NINJA MASTER’S Joins NEOGEO Premium Selection
NINJA MASTER’S Joins NEOGEO Premium Selection on Steam
SNK Corporation has announced that NINJA MASTER’S is coming to Steam as part of the NEOGEO Premium Selection lineup.
Originally released in arcades by SNK in 1996, the classic fighting game is being upgraded for modern players with online features, training tools, and new competitive options. Players can already add the game to their Steam wishlist ahead of its upcoming release.
A Classic NEOGEO Fighter Returns
NINJA MASTER’S takes place in Jipangu, a fictional country inspired by feudal Japan. In this war-torn land, 12 martial artists gather to prove their strength.
The roster includes ninjas, exorcists, swordsmen, thieves, monks, and other fighters, each with their own weapons, fighting style, and story connection to the growing conflict.
One of the game’s defining mechanics is the ability to switch between armed and unarmed combat in real time. Players need to understand when to use weapons, when to fight barehanded, and how to adjust their style depending on the opponent.
Real-Time Weapon Switching Adds Depth
The combat system gives NINJA MASTER’S a unique identity among classic arcade fighters.
Each character has access to different combo routes and weapon-based techniques. Since players can shift between armed and unarmed fighting during battle, the game rewards timing, matchup knowledge, and flexible decision-making.
This makes the game approachable for players who want fast arcade action, while still giving advanced players deeper systems to master.
12 Fighters Including Ranmaru and Nobunaga
The game features 12 fighters, including boss characters Ranmaru and Oda Nobunaga.
Key characters include Sasuke, a renegade ninja carrying a heavy destiny; Kamui, his best friend and rival; Kasumi, a determined young kunoichi; Natsume, a fast combo-focused fighter; and Goemon, a legendary thief with tricky movement and unpredictable attacks.
The final boss, Nobunaga, is described as a powerful warlord corrupted by demonic force, returning to conquer the world and becoming the central enemy for the roster.
Rollback Netcode and Online Lobbies
The Steam version adds rollback netcode for smoother online matches against players around the world.
It also supports online lobbies for up to 9 players, giving fighting game fans room to gather, spectate, and challenge one another. Players can also toggle hidden characters on or off, depending on how they want matches to be played.
For competitive players, the game includes Tournament Mode with Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League formats.
Practice Mode, Time Attack, and Achievements
The upgraded version also adds more tools for players who want to improve.
Practice Mode includes expanded functions, including speed adjustment to help players train combos more effectively. The game also includes Time Attack Mode for players who want to challenge their own skill and push for better times.
Achievements are also included, allowing players to unlock and collect icons as they continue playing.
About NEOGEO Premium Selection
NEOGEO Premium Selection is SNK’s series that brings classic NEOGEO arcade titles back with modern enhancements.
The lineup focuses on premium re-releases with new features such as improved online play, stronger training options, and other additions designed to make older arcade games easier to enjoy today.
For NINJA MASTER’S, that means keeping the original fighting game identity while adding the modern systems that fighting game fans now expect.
Release Details
NINJA MASTER’S is planned for release on Steam.
SNK lists the release date as Coming Soon, with a planned price of $19.99 / €19.99. The game supports 1–2 players offline and 1–9 players online.
Players can already visit the Steam page and add the game to their wishlist.
NINJA MASTER’S is a strong pick for the NEOGEO Premium Selection because its weapon-switching system still gives it a distinct fighting game flavor. Adding rollback netcode, online lobbies, tournament formats, and better practice tools makes the revival more than a simple rerelease. For fighting game fans who enjoy classic arcade mechanics with modern online support, this is one to watch on Steam.
