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DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
A relatively obscure 1996 side-scrolling "Double Dragon style" fighting game for the
NEOGEO system. Although this game was given, and still holds, proto status here, it
remains a mystery as to whether or not it was ever assigned a software product number.
Initially, there were also several inconsistencies with this entry.
1) The developer (Yumekobo) was not an actual NEOGEO licensee until a year later,
in 1997, when it released its' first title, Blazing Star. However, since this writing,
we learned that IREM, AICOM, YUBIS, SAMMY, and YUMEKOBO have crossed paths in the industry.
2) This genre was "retired" for the NEOGEO system in 1993 with the release of
Sengoku 2, and with the exception of Sengoku 3 in 2001, the genre remained dead. However,
since this writing, we learned that the game began development much earlier then thought.
3) The coin credit counters utilize an EQUAL (=) sign rather then an "S" when multiple
credits are present, which no other NEOGEO game does. This one remains an anomaly.
4) Neither a title screen, nor any color screen shots, have ever been found of this game.
This too remains an anomaly, but we have since acquired artist sketches and drafts for it.
The true story of this game has finally come to light as a former Yumekobo staff member
came foward and discussed the project. The game was a final fight type game with huge bossess
but yet with a small hero as your character. Perhaps like Nintendo did with the NES/famicom
port of Punch Out with the "Little Mac" character. The game had 8 stages, 4 different endings,
and was apparently completed and even location tested. Although the location test was not
completely accurate or fair as apparently President Inoue of Aicom was not supportive and
subversively wanted to kill the project.
PLEASE NOTE: Both QP and Karate Ninja Sho share NGM-204 because it is still
unconfirmed which one retained the assigned number after it's cancelation.
INFORMATION TIMELINE:
-- July 1996 -- An early beta of Karate Ninja Shou is given a location test in Tokyo, Japan.
-- August 1996 -- Former Aicom, Sammy, Tomy, & Takara employees form Yumekobo company.
-- October 1996 -- Neo Geo Freak Magazine has a 2 page preview of Karate Ninja Sho.
-- November 1996 -- The project was killed and the test cart was presumably destroyed.
-- January 1998 -- Yumekobo releases Blazing Star (Pulstar 2) for the Neo Geo.
-- March 2000 -- Yumekobo is formally dissolved as part of SNK's restructuring.
CURRENT STATUS: UNCONFIRMED
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