Source: SNK

SNK announced today (the 29th) that it has released the fighting game 'Ninja Master's ~Haou Ninpou Chou~' (hereinafter 'Ninja Master's') on Steam as the latest title in its NeoGeo Premium Selection.

Originally released by SNK for arcades in 1996, the game is set in 'Zipang,' a fictional land resembling Sengoku-period Japan, where 12 martial artists—including ninjas, exorcists, swordsmen, and thieves—compete. Each character wields a unique weapon, and a key feature is the ability to switch between armed and unarmed combat in real-time, allowing for flexible fighting styles depending on the opponent or situation. The game also offers diverse combo routes for each character, providing both depth and excitement.

This Steam port retains the innovative system of switching between weapons and bare hands while introducing new rollback netcode. It features a lobby system that supports up to nine players and settings to toggle hidden characters, creating a more robust competitive environment. Additionally, a tournament mode has been implemented, allowing players to choose between single-elimination, double-elimination, and league formats to enjoy high-level matches with players around the world.

For single-player experiences, a practice mode has been added, featuring speed controls and other tools to help players master complex combos. The game also introduces new single-player content, including a Time Attack mode and an achievement system that allows players to collect icons.

'Ninja Master's' is currently available on Steam with a 25% launch discount until July 11. Further information can be found on the game's Steam page.