Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Unveils Kumori as Second Playable Protagonist for Nintendo Switch

Dotemu and The Game Kitchen have officially announced that Kumori will serve as a second playable protagonist in Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, the highly anticipated 2D action-platformer coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch.

This revelation comes as part of the lead-up to the game’s worldwide digital release on the Nintendo eShop, currently scheduled for Summer 2025. Returning to the roots of the storied franchise, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound channels both the original and modern Ninja Gaiden trilogies from Koei Tecmo Games.

Dotemu and The Game Kitchen have crafted an experience that pays homage to the intense combat and intricate platforming that defined past entries, while introducing new characters and fresh gameplay mechanics for contemporary audiences. Kumori is a significant addition to the cast, representing the antagonistic Black Spider Clan—a central force throughout Ninja Gaiden’s history.

Distinct from the Hayabusa clan, Kumori’s approach to battle is unorthodox, eschewing traditional ninja principles in favor of victory at any cost.

Armed with both advanced modern weaponry and demonic powers, Kumori confronts challenges unique to her narrative path.

Her unconventional style is designed to bring strategic diversity and depth to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound’s signature fast-paced action. Set in the aftermath of Ryu Hayabusa’s journey to America, as first depicted in the original Ninja Gaiden on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the story unfolds in Hayabusa Village.

With the boundary between the human and demon worlds shattered, darkness descends upon the village.

It is up to Kenji Mozu, a young member of the Hayabusa clan, to defend his home from the menacing demon hordes. An integral narrative element of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the intertwining destinies of Kenji and Kumori.

The developers have revealed that the two warriors, separated by generational feuds, are forced to unite through a mystical connection known as the 'Ninja Fusion.' This unique gameplay mechanic allows players to harness the combined abilities of both protagonists, demanding tactical mastery to overcome complex adversaries and formidable boss encounters. According to Dotemu and The Game Kitchen, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound has been designed to provide an accessible entry point for newcomers, while still presenting a steep and satisfying challenge for experienced fans.

The development team states the game will feature classic side-scrolling action enriched by technical depth, intricate combat, and rewarding difficulty for seasoned players. Players can look forward to epic battles against boss-level enemies, character upgrades, hidden collectibles, and a variety of optional mission objectives.

These elements collectively aim to deliver an engaging, replayable experience that resonates with fans of the franchise and attracts a new generation of players on the Nintendo Switch platform. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is set to launch digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch in Summer 2025, continuing the legacy of one of gaming’s most revered action series.

Nintendo Switch Dotemu The Game Kitchen Kumori Nintendo Switch Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound