Ninja Cats: Tactics launches for PC via Steam Early Access on April 27
Pit-Step has confirmed that they will launch an Early Access version of Ninja Cats: Tactics for PC via Steam on April 27. The Early Access run is expected to last for a period between 9 and 12 months.
This tactical RPG will have a voice-based command interaction system as one of its defining features, and the new Japanese press release mentions the Nintendo 64 game Hey You, Pikachu! as inspiration. But in order to implement this, Pit-Step relies on an AI service to process voice inputs in not only Japanese but also English and Chinese. The company has since changed the AI service from OpenAI Whisper in the initial reveal to Google Gemini.
But despite this kind of AI usage, Pit-Step has also clarified that none of the visual assets in the game's screenshots and trailers are made with generative AI. The company assures that the illustrations, 3D models, and animations are all made by hand by human creators.
In addition, the Japanese official website for Ninja Cats: Tactics has also listed the Japanese voice actors for the game's main characters and Ninja Cats. The Japanese press release notes that these voice actors are VTubers from agencies and groups like Holostars, Vlash, NoriPro, Specialite, and Uniraid.
You can find new screenshots for Ninja Cats: Tactics, along with descriptions for the Early Access run taken from the Steam page right below.
Why Early Access?
“NINJA CATS: Tactics aims to deliver a new kind of game experience where players raise 16 distinct characters with different personalities through microphone-based voice communication and fight tactical battles together with other players as true buddies.
Because each character’s personality, reactions, and relationship with the player are at the core of the experience, we believe the game will become even more engaging by developing it alongside our community, playing together, listening to feedback, and refining the experience over time.”Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?
“We currently expect the Early Access period to last approximately 9 to 12 months. To ensure the overall quality of the game and to further refine the voice conversation experience, progression systems, and battle balance, the timeline may be adjusted as needed. We plan to regularly share development progress and future plans through Steam announcements and other updates.”How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?
“We are currently planning to add the following features in the full version. These elements will be implemented flexibly, with priorities and details adjusted based on feedback gathered during the Early Access period.
- Expansion of dojo events, including the addition of a “Training Mode” to the progression system
- Tuning and adjustments to the ninja cats’ personalities and reactions
- Exploration of new camera angles and modes that make the ninja cats feel even cuter and more lovable
- Implementation of tournament features for online PvP mode
- Implementation of a crafting feature that allows players to customize their dojo”What is the current state of the Early Access version?
“At the launch of the Early Access version, the following features will be playable.
- Voice-input-based raising mode (currently supports English, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese)
- 16 ninja cat characters, each with unique personalities and skills, all fully voiced
- Story mode with a total of 22 episodes, fully voiced in Japanese
- Tactical battles (single-player: battles against NPCs)
- Tactical battles (online PvP: matchmaking-based battles against other players)”Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?
“After the full release, the price of the game may increase slightly. This adjustment helps support ongoing maintenance and future updates. By purchasing the game during Early Access, you can enjoy it at a more affordable price.”How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?
“In NINJA CATS: Tactics, players can actively take part in the development process in the following ways.
- Sharing development updates and participating in discussions through the Steam Community
- Providing feedback and responding to surveys via platforms such as Discord
Through these efforts, we aim to adjust update priorities and features while growing the game together with the community. The future of NINJA CATS: Tactics will be shaped by your voices. Please add the game to your wishlist and join us on this journey.”