It’s been a year of ups and downs forXbox. On the one hand, Microsoft shut down several in-development games, likePerfect DarkandEverwild, but on the other,Xboxhas been leading the charge with major game launches this year, and there are even more to come. Games likeAvowedandSouth of Midnightwere just the tip of the iceberg, not to mentionForza Horizon 5andIndiana Jones and the Great Circlebeing ported to the PS5.
The rest of the year still has a lot of major launches in store,likeThe Outer Worlds 2andGears of War: Reloaded. However, one of the most anticipated by a lot of longtime gamers isNinja Gaiden 4. This title has been a long time coming, as its predecessor,Ninja Gaiden 3, was released all the way back in 2012. That feels like a lifetime ago, and while eager fans have a little while longer to wait, a newly released spin-off,Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, can help satisfy those cravings.
Taking the Franchise Back to its Roots
Ninja Gaidenis known by many as an action-packed series, but there are some who may not be aware that the franchise first began as a side-scrolling hack-and-slash platformer. The series eventually became a third-person blood-soaked action franchise, andNinja Gaiden: Rageboundaims to bring both of those worlds into one sweat-inducing experience. So far,Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundis off to a great start, garnering strong reviews from both players and critics.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound’s official Steam page states, “The best of both eras come together to create an epic and thrilling adventure.” Between the pixel-art-focused design and intense action,Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundhas nailed that goal, and whilethe wait forNinja Gaiden 4goes on, gamers who are eager for extra content, but also want a fun-filled nostalgic kick, may find the platformer well worth the time.
Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundis developed by The Game Kitchen, the team responsible for the hit Metroidvania series,Blasphemous.
After Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Ninja Gaiden 4 is Right Around the Corner
It’s been a huge year fortheNinja Gaidenfranchise. Earlier this year in January,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackwas shadow dropped, kickstarting hype for bothNinja Gaiden: RageboundandNinja Gaiden 4. This Unreal Engine 5 remaster was a pleasant surprise, and with a brand-new mainlineNinja Gaidengame waiting on the horizon, 2025 has proven to be one of the biggest years that the action series has ever seen.
So far,Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundis off to a great start, garnering strong reviews from both players and critics.
There are still a few months left beforeNinja Gaiden 4is ready, but in the meantime,Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundoffers something both familiar and fresh. Even better, the game is discounted for its first week. Gamers have until August 7 to save 10%, marking down the original $24.99 USD price to $22.49 USD. It may not be a massive discount, but it’s still exciting to have the chance to save some money ahead ofNinja Gaiden 4.
Ninja Gaiden 4features a new protagonist, Yakumo, who is part of the Raven Clan.
As of now,the countdown toNinja Gaiden 4continues, and with each day passing, only time will tell what’s in store for longtime fans. With the tease of a brand-new, mysterious, protagonist,Ninja Gaiden 4is both intriguing and anxiety-inducing. Once it’s here, though, it will be thrilling to see what action-packed moments await players.
