If you’re a fan of pixel art, epic boss battles, and all things retro, we’ve got some good news: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound launched on PC (Steam) on July 31 — and it kicked things off with a 10% launch discount, available until August 7. That’s right: first come, first…
Within just a few days, the game racked up over a thousand user reviews, with an overall rating of “Very Positive”. So what is Ninja Gaiden Ragebound all about, and why should you grab it now?
Classic NES Vibes — With a Modern Twist
This new title is a loving throwback to the roots of the Ninja Gaiden series — a sharp contrast to the more modern, 3D entries by Team Ninja in recent years. Ragebound brings us back to classic 2D side-scrolling, where precision, agility, and reflexes rule the battlefield.
But don’t let the retro look fool you. The game blends old-school charm with slick modern mechanics: smooth animations, combo chains, unlockable skills, and plenty of flashy moves. While the visuals echo the NES era, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound feels fresh, challenging, and genuinely fun — a perfect mix of past and present.
So… What’s the Story This Time?
Ragebound isn’t a direct sequel to previous entries — instead, it’s a spin-off. You don’t play as the iconic Ryu Hayabusa this time, but rather as his young apprentice, Kenji Mozu, a rising ninja defending the Hayabusa Village from demonic invaders. He’s joined by Kumori, a deadly assassin with a sharp mind and even sharper blades.
And Ryu? He’s off on his own mission in the U.S., fulfilling his father’s final wish. Maybe he’s raiding Walmart. Or battling demons in Miami. Who knows?
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Launch – What to Expect from the Game?
On the one hand: pixel nostalgia and a retro soundtrack. On the other: fresh gameplay systems and modern polish. Here’s what stands out:
- Bosses from hell – Some are gigantic, others come in swarms — all of them hit like a freight train and fight like you just insulted their ancestors.
- Character progression – Unlock forbidden techniques and upgrade your ninja arsenal to take on increasingly brutal foes.
- Pixel art & smooth animation – It’s visually stunning. The retro style is deceptively detailed, with lush backgrounds and buttery-smooth movement.
- Outstanding music – Series veterans like Keiji Yamagishi, Ryuichi Nitta, and Kaori Nakabai are back on the soundtrack, joined by Sergio de Prado. It’s high-energy, atmospheric, and yes — there’s a vinyl.
How Are Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Reviews?
Surprisingly well. Critics are calling Ninja Gaiden Ragebound “brutal, but fair” — a dream come true for players who crave real challenge. Level design is ideal for speedrunners, and the retro vibe hits all the right nostalgia buttons.
User reviews on Steam are “Very Positive”, and the Metacritic score is sitting at a strong 85/100. This is more than just a tribute — it’s a serious contender in the modern indie action scene.
Price, Discount, and What’s Next?
The game is available for next-gen consoles and PC, but only the Steam version comes with a 10% discount, bringing the price to under $23 USD. You can also pick up the bundle deal, slashing the price by up to 27%.
This Steam launch discount runs until August 7. Console deals may come later, according to the devs — but no firm dates yet. So if you’ve got a PC and even a shred of ninja patience, this might just be one of the most exciting retro-modern 2D action releases of the year.
Show Off Your Skills!
Did you beat a boss without taking a single hit? Pull off a perfect dash between two spikes? Jump on the Discord server (XYZ for example) and share your clips or reviews — we want to see (and be jealous). And if you’re into game soundtracks, go check out that vinyl edition before it disappears from the shelves.
A Little History to Wrap It Up
The very first Ninja Gaiden launched back in 1988 on the NES. It quickly made a name for itself with brutal difficulty, tight gameplay, and iconic music. Over time, the franchise became a cult classic, especially with the 3D reboots on Xbox.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a return to those roots — made with heart, polish, and a deep respect for the original. It’s retro. It’s modern. And it’s very, very good.