Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Set for July 31 Release — Editions, Start Times, Gameplay, and PC Specs Detailed

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound (Image Credit: The Game Kitchen).

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a new 2D side-scrolling action platformer from The Game Kitchen and published by Dotemu, is officially launching on July 31, 2025, across multiple platforms including PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

While digital versions arrive first, physical editions for PS5 and Switch will be available starting September 12, 2025, via Silver Lining Interactive.

This marks a significant return to the franchise’s roots, especially for long-time fans who have been waiting over a decade for new Ninja Gaiden content. Although Ragebound is a spin-off, it's part of a broader 2025 revival for the series, which also includes the Ninja Gaiden 2 Remake (released in January) and the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4 (scheduled for October 21).

All Details of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound 

Two Editions: Standard and Special

When it comes to purchasing options, Ragebound comes in two flavors:

• Standard Edition ($39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99):

  • Full game (digital or physical for PS5 and Switch)

  • Digital official soundtrack

  • Retro-style booklet

  • Available digitally on all platforms and physically on PS5 and Switch

• Special Edition ($69.99 / €70 / £59.99):

  • Includes all contents from the Standard Edition

  • Extras: cloth map, four metal pins, double-sided medallion, poster, and a collector’s box

  • Physical only, exclusive to PS5 and Switch via Silver Lining Interactive

Currently, there’s no word on a physical release for Xbox players, nor is there any confirmation related to Nintendo’s Switch 2. Also, while no downloadable content (DLC) has been announced, the developers haven’t ruled out future updates or add-ons either.

Global Launch Times: When to Play

The digital release is timed for July 31, and according to PlayStation’s listing, it’ll unlock at 11:00 a.m. EDT (8:00 a.m. PDT). While platforms like Steam, Xbox, and Nintendo eShop haven’t confirmed exact times, they usually follow similar timeframes depending on regional policies.

Here's a quick glance at major time zones:

• PDT: 8:00 a.m., July 31

• EDT: 11:00 a.m., July 31

• BST: 4:00 p.m., July 31

• CEST: 5:00 p.m., July 31

• IST: 8:30 p.m., July 31

• JST: 12:00 a.m., August 1

• AEDT: 1:00 a.m., August 1

If you’re playing on platforms other than PS5, it’s best to keep an eye on your storefront’s timer just before launch day.

PC Requirements: Surprisingly Lightweight

Unlike some modern action titles, Ragebound is optimized for a broad range of PC configurations, making it accessible to older systems too. Here’s what you’ll need:

Minimum (720p at 30 FPS):

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)

• CPU: Intel Core Duo E8300 / AMD Phenom II X2 550

• RAM: 6 GB

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 220, 1 GB / AMD Radeon HD 4550, 1GB

Recommended (1080p at 60 FPS):

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)

• CPU: Intel Core Quad Q8300 / AMD Phenom II X3 710

• RAM: 6 GB

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640, 4GB / AMD Radeon R7 250, 2GB

Storage requirements haven’t been specified, but considering the game’s 2D style, a 5–10 GB download size is a safe estimate.

Gameplay and Story: A Modern Retro Mashup

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is very much a tribute to the original NES trilogy. Developed by The Game Kitchen, known for Blasphemous, the game leans into hardcore, pixel-perfect action, featuring Kenji Mozu and Kumori as dual protagonists.

Set during the timeline of the 1988 Ninja Gaiden, the story unfolds while Ryu Hayabusa is in America. Back home, a rift between the demon world and reality unleashes chaos on Hayabusa Village. Kenji, a young ninja trained by Ryu, must team up with Kumori, a kunoichi from the rival Black Spider Clan. Despite their factions' history, they work together using the forbidden Ninja Fusion technique to take on an invading Demon Lord.

The game includes cinematic cutscenes and even a playable prologue depicting the death of Ryu’s father, tying back to series lore.

Combat and Platforming Mechanics

Combat blends high-speed melee, projectiles, and tag-team mechanics. Kenji excels in close-quarters swordplay, while Kumori specializes in ranged attacks and teleportation. Players can switch between them mid-battle for strategic advantages.

• Hypercharge System: Matches attack types to enemy auras (blue or purple), enabling devastating combo finishers when charged.

• Guillotine Boost: Bounce off enemies or objects to chain aerial attacks, fluidly blending combat and platforming.

• Platforming: Tight, responsive, with wall-jumps, evasion moves, and hidden paths.

The difficulty strikes a balance—modern players get accessible challenge levels with readable attack patterns, while hardcore fans can unlock extreme mode that introduces arcade-style hazards and punishing enemies.

Bosses, Upgrades, and Replay Value

Levels conclude with intense boss fights. One standout is Rhyvashi, a giant demon wielding electric orbs and crushing swipes. Areas like a demon-infested skyscraper construction site add both verticality and chaos.

Players can upgrade skills via a shop system—spending points to unlock new combos, boost health, or acquire Secret Arts (ultimate moves) and Talismans (stat buffs). Optional missions, hidden collectibles, and alternate level paths encourage multiple playthroughs.

Final Notes

A Steam demo was released on June 9, 2025, during Steam Next Fest. It offered a full level, tutorial, boss fight, and even a hard mode for early hands-on impressions.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound will reportedly be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, though Microsoft hasn't mentioned it in July Wave 2. There’s no indication it’ll join PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online catalogs.

According to early previews from outlets like Polygon and VICE, the game captures the nostalgic spirit of the original series while pushing forward with fresh mechanics and vibrant, anime-inspired pixel art—distinct from Blasphemous' darker tone.

With a strong legacy behind it and a modern spin on classic gameplay, Ragebound is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most intriguing action-platformers.