Valve and Nunchuck Games Inc., announced today the release of Ninja Reflex: Steamworks Edition. This special PC version of Ninja Reflex is available to users of Steam, Valve's pioneering digital distribution platform.

Ninja Reflex uses a series of martial arts challenges to test gamers' reflexes, sharpen their hand-eye coordination, and measure their reaction times to the millisecond. To hone their skills, players wield throwing stars, katanas, nunchucks, and even chopsticks. The game tracks player progress via belt ranks, from White Belt all the way to Black Belt, 3rd Degree. Players also learn from their Sensei how to meditate in order to stay relaxed while maintaining mental focus.

Ninja Reflex: Steamworks Edition makes use of Steamworks, Valve's recently released suite of development and publishing tools. Among other exclusive features, the Steamworks edition of Ninja Reflex offers a wide array of achievements. As players attain new belt ranks and their skills increase, they can earn over 50 achievements, the most of any game on Steam to date. Ninja Reflex: Steamworks Edition also features a special "basket" of Easter Eggs from the universe of Half-Life and Portal.

Ninja Reflex has received the support of several champion martial artists. Master Herb Perez, Taekwondo Olympic gold medalist and head of the USA Taekwondo Team for the 2008 Olympics, said, "Ninja Reflex captures the true spirit of the martial arts."

"Hand-eye coordination and hair-trigger reflexes are one of the most important attributes in martial arts, and I think that playing Ninja Reflex actually increases the speed of the reflexes; I felt myself having to get faster and faster as I worked my way up the ranks," said Steve Cotter, two-time USA National Champion in full-contact Kuoshu Kung Fu.

Professor Steven Maxwell, six-time champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, said, "I'm very happy to see a game out there showing the true purpose of martial arts, which is inner development."

"Ninja Reflex is a game that we think will resonate with the Steam community due to its 'hardcore casual' nature and use of Steamworks achievements," said Jason Holtman, director of business development at Valve.

"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," said David Luntz, president of Nunchuck Games.