Ragebound can be a hell of a ride, and on these terms it has been one of my favorite games of the year.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound es un sentido homenaje a la saga Ninja Gaiden que, pese a llegar cargado de novedades y aportar un plus de profundidad, logra mantener todo el regusto clásico.

Short length aside, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is one of the most enjoyable games of the year. It’s a great retro revival with two protagonists I hope return and if Ninja Gaiden 4 is anywhere near this good, the franchise may be firing on all cylinders again.

2D Ninja Gaiden is back, and it’s easily the best it’s ever been. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a statement of love for what feels like the whole series, made by people who’ve clearly loved it for a long time. Gameplay feels smooth, impactful, and fast-paced while also keeping to the high skill ceiling that’s always defined it. I can see myself playing it for a long time simply because I’ve yet to get the coveted S++ Ranks on all stages, and it’s always fun enough that the grind itself is enjoyable. Combine this with a silky smooth aesthetic and one of my favorite soundtracks of 2025, and you’ve got a game that I am confident is the best platformer of the year

It looks beautiful, it's got the right amount of challenge in it, and it plays smoothly. What more could you ask from Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound? As a standalone title, or to tied over until the next main game comes along, you'll certainly have a flipping good time.

"No rage quitters detected!"

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound no es un juego perfecto. Quiere que sientas que cada salto tiene el peso que debe, que cada animación está pensada, que cada broma entra en el momento justo. Es un homenaje, sí, pero también es un recordatorio: el pixel-art no es una moda pasajera, es un lenguaje que bien usado tiene toda su escena. Y, como todo buen lenguaje, se adapta, crece y sigue diciendo cosas nuevas.
Cuando lo terminas, lo que te queda no es sólo la satisfacción de vencer a un jefe final o de memorizar un patrón de ataque. Te queda la sensación de haber tocado una forma de hacer videojuegos que ya respiramos cada vez menos. Que no necesita triple A para ser grande. Que no necesita mundo abierto para ser libre ni ser un souls-like para ser adictivo.

The Game Kitchen has honored the saga in the best possible way by combining the action of recent titles with the graphics of its predecessors. The Spanish studio proves that great intellectual properties are in good hands in our country. Precise controls, superb audiovisual finish, and accessible yet challenging gameplay. Your screens will become a frenetic spectacle as you ravage the varied scenarios filled with colorful enemies in a game that is enjoyable from start to finish, without having to be a prodigy at the controls.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a fantastic 2D title that honors the franchise's legacy. The game could easily be considered the fourth installment in the classic saga, blending the fast-paced, challenging gameplay of the originals with the frenetic, master-friendly action of the 3D titles. Combining the best of both worlds, the title is excellent and highly recommended for those seeking a high-quality ninja experience.

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.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound does a great job in pretty much all the necessary aspects and delivers not only a worthy successor to Ryu Hayabusa's legendary NES trilogy, but also one of the best 2D games in recent years for fans of action [games]. It's, thus, a shame that the Nintendo version is below expectations; taking into account its general qualities, Kenji's and Kumori's fun adventure deserved better than the performance issues on Big N's two consoles. As a result, in its current state, there are better ways to save the world than becoming a ninja on Switch.