Steam launch: New action platformer from celebrated game franchise debuts with free demo and launch discount in tow

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound launched on Steam on July 31, and it brings the iconic series back to its 2D roots with a fresh new twist and a free demo for anyone curious. Developed by The Game Kitchen (Blasphemous) and published by Dotemu, Ragebound is available digitally on PC, Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The launch price is $22.49, which includes a 10% launch discount - available on Steam until August 7.

For context, Ragebound is not a remake but a new side-scrolling platformer set during the events of the classic NES Ninja Gaiden. Players control Kenji Mozu, a young Hayabusa clan ninja, who is tasked with defending his village from invading demons during Ryu Hayabusa’s absence. The action is fast-paced in general, with most enemies falling in a single slash, yet tougher variants and bosses do ask for a growing arsenal of techniques. The gameplay has melee combat, acrobatic movement (including wall climbs and mid-air dashes), and "hypercharged" attacks as players progress through different platforming levels. Later, a second playable protagonist, Kumori, introduces teleportation, ranged attacks, and alternate dimensions to the game.

Reviews so far are very positive (on Steam). On OpenCritic, Ragebound scores an 87/100 average with 93% of critics recommending it. Critics like its fluid controls, challenging-but-fair combat, excellent pixel art, and replayability via unlockable hard modes and collectible side content. While the normal mode is very accessible, hard mode takes the game back to the punishing old-school difficulty of the original trilogy. Occasional criticisms are related to the longer levels and sparing checkpoints on higher difficulties, but performance is overall praised across PC and Steam Deck (curr. $770 on Amazon), with full controller support out of the box.

The free demo offers a hands-on with the first four levels and a taste of both protagonists’ movesets, letting players test the tight controls and distinct mechanics before shelling $22.49 on the game. For what it's worth, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is looking like a faithful, yet modernized revival of the franchise’s 2D history.