The Last Ninja

System 3

Industry	Video games
Founded	1987
Products	The Last Ninja

The Last Ninja is an action-adventure game created and distributed by System 3 in 1987 for the Commodore 64. Subsequent ports appeared on Apple IIGS, MS-DOS, BBC Micro, and Acorn Electron in 1988, followed by the Apple II version in 1989. In 1990, it was adapted for the Amiga and Atari ST under the title Last Ninja Remix, with an additional release for the Acorn Archimedes arriving in 1991.

Recognized as one of the Commodore 64's standout successes, this title inaugurated the lucrative Last Ninja franchise, which later expanded with Last Ninja 2 and Last Ninja 3.

Gameplay

The Last Ninja merges exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat mechanics. Players assume the role of ninja Armakuni, tasked with breaching the fortress of the malevolent shogun Kunitoki to avenge his clan and reclaim sacred scrolls. Enemy adversaries grow more challenging as they adapt ninja combat techniques.

The user interface presents enemy energy levels and inventory on the right side, while player health is displayed at the bottom. Utilizing an isometric viewpoint, players can navigate Armakuni in eight directions relative to his orientation, though movement is limited by environmental barriers. Careful maneuvering is essential to avoid traps and hazards. Interactions with environmental features such as Buddha shrines or water fountains provide hints toward locating key items, which are frequently concealed within foliage and briefly illuminated upon entering new zones.

Combat requires directional commands combined with an attack button to strike foes’ head, torso, or legs. Players may equip various weapons including the ninjato, nunchaku, staff, shuriken, and smoke bombs.

Development

Development began within System 3’s Hungarian division over nearly a year by SoftView, a subdivision of Novotrade Software. Despite this effort, the financial advance was returned and the Hungarian team did not receive credit. SoftView employed a custom Forth-like programming language to facilitate portability, dedicating considerable time to both language and engine creation. Although some levels were completed, project deadlines were missed, resulting in the code being sent back to London where John Twiddy rebuilt the engine specifically for the Commodore 64.

Cale explained: "The entire concept originated from me. The idea behind The Last Ninja was to create an isometric adventure that would stand apart from typical side-scrolling platformers. Given hardware constraints, an isometric perspective was perfect for sparking imagination. Controlling a ninja—a spiritual warrior—allowed us to blend arcade-style action with puzzle-driven adventure instead of endless fighting. Our goal was to evolve the simple cursor from Adventure on the Atari 2600 into a fully interactive 3D experience."

Ports

Following its initial release on Commodore 64, versions for Apple IIGS (1987), Atari ST, and MS-DOS (1988) were published by Activision. Meanwhile, Superior Software handled conversions for BBC Micro, Acorn Electron (1988), and Acorn Archimedes (1992). Although adaptations for Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum were developed, they never reached publication. The title later saw re-release on the Wii Virtual Console in Europe (April 2008) and North America (February 2009), marking it as one of the earliest Commodore 64 games available on that platform.

Reception

Computer Gaming World commended the game's "exceptional graphical quality." The Last Ninja enjoyed remarkable commercial achievements, with sales in Europe alone exceeding 750,000 copies and global multi-platform sales reaching over 2 million units. According to System 3's Mark Cale, worldwide sales approached 4 million copies, establishing it as the top-selling title for the Commodore 64 during that period.

The game garnered widespread critical praise and numerous accolades for its creativity and groundbreaking features. At the 1988 Golden Joystick Awards, it was honored as a runner-up for Game of the Year. UGO recognized its innovative combat mechanics, which allowed targeting specific body parts, along with environmental challenges, a variety of weapons, and concealed items—elements that contribute to its lasting complexity despite its age.

External links

• Last Ninja Archives
• Ninja Remix at Amiga Hall of Light