Review of NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound for PlayStation 5

So, here’s the scoop on “NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound,” the latest in the series, thanks to The Game Kitchen and DotEmu. I’m diving in like a nosy neighbor with binoculars. It’s a side-scroller, by the way, just so we’re clear. Yeah, I’m totally ready to spill about why this game tickles my nostalgia while also kind of launching me back into my childhood days of NES marathons. Ugh, the memories!

Anyway, here’s the deal. The storyline kicks off with Ryu Hayabusa popping over to the States (probably not just for sightseeing). But then—wham—something goes off the rails at Hayabusa Village. The world’s gone demon-crazy. So, this new fella, Kenji Mozu, steps up. And, I kid you not, he pals up with the Black Spider guys. Yeah, the ones who you’d think would be the bad guys. Talk about mixing things up.

After a trip down memory lane—seriously, remember those days playing on NES?—I’m back, looking at how you control this game. It’s like magic, really. Use the stick, jump, and swipe with buttons. I forgot how satisfying slicing through pixels could be. Climbing up walls? Check. Ducking fire? Yup, got that too. It’s like gymnastics, but cooler.

So, apparently, L1 gives you this mad boost mid-air. Aka, the guillotine boost—sounds as cool as it feels. Plus, Kumori can throw Kunai. Distant attack while sipping coffee on a comfy couch? Sign me up. Dodging is crucial, by the way. It’s a game of inches and timing—or, well, just smashing buttons at the last second.

Random thought: There’s this bit where you can suck up enemy aura energy. It’s almost poetic, really. You become a walking, slashing, hypercharged ninja. Combos, slicing, and boss fights—dizzyingly brilliant.

Ambling through levels, tackling those nagging challenges, and trying to 100% it is part of the fun. Do cults still 100% things, or is it just a me thing? Anyway, there are puzzles and collectibles, so try not to miss those if you’re trophy hunting.

Golden Scarabs—they’re a thing here—and you trade them with Muramasa. Because why not, right? Enhancing blades and healing abilities? Essential ninja skills, they say. Makes boss battles feel like a dance, except more deadly.

Now, if you’re a trophy maniac (guilty as charged), there’s a lot to aim for. Platinums, bronzes—like a virtual scavenger hunt for the gaming perfectionist.

One last gem: the accessibility options. They make it easier, adjusting speeds and damages because who wants to rage quit over an impossible level?

Ragebound is up for grabs soon, with an offer that includes both PS4 and PS5 versions. Quite the deal, right? It’s a digital spectacle and a trip down memory lane.

Disclaimer time: Yep, they sent me a PlayStation 5 copy. No bias, just facts—or a chaotic mess of thoughts, but who’s checking?