Okay, let’s dive right into this whirlwind of gaming nostalgia and demon-clashing chaos. So, buckle up, because this might get a bit bumpy.
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So there’s this new game, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, by the folks at The Game Kitchen and DotEmu. It’s one of those pixelated side-scrollers – you know, the ones that make you feel a bit retro-punky. Anyway, it’s part of the classic series. If you’re one of those who had an NES (remember that thing?), you probably already love Ninja Gaiden, right? This time, we join Ryu Hayabusa as he zips off to America – yes, America – to follow his dad’s last wishes. But, let’s not get too cozy because things are going haywire back home in Hayabusa Village. Somehow, the wall separating humans from demons decides it’s had enough and just breaks. Great. Now there’s chaos, and in swoops Kenji Mozu, our young ninja hero. Something in my gut tells me I’d totally be hiding and not fighting demons, but hey, Kenji’s got guts. He even teams up with the sneaky Black Spider Clan. Like, really? But I’m digressing.
This whole deal? It runs parallel to the first Ninja Gaiden game. Nostalgia trip, right? It’s like having a pizza with extra cheese that you sort of forgot but still tastes amazing.
Ah, there’s also this picture of the game, showcasing some action, but you really need to see it to believe it. It’s as if electrons collided to form pure adrenaline. But, sorry, I’m rambling.
A couple of years ago, I had this dizzying opportunity to check out another game, Blasphemous 2 on PS5. Different crowd, same creators, and man, did I love it. Talk about being all amped-up waiting for what comes next.
Getting back to Ragebound (because I just can’t stop talking about it), once you start your mission, it’s all about tapping buttons like there’s no tomorrow. Imagine pressing the X button to jump and Square to attack. You can even deflect enemy projectiles, super ninja style. There’s wall climbing, ceiling hanging – like you’re a super-spy or something. And spikes everywhere – why are there always spikes? Who thinks these things up?
Now, mid-air, you press L1 for a guillotine boost. Sounds fancy, huh? It gives you this height jump, like a cat pouncing on… whatever it is cats pounce on.
And here’s the real kicker: enemies with an exposed aura practically scream “hit me.” You deliver smacks so heavy it’s like your sword’s made of pure thunder. There’s this aura collection, which sounds really mystical, but essentially, it lets you unleash hypercharge attacks. Ever felt like holding a lightning bolt? Yeah, neither have I, but this comes close.
Anyway, surprising challenges pop up like daisies. Jump to avoid spikes, defeat those pesky enemies without even a scratch, and collect stuff like a crazed treasure hunter. Maybe I have some pent-up pirate desires—who knows?
Golden Scarabs come into play, and Muramasa’s Shop is waiting (he takes scarabs as currency, go figure). Dragon Talismans offer buffs—like video game power cocktails. It’s complex, but thrilling, making you wonder, shouldn’t I have learned this in school?
Oh, and trophies! Lots of shiny trophies. Collect the prologue, acts, endings, secret ops. Slay 3,000 enemies? The game sure knows how to keep you busy. It’s like they squeeze every bit of patience out of you while dangling a shiny Platinum at the end. Way to keep folks playing.
Almost forgot—settings! Accessibility options let you tweak your game to suit your vibe. Want things slower? No problem. Need less damage? Sure thing. It’s like a ninja therapy session.
Anyway—whoa, about to tangent off again. It’s out tomorrow, and you can snag it on PS4 and PS5. Talk about Cross-Buy magic for $24.99. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me.
Okay, that’s about it. Can’t wait to jump in and see what insanity minces my nerves next.
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And, yep, I’ve got to mention—got this review copy for PS5 from DotEmu. Just doing the disclosure tango.
