press release

Ninjas gathered in a time of turmoil clash for supremacy! NINJA MASTER’S is coming to NEOGEO Premium Selection!

 

SNK Corporation is scheduled to release the fighting game NINJA MASTER’S on Steam in the near future as an additional title for the NEOGEO Premium Selection. Additionally, the game can now be wish-listed on the Steam store page.

 

 

 

 

Features

The fighting game NINJA MASTER’S, originally released for arcades by SNK in 1996, is being upgraded and ported to Steam.

Set in “Jipangu,” a fictional feudal Japan-inspired country, 12 martial artists—including ninjas, exorcists, swordsmen, and thieves—battle to prove their strength.

 

Each character wields a unique weapon, with the ability to switch between armed and unarmed combat in real time. Mastering when to change styles based on the opponent and situation is key. The game also features multiple combo routes per character, offering deep replayability.

 

The modern version adds rollback netcode for smooth online play and a robust practice mode. In addition to single-player content, players can compete in high-level matches against opponents worldwide.

 

> NINJA MASTER’S Product Trailer (Steam)

https://youtu.be/XYR6jHI0f08

CHARACTERS

A total of 12 characters, including the boss characters Ranmaru and Nobunaga!

In “Jipangu,” a land scarred by 300 years of conflict, 12 warriors have gathered. Among them are Sasuke, burdened by a cruel fate; his best friend and rival Kamui; the graceful kunoichi Kasumi; and the Muon-ryu master Natsume. Together, they stand against the overlord Nobunaga.

 

Sasuke (Sasuke the Sacred White Dragon of Legend) – Protagonist / Renegade Ninja

An elite member of the Tenbu village ninja clan and one of the Tenbu Four.

He became a renegade ninja to fulfill his father’s dying wish to defeat the overlord.

However, this path forces him into conflict with his closest friends.

A well-rounded character with strong speed, reach, and move versatility—ideal for both beginners and advanced players.

 

Kamui (Kamui, Tiger of the Black Wind’s Shade) Rival / Pursuer

Sasuke’s best friend and fellow member of the Four. Loyal to the ninja code, he pursues Sasuke after his defection.

An assassin torn between friendship and duty.

Mobility/Coordination Type (Technical): highly agile with strong sustained offense. An advanced character focused on pressure and mind games.

 

 

Raiga (Lawless Red Wolf Raiga) Bounty Hunter

A former ruffian turned martial artist and bounty hunter. He seeks powerful opponents and becomes involved in the conflict while chasing bounties. He considers Goemon his rival.

A Power-type character specializing in heavy hits and long reach, designed to break defenses with single, decisive strikes.

 

Tenho (Tenho the Itinerant Priest) Onmyoji / Elder

An elderly Taoist priest (master of Onmyo magic) from Hong Kong. Sensing an ominous presence, he travels to Jipangu prepared for death. Despite his carefree appearance, he is among the strongest fighters.

A long-range specialist with a wide range of projectiles and area-control abilities. Focused on spacing and battlefield control.

 

 

Karasu (The Void Raven of Nirvana) Mad Swordsman

A murderer believed to be possessed by a demon sword. Guided by the crows and the demon blade, he wanders without purpose or reason. A High-Risk, High-Reward character with extreme attack power—devastating when reads are correct, but punishing when mistaken.

 

 

Houoh (Exorcist of the Magical Star) Exorcist

A monk who exorcises supernatural phenomena.

Sensing the signs of the overlord’s revival, he joins the battle to defeat him. He has a history with Tenho.

A mid-range balanced + technical character; a stable type focused on charged attacks, suited for a composed playstyle.

 

Natsume (Natsume the Southern Suzaku) Young Female Ninja

A young ninja who has grown at a prodigious rate. Haunted by nightmares of her hometown,
she sets out to defeat the overlord.

A speed and combo-focused fighter with strong rushdown potential and high mobility.

 

 

Kasumi (Kasumi of the Misty Crimson Wind) Female Ninja / Apprentice

Though still inexperienced, she possesses strong determination. Despite her master’s warnings, she embarks on a journey to confront the overlord.

A range-oriented tactical fighter who excels at mid-range spacing and weapon control.

 

 

Unzen (Kongo Arakan Unzen) Monk/Brute Force Character

A giant monk with a severe drinking problem who becomes uncontrollable when drunk.

Formerly in training, he was expelled due to his behavior and now wanders as a fighter.

A heavyweight throw-based tank character specializing in grabs and raw power.

 

 

Goemon (The Great Thief Goemon) Master Thief

A legendary thief with a Robin Hood-like reputation. Drawn by treasure and fame, he becomes involved in the conflict against the overlord. He is Raiga’s target.

A trick-oriented character who relies on deception, mobility, and unpredictable attacks.

 

 

Ranmaru (Ranmaru the Obscure Kagura) Mid-Boss

An enigmatic figure whose identity is unclear, even in terms of gender.

Serves as a guardian of Nobunaga and holds key story significance.

An all-rounder with extremely high performance—fast, powerful, and exceeding even Sasuke in ability.

 

Nobunaga (Nobunaga, the World-Destroying Overlord) Final Boss

A Sengoku-era warlord corrupted by the power of the Overlord.

He returns as a conqueror seeking to dominate the world, becoming the central focus of all characters.

A boss character with overwhelming stats, exceptional range, and extreme move power—firmly in the “powerhouse” category.

 

 

ONLINE BATTLE
◼︎ Rollback online battles deliver smooth combat against players worldwide!

 

Rollback-based netcode enables stable online matches! A lobby system supports up to 9 players, with an option to toggle hidden characters on or off.

Tournament Mode is included, featuring Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League formats.
Competitive online play is fully supported for high-level matches.

 

NEW FEATURES
◼︎ Additional content to help you master NINJA MASTER’S!

 

Single-player content includes a feature-rich Practice Mode, including speed adjustment for combo training.
Time Attack Mode is also included for skill challenges.
Additional features include Achievements, allowing players to unlock and collect icons through gameplay progression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NEOGEO PREMIUM SELECTION]
This series revives the classic NEOGEO arcade games that defined an era, enhanced with new features as premium products. We are proud to present these high-quality products, developed by SNK itself, to all our fans. Please look forward to future releases!

 

Information

■Title

NINJA MASTER’S

■Genre

Versus fighting game

■Supported Platforms

Steam

■Release Date

Coming Soon

■Price

$19.99/€19.99

■Number of Players

1–2 players (offline) / 1–9 players (online)

■Official Website
Coming Soon

■Official X

https://x.com/NEOGEO_EN

■NINJA MASTER’S – Store Page (Steam)

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3822230

 

■ Copyright

©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

*© 2026 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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PRESS RELEASE