If you’re yearning for an engaging 2D side-scrolling platformer, let Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound satiate that craving. The narrative features both fresh and familiar characters, and having tried the demo myself, I can’t help but be excited for the complete version.
In the likeness of the classic Ninja Gaiden saga, Ragebound’s tale unfolds. As Ryu journeys to America, a demon horde assails Hayabusa Village. Our character, Kenji Mozu, takes up the mantle to safeguard the village and eradicate these demons.
As a gamer, stepping into Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is like time-traveling back to the golden age of gaming. Each moment spent within its virtual world feels incredibly nostalgic, as if I’m huddled in front of an old CRT TV for hours on end, engrossed in the game until my mom tells me it’s time for bed and I hear that comforting crackle from the turned-off screen. The stunning pixel graphics only serve to enhance this feeling, transporting me back to a simpler era of gaming.
Side-scrolling games aren’t uncommon, but it’s seldom now that one is as exceptional as Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. The brief levels we previewed were teeming with hordes of enemies that demand you master their defeat or face failure. Although some recur, the game introduces new adversaries frequently enough to make any advancements seem fleeting.
Ragebound. The levels we saw were packed with lots of enemies that require you to learn how to beat them or lose. While some reappear, the game keeps introducing new ones at a pace that makes any progress you think you’ve made vanish quickly.
The first time I perished, I noticed that the “Avoid Dying in This Level” quest had vanished. From that moment, I was certain I’d continue playing until I had the moves down to a science. That’s the charm of these classic games – it’s not just about completing levels, but perfecting them and proving dominance over the game’s challenges!
Beyond the usual challenges, the demo offers an opportunity to battle one formidable boss, and oh, what a battle! After succumbing numerous times beforehand, I was convinced I had mastered it. Little did I know, that’s when the dragon launched its second phase attack, annihilating me without mercy. I didn’t feel angry about it; instead, it presented another exciting hurdle to overcome.
Because it was a side-scrolling platformer, my greatest adversary turned out to be successfully jumping over deadly gaps (spoiler: I fell countless times). It’s been quite some time since platform games have been a staple in my gaming routine, so I wasn’t anticipating becoming as captivated by the game as I did. Now, if I want to conquer the challenging Hard mode levels with ease like I’ve grown accustomed to regular mode, I need to practice more.
One aspect I simply have to highlight is the hidden treasures scattered throughout the game levels. When I discovered my first one and then realized I’d missed one earlier, I couldn’t help but restart the level. These hidden gems truly enhance the game’s replay value, reminding me of classic games where finding collectibles was a key part of the experience. It’s not a sprawling open-world game with hidden treasures in every corner, but it still keeps you on your toes, often encouraging you to look up or back instead of moving forward, as is traditional.
Ragebound delivers on its anticipation, offering a modernized side-scrolling experience with a nostalgic touch while introducing fresh mechanics to discover. Mark your calendars for July 31, 2025, when the game launches – I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
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2025-06-10 13:21