kills, gravity-defying aerial chains, and a tension-soaked Hypercharge meter, Kenji’s toolset begs one question: does the apprentice stand a chance of outshining the master?

From Heavy Swordplay to Lightning-Fast Strikes

Longtime fans of Ryu Hayabusa will recognize the dodge-slash-repeat rhythm, but Kenji’s approach is a radical departure. Where Ryu’s Dragon Sword favored grounded, powerful swings, Kenji’s dual blades and kunai emphasize speed and verticality. He zips across the battlefield, chaining kunai throws into midair slashes, then vaults off walls for follow-up attacks. This aerial-first style transforms every stage into a vertical playground, demanding you think in three dimensions rather than two.

Precision Kills and the Hypercharge Gambit

At the heart of Ragebound lies surgical precision. Standard foes dissolve under a single katana slash or kunai strike, but only aura-infused enemies—glowing in vibrant hues—feed Kenji’s Hypercharge meter. Landing that kill fills the gauge, unlocking a charged attack that can obliterate the toughest demon brutes in one blow. Alternatively, you can hold still to bleed health for a faster Hypercharge build—but overdo it, and you risk wiping your life bar entirely. That push-and-pull tension elevates each encounter into a high-stakes gamble.

Guillotine Boost: Flipping Enemies Skyward

Kenji’s Guillotine Boost stands out as a signature tool for aerial dominance. Activate it midair after an initial strike, and foes rocket upward, primed for extended juggle combos. Picture staggering a foot soldier, springing off a nearby wall, then triggering Guillotine Boost to send a samurai spinning skyward—finishing with a rapid three-hit cascade that ends in a spinning slash. It’s a breathtaking display of acrobatic violence, rewarding mastery of timing and positioning.

Deflect, Parry, and Punish

Ragebound isn’t just a sprint-and-slash affair; it pivots on timing and discipline. Kenji’s shield stance can deflect enemy projectiles and send them hurtling back at their source. Nail the parry at the precise moment, and you unleash a devastating counterattack; botch it, and you’ll suffer a punishing riposte. This risk-reward loop makes every boss battle feel like a tense ballet, where hesitation can cost you dearly.

Ragebound Arts: Kumori’s Strategic Edge

Kenji isn’t a lone wolf—he fights alongside Kumori, an assassin from the Black Spider clan. Her Ragebound Arts provide three strategic options: a wide-area venom blast that clears crowds, a healing vortex to restore Kenji’s vitality, and a spectral barrier that soaks up damage. Weaving these abilities between your own strikes adds a layer of tactical depth, forcing you to decide when to unleash devastation, when to heal, and when to batten down the hatches.

Pixel-Perfect Levels Meet Modern Challenge

Dotemu and Team Blasphemous nail the aesthetic with richly detailed pixel backdrops, from shadowy shrines festooned with flickering torches to wind-lashed mountain peaks. Yet Ragebound’s level design is anything but nostalgic padding. Each stage bristles with spinning blades, collapsing floors, and hidden platforming paths that demand split-second decisions. In one cavernous arena, rotating platforms and swinging pendulums force you to juggle offense, defense, and navigation all at once.

Who Should Pick Up Kenji’s Gauntlet?

If you live for “fight, die, learn” loops and crave punishing 2D action, Kenji delivers a fresh yet familiar challenge. Those seeking a sprawling narrative or customizable difficulty options might feel Ragebound’s gauntlet is geared solely toward ruthless skill checks. Only the swiftest reflexes and steadiest nerves will master Kenji’s flow—and ascend to legendary status.

Key Facts

Final Verdict

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound honors the franchise’s brutal heritage while arming Kenji Mozu with a suite of exhilarating new tricks. Whether he eclipses Ryu’s storied legacy comes down to your willingness to embrace high-risk Hypercharge gambits and gravity-defying combos. Sharpen your reflexes—Kenji awaits the nimblest warrior.