Valve, Nunchuck Bring Ninja Reflex To Steam

Valve and Nunchuck Games have announced that a special PC version of Nunchuck's Ninja Reflex, previously exclusive to the Wii and DS, has been added to Steam, with Steamworks functionality that adds both achievements and traditional martial arts "belt" rankings. Originally conceived of by the previously interviewed 'micropublisher' Nunchuck Games, Ninja Reflex was developed by Sanzaru Games for the Wii and DS, and published by Electronic Arts. Sanzaru CEO Greg Egan recently spoke to Gamasutra about both the game's development process on the Wii and its "hardcore casual" appeal. The title's gameplay involves six different challenges tasking players with developing "ninja skills," using a series of martial arts challenges to test reflexes and measure reaction times with millisecond precision. The so-called "Steamworks Edition" of the game will offer over 50 achievements -- more than any other game on the platform, Valve notes -- belt rankings, and a "basket" of Easter Eggs from the Half-Life and Portal universe. The game is also heavily discounted from its console and handheld counterparts, being offered at $9.95 versus a respective $39.99 and $29.99. Said Nunchuck president David Luntz, "As a small indie publisher, it's an honor to receive the support of Valve in our efforts to deliver a unique gaming experience at a price point the Steam community will appreciate."