Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound looks and sounds incredible, and the fast but thoughtful combat is so satisfying it's hard to put down.

Ragebound is a relentless and challenging revival that ably channels the spirit of early Ninja Gaiden games.

A fun revival that opts for solid fundamentals over innovation.

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.

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 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.

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.

When you get into the flow, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is ruthlessly satisfying.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings a stylish new entry to the classic franchise owned by Koei Tecmo.