### Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound Review – When Nostalgia Trips Over Its Own Sword
Ah, Ninja Gaiden. The name alone evokes memories of throwing your controller across the room in frustration while simultaneously convincing yourself, “I can totally beat this level.” So, when Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound landed on the Nintendo Switch eShop, gamers everywhere collectively gasped, “Oh, here we go again.” But does Ragebound honor its legacy, or is it just a cheap cash grab with a nostalgic bow slapped on top? Spoiler alert: It’s complicated.
Before we dive in, let’s set the scene. Ninja Gaiden is a franchise that’s been synonymous with brutally challenging gameplay since the 1980s. If you’ve ever wanted your video game to feel like a part-time job with zero benefits, this was it. Ragebound, however, tries to repackage that difficulty for the modern gamer. Does it succeed? Well, let’s just say it’s a bit like trying to fit into your high school jeans after discovering the magic of late-night pizza deliveries.
### Gameplay: Nostalgia Meets Nausea
Ragebound tries to capture the essence of its predecessors with side-scrolling action and punishing difficulty. And by “punishing difficulty,” I mean you’ll question every life choice that led you to this moment. The controls are tight, the combat is satisfying, and the boss battles are as unforgiving as ever. But here’s the catch: it feels less like a challenge and more like an elaborate prank by the developers.
Take the level design, for example. It’s as if someone said, “Hey, what if we made the player die 10 times before they even figure out where to go?” Brilliant, right? And let’s not forget the enemies that respawn faster than you can say “game over.” Ragebound doesn’t just punish you for mistakes; it punishes you for existing.
Want to read more about brutal gaming experiences? Check out our article on the hardest games on the Switch.
### Graphics and Sound: A Mixed Katana Bag
Visually, Ragebound is a mixed bag. The retro-inspired pixel art is charming, but it doesn’t do much to stand out in a sea of indie games that have already mastered the art style. It’s like showing up to a black-tie event in a moderately wrinkled suit—you’re not the worst-dressed, but you’re not winning any awards either.
The soundtrack, on the other hand, is a banger. It’s fast-paced, intense, and fits the game’s chaotic nature perfectly. If nothing else, you’ll walk away humming the tunes while cursing the developers under your breath.
### Pros & Cons
#### Pros:
– **Tight Gameplay**: Controls are responsive, making every victory feel earned (even if it takes 50 tries).
– **Nostalgic Appeal**: Fans of the original Ninja Gaiden games will appreciate the nods to its brutal legacy.
– **Killer Soundtrack**: The music alone might be worth the price of admission.
#### Cons:
– **Unforgiving Difficulty**: Casual gamers, beware. This game will eat you alive.
– **Repetitive Design**: Levels and enemies start to feel samey after a while.
– **Graphics**: Decent but unremarkable, especially in today’s crowded indie scene.
### Should You Buy Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound?
Here’s the million-dollar question: should you shell out your hard-earned cash for Ragebound? If you’re a die-hard Ninja Gaiden fan who thrives on pain and misery, absolutely. This game is practically tailor-made for you. But if you’re new to the series or value your mental health, you might want to spend your money elsewhere—perhaps on a game that doesn’t actively hate you.
For a look at other retro-inspired games that get it right, check out our review of Cyber Shadow. Spoiler: It’s everything Ragebound wishes it could be.
### Final Thoughts
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is a game that walks a fine line between homage and masochism. It’s challenging, sure, but not always in a way that feels fair. The retro graphics and killer soundtrack are definite highlights, but they’re not enough to mask the game’s flaws. In the end, Ragebound is like that one friend who insists on playing Monopoly at every game night—occasionally fun but mostly infuriating.
### Call to Action
What do you think? Are you ready to dive into the punishing world of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, or do you prefer games that don’t make you question your existence? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other gaming reviews for more brutally honest takes. And hey, if you liked this article, why not share it with a friend? Misery loves company, after all.
