TECHMASH

Tag: #ClassicArcade

  • Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Shadow of the Overlord: SNK Brings NINJA MASTER’S to Steam with Premium Upgrades!

    Retro fighting game fans, it’s time to dust off your arcade sticks. SNK CORPORATION has officially announced that NINJA MASTER’S: The Scroll of the Ninja Emperor is making its way onto PC via Steam.

    The legendary 1996 weapon-based fighter is making its modern debut under SNK’s coveted NEOGEO Premium Selection label—a dedicated lineup curated by SNK and developed alongside emulation experts Code Mystics to give arcade classics the definitive, modern treatment they deserve.

    If you’ve been waiting to revisit the chaotic, war-torn realm of Jipangu, the wait is almost over. The game is officially available to wishlist on Steam right now for $19.99 / €19.99.

    Check out the official announcement trailer below to see it in action:

    What Makes NINJA MASTER’S a Cult Classic?

    Originally hitting arcades in 1996, NINJA MASTER’S stands out as one of the most uniquely stylised and mechanically deep fighters of the NEOGEO era. Set in a dark, fantasy-infused feudal Japan, the game follows 12 fierce warriors—including historical tyrants and legendary shinobi like Sasuke, Kasumi, and the iconic bosses Ranmaru and Nobunaga—clashing for ultimate supremacy.

    The game’s defining mechanic is its seamless real-time weapon switching. At any point during a match, players can toggle between armed and unarmed combat. Pulling out your blade changes your reach, damage, and combo routes completely, demanding quick tactical adjustments mid-fight. Combined with an incredibly open-ended combo system, it remains a hidden gem that fighting game purists swear by.

    Modern Enhancements for the Fighting Game Community

    SNK isn’t just dropping a standard ROM on Steam; the NEOGEO Premium Selection edition is packed with major quality-of-life upgrades tailored for modern competitive play:

    • Rollback Netcode: Say goodbye to lag. The game features fully implemented, buttery-smooth rollback netcode for seamless online matches worldwide.
    • 9-Player Lobbies & Tournaments: Gather the crew. Online lobbies support up to nine players, complete with a built-in Tournament Mode that offers Single Elimination, Double Elimination, and League (Round Robin) formats.
    • A Robust Practice Mode: Perfect your execution with dedicated training tools, including adjustable game speeds to help you learn those intricate, multi-hit combo routes.
    • Bonus Features: Challenge yourself in Time Attack Mode, unlock unique profile icons via Steam Achievements, and browse rare character artwork and design materials in the new Gallery Mode.

    The NEOGEO Premium Selection Keeps Growing

    NINJA MASTER’S marks the latest classic to join SNK’s premium initiative, following the successful Steam releases of Real Bout Fatal Fury 2 and World Heroes Perfect. It’s a fantastic era for retro preservation, ensuring these beautifully animated 2D sprites live on with the flawless online matchmaking they always deserved.

    Head over to Steam, hit that Wishlist button, and get ready to choose your style. Will you fight with the blade, or conquer with your bare fists?

    Find out more here

    #SNK #NinjaMasters #NeoGeo #RetroGaming #FGC #SteamGames #FightingGames #ClassicArcade #CodeMystics #PCGaming #TechMash

  • The Golden Age of Brawlers Returns: Mad King Redemption Hits Steam Early Access Next Week

    The Golden Age of Brawlers Returns: Mad King Redemption Hits Steam Early Access Next Week

    If you grew up draining your pocket money into arcade cabinets like Golden Axe or Final Fight, you’ll want to clear your schedule for next Thursday. Secret Mission Games, an indie studio comprised of seasoned industry veterans, has officially announced that its debut title, Mad King Redemption, will launch into Steam Early Access on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

    The Berlin-based team is aiming to recapture that “long afternoon at the arcade” feeling, but with a modern twist that respects your time and your need for deep progression.

    A Modern Take on Classic Carnage

    Mad King Redemption isn’t just a simple trip down memory lane. While it wears its 16-bit inspirations on its sleeve with stunning 2.5D pixel art, the gameplay is built for 2026. The game blends high-intensity, side-scrolling combat with a robust roguelite progression system, ensuring that even 20-minute “burst” sessions contribute to your overall power.

    The story follows a kingdom fallen to ruin after its ruler used forbidden magic in a desperate attempt to revive the queen. Now, the King has lost his sanity, and it’s up to a “brotherhood of heroes” to fight through hordes of corrupted enemies to bring him peace.

    Key Features to Watch For:

    • Four Playable Characters: Each hero features a unique combat style, customizable stats, and a personal backstory tied to their own quest for redemption.
    • The “Corruption” System: A high-risk, high-reward mechanic where the Mad King grants you forbidden powers. They make you stronger, but as the developers warn, “corrupted power comes at a price.”
    • Co-op Ready: Take on the hordes with a friend via Local Co-op or Steam Remote Play Together.
    • Dynamic Runs: Two distinct biomes, randomised elements, and challenging boss fights ensure no two attempts to reach the King are exactly the same.

    Industry Pedigree

    Despite being a debut title, Mad King Redemption arrives with significant momentum. The game has already scooped up the Very Big Indie Pitch award and was hand-selected by Valve to be featured in the official Steam Next Fest trailer.

    “We wanted to recreate that feeling of long afternoons at the arcade with your friends, playing through an epic quest in 20-minute bursts,” says Nicolo Girotti, co-founder of Secret Mission Games. “It’s built for the busy player who still craves depth and high-quality retro action.”

    Early Access Details

    The game is set to launch at $14.99 USD and will be available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The developers plan to remain in Early Access for roughly six to nine months, using community feedback to balance stats and scale up the number of heroes and stages before the 1.0 release.

    If you can’t wait until next Thursday, there is currently a playable demo available on the Steam page to give you a taste of the madness ahead.

    Are you ready to face the Mad King? Head over to Steam to wishlist the game and get notified the moment it drops on May 14!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/2369580

    #SecretMissionGames #MadKingRedemption #SteamEarlyAccess #ClassicArcade #SideScrollingBrawler #Biomes #BossFights #techmash #gamingnews #videogames #gamers #gaming