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?
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