Ninja Gaiden Ragebound Is Bound For Physical

Ryu Hayabusa returned to his sidescrolling roots in last summer’s Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. Though the game launched as a digital exclusive, a physical version was always planned, and it arrives this week in two forms. Developed by The Game Kitchen (Blasphemous), Ninja Gaiden Ragebound doubles the ninjitsu with two controllable characters: the traditional protag Ryu and his new protege Kenji Mozu. Ryu is off on a visit to America, which was bad timing as a sacred seal picked THAT moment to shatter and unleash the army of the deadly Demon Lord. Good thing Kanji is back there to pick up the slack — but is she prepared enough? The physical Ninja Gaiden Ragebound is, for once, NOT a Limited Run Games release — it is a wide-release mass-market printing that’s available at major retailers both online and offline (though your luck offline may vary). For those who want to keep it simple, the Standard Edition is as standard as editions get, with the twist that the soundtrack IS included: Full game for PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch Official Soundtrack – pulse-pounding tracks to relive the action Retro Booklet – a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s pixelated past But for those who want to […]
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Because I collect them, I've always enjoyed it when companies produce physical editions. One advantage of the regular edition is that it includes the music. This seems reasonable because soundtracks are typically only available in deluxe versions. I'm particularly interested in the booklet because it's uncommon to find one that's more than just a safety page these days. Given its illustrious past, the franchise merits a tangible item. I will still get the PS5 physical version even if I have already finished Ragebound digitally because I want the goods on my shelf. These additions honor the fans who grew up with Ninja Gaiden.x, in my opinion.

My only wish is that this will somehow lead to a new Dead or Alive game. I really miss seeing Ryu Hayabusa’s sisters in action. They were always my favorite characters because they gave a different energy compared to him, and their styles made the fights more interesting. I know Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive share the same universe, so every time a new Ninja Gaiden comes out, I keep hoping it will open the door for Dead or Alive to return as well. It has been too long since we had a proper entry in that series, and I think fans are ready to see it again. For me, Ragebound is exciting, but what would make me truly happy is news that Team Ninja is also preparing the next Dead or Alive.

I am very happy that this release is not from Limited Run Games. Their shipping is often slow, and the supply is too small for the demand. With this edition in actual stores, I feel more relaxed because I know I can just walk into a shop and buy it. I will not need to pay for resellers. It is also important for new players who did not try Ninja Gaiden before. Having it at stores makes it more visible.

I plan to get the Switch version. Side-scrolling games feel better handheld to me. They remind me of the old days playing on portable systems. Even though I own a PS5, this type of action feels natural on a smaller screen I can take anywhere. It will also be nice to listen to the soundtrack on my computer while traveling.

I am not impressed. These collector’s editions are always filled with cheap trinkets that end up in storage. The cloth map will probably wrinkle, the pins will stay sealed, and the poster will never be hung. I would rather the publisher spend that money on more development time or DLC.