Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is the Perfect Title for Game Pass

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At the Game Awards 2024, Koei Tecmo and Dotemu unveiled a fresh addition to the Ninja Gaiden series titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Contrary to some predictions, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound was not a primary installment but instead, a 2D side-scrolling action game, reminiscent of the games from the Ninja Gaiden series during the NES era. The creators of the Blasphemous series, The Game Kitchen, are responsible for its development and have announced a target release date in the 2025 window across all contemporary platforms, including last-generation consoles.

Initially, “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound” was a notable release as it marked over a decade since the production of a new original “Ninja Gaiden” game. However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the only fresh addition to the series coming out this year. In fact, Koei Tecmo recently announced two more “Ninja Gaiden” games: “Ninja Gaiden 2 Black” and “Ninja Gaiden 4”. These new games were unveiled as day-one Game Pass titles, unlike “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound”. Since “Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound” has already been launched and can no longer debut on Game Pass on the first day, it’s expected to join its contemporaries by becoming available on the service at a later date.

During the Xbox Developer Direct event, Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos was stealthily introduced, whereas Ninja Gaiden 5 is scheduled for release in October 2025.

Out of All the Recent Ninja Gaiden Games, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Would Fit Game Pass the Most

Despite Being Cheap, Some People May Be Hesitant to Buy Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

In contrast to other recent installments in the series, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound stands out as a relatively affordable game. At only $25 across all major platforms, it’s currently on sale with a 10% discount that lasts for several days. Given that it was developed by an independent team and doesn’t share the grandeur of a big-budget 3D action title like Ninja Gaiden 4, its lower price isn’t unexpected. Nevertheless, some gamers, especially those new to the Ninja Gaiden series, might hesitate to purchase Ragebound due to its budget pricing.

Ninja Gaiden Needs to Regain Lost Players, So It Should Be Accessible to as Broad an Audience as Possible

It’s quite possible that the classic game series Ninja Gaiden, which played a significant part in shaping retro gaming history, isn’t as familiar to younger generations. Despite its active period during the mid-to-late 2000s and occasional support, the series struggled to grow due to several obstacles. The game’s demanding combat system, often exclusive releases on specific platforms, and complex naming patterns may have deterred new players from joining its dedicated fan base.

Given that Ninja Gaiden aims to recapture its former audience, it seems sensible for Koei Tecmo to broaden the reach of the latest games in the series. One way to do this could be by adding them to the Game Pass service. While Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ninja Gaiden 4 are already available on Game Pass, it’s Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, with its more niche appeal as a 2D platformer featuring pixel-art graphics, that could particularly benefit from this move. This is because those who are willing to purchase the other games might not necessarily be drawn to Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Would Be a Great Introduction to the Series for Game Pass Subscribers

Despite not being universally appealing, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound appears to be an exceptional game. The positive reception it’s received and its high OpenCritic rating place it among the top platformers of 2025. For those who are subscribed to Game Pass, this could serve as an excellent introduction to the franchise, especially if Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound gets added to Microsoft’s subscription service. This move could draw in players who might not have initially shown interest in the game, potentially leading them to purchase it or other Ninja Gaiden games down the line.

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2025-08-01 20:34