Publisher CFK and developer Asteroid-J announced a Ninja Issen playable demo is now available.

The new Ninja Issen playable demo is now available for PC, over on the game’s Steam page, as part of the latest Steam Next Fest.

Here’s the most recent trailer for the game, from its Kickstarter campaign:

Here’s a rundown on the game:

「Ninja Issen」 is a retro-style ninja platformer that features a variety of hyper action, 1 vs. many battles, and dynamic boss fights. Paying homage to the ninja games of the classic 8-16 bit era, 「Ninja Issen」 will be full of ninjas, robots, neon lights, and dark atmosphere that overwhelms the streets of the future metropolis.

You will be 「Kiba」, a rogue ninja who was falsely accused of assassinating the grand master of his clan. In his desperate fight to escape from other ninjas trying to avenge his crime, 「Kiba」 suddenly finds himself in the middle of the world he has never seen.

THE GAME

In 「Ninja Issen」, you will always encounter 1 vs. many battles in which you must use everything to survive. The enemies come in many types and designs, large in number and ready to strike wherever you go.

Fortunately, 「Kiba」 is a seasoned and skillful ninja who can overcome dangers ahead of him. Use 「Kiba」’s weapons and abilities to cut down rushing enemies, and explore the future metropolis.

• Katana: 「Kiba」’s main weapon which is highly effective in close combat.
• Shuriken: Used for long-range attack and to deflect enemy projectile.
• Teleport: 「Kiba」 can teleport by throwing his katana to the spot he wishes to reach. Use it to jump between high structures and pass through traps like a pro ninja.

Combine 「Kiba」’s weapons and skills to make your own ninja fighting style.

BOSS BATTLE

Each stage will have a boss that features unique patterns and gimmicks. As 「Kiba」, you will need to find out how to withstand their threatening attacks, and achieve victory in the end.

When the boss’ remaining HP reaches a certain point, the battle will move on to phase 2, where it will show new and fiercer attacks. In some of the boss battles you can destroy parts of the bosses, after which slight changes may occur in their patterns.

Ninja Issen is currently in development for Windows PC (via Steam) and Nintendo Switch, with a release set for sometime in 2022.