SNK Corporation has announced that its 1996 arcade fighting game NINJA MASTER’S will be coming to Steam in the near future as part of the NEOGEO Premium Selection lineup. The classic fighter is also now available to wishlist on Steam ahead of its upcoming release.
The return of NINJA MASTER’S marks another step in SNK’s ongoing effort to revive its NEOGEO catalogue with modern enhancements, bringing updated features and online functionality to a game that originally helped define the arcade fighting scene of the 1990s.
NINJA MASTER’S Trailer
A Feudal Fantasy Fighting Tournament
Set in the fictional feudal-inspired land of Jipangu, NINJA MASTER’S features a roster of 12 martial artists competing for dominance in a brutal tournament. The cast includes ninjas, exorcists, swordsmen, thieves, monks, and other warriors, each with their own motivations tied to the rise of the overlord Nobunaga.
The game’s narrative draws heavily from historical inspiration blended with supernatural elements, creating a stylised interpretation of feudal Japan where myth and warfare collide.
Switching Combat Styles in Real Time
One of the defining mechanics of NINJA MASTER’S is its dual combat system, allowing characters to switch between armed and unarmed fighting styles during matches. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to battles, requiring players to adapt their approach based on opponent behaviour and spacing.
Each character also features multiple combo routes, encouraging experimentation and mastery. Success depends not only on execution but also on knowing when to shift fighting styles mid-match to maintain pressure or create openings.
Updated Version with Modern Online Features
The Steam version of NINJA MASTER’S introduces several modern enhancements, most notably rollback netcode for improved online performance. This ensures smoother matches when competing against players worldwide, addressing one of the most important features in today’s competitive fighting game scene.
A lobby system supporting up to nine players will also be included, along with options to enable or hide character visibility. Competitive modes such as Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League tournaments are built in to support structured online play.
In addition to multiplayer improvements, the game includes a robust Practice Mode featuring adjustable speed settings for training combos, as well as a Time Attack Mode and unlockable achievements tied to player progression.
Characters of Jipangu
The roster of 12 fighters brings together a wide range of archetypes and fighting styles. Among them are standout characters such as:
Sasuke, a versatile ninja and the game’s protagonist, balancing speed and reach for both beginners and advanced players. His rival Kamui focuses on technical pressure and agile offence, embodying a more advanced playstyle built around mind games and sustained aggression.
Raiga delivers heavy, high-impact attacks designed to break through defence, while Tenho specialises in long-range control through projectiles and zoning tactics. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Karasu offers a high-risk, high-reward playstyle with devastating offensive potential when played correctly.
Other notable fighters include Kasumi, a tactical mid-range specialist; Natsume, a fast and aggressive combo-focused ninja; and Goemon, a trickster thief relying on deception and mobility. Heavyweight brawler Unzen brings raw strength and grappling power, while mystical characters such as Houoh blend balance and technical combat.
At the top of the hierarchy sits mid-boss Ranmaru, an enigmatic all-rounder with overwhelming ability, and final boss Nobunaga, a corrupted warlord whose immense power and reach make him one of the most formidable opponents in the game.
A Revival of NEOGEO Legacy
NINJA MASTER’S is part of SNK’s NEOGEO Premium Selection, a series dedicated to reviving classic arcade titles with enhanced features for modern audiences. This initiative focuses on preserving the legacy of NEOGEO-era games while updating them with quality-of-life improvements and online capabilities.
With rollback netcode, expanded training tools, and competitive multiplayer features, this re-release aims to introduce a new generation of players to a lesser-known but mechanically rich fighting game from SNK’s arcade history.
Wishlist Now Available
NINJA MASTER’S will be released on Steam in the near future. Players can wishlist the game now to stay updated on its launch as part of the NEOGEO Premium Selection lineup.
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