Part 2: Looking Back at Creating the Last Ninja Series - Evolution and Legacy

[@System3SoftwareGames]

Thank you all so much for your support. Lots of System 3 fans in the house :) Become a backer here www.kickstarter.com/projects/lastninjacollection/the-last-ninja-collection-bonus-games-on-switch-and-pc

[@SonganDrakensang]

oh yes, here are really big fans... we waits for new riddle games in c64-style

[@Polytricity]

@@SonganDrakensang There was a really big fan in Last Ninja 2, blew me away!

[@Yassaganni]

We had no idea what it took to try and bring about a Last Ninja 4 to the modern age. We were too quick to blame System 3 and Mark for this as I for one had been waiting for 20 plus years for a Last Ninja 4. Waiting in anticipation since the original Xbox days. Thank you very much for explaining the hurdles that the company has gone through. It's very sad to hear this. Now the understanding is there. The series remains such an iconic set of games not only for the game itself but the music score that continues to bring about nostalgic memories to an entire 80s/90's generation who had a C64/Amiga. I do hope one day a "Return of the Ninja" comes to fruition for another generation to experience or at the very least a remastered version of the original three similar to what Goldmaster series have done with Jordan Mechners Karateka re-mastered.

[@kufjapierdziele]

Last Ninja have to be isometric. There is no better time for this than now. I am full of admiration for System 3 for trying of release a new game but I'm not sure if they can handle it it current times and economics. Love!

[@Ravenh4wk]

The Last Ninja and it'sequel are some of my favourite games from way back when they were released on the C64 in 1987/88. In fact, I still have them! I remember playing the first one and then was really excited to learn that the sequel was being made. They were difficult (mainly due to the limited controls) but, very addictive. It's a real pity that the newer versions were never made, as they look really good.

[@jaggafredde]

I’m so glad the Kickstarter got fully funded even up to the stretch goal with the HD remake! The Last Ninja is the ultimate nostalgia trip for me, there is no other game in history that pulls me back in time the same way with a smile on my face, the music alone is enough to get me smiling. So good!

[@commodoreclub]

Wonderful Project. Vi appoggieremo fino alla fine. Grazie di cuore System 3.

[@davidepalombo2141]

I could not imagine that behind a video game could be this trivia... as a proud c64 and last ninja owner i wish you all the best!

[@-Steven-]

One of my married friends got the original last ninja for the c64. Both he and his wife used to sit round a portable colour tv trying to complete it which in the end they did along with Last Ninja 2 and 3, sadly his wife passed away a few years ago. One of my very fond memories was the first time i saw them playing The Last Ninja 1, they were trying to climb down a wall which they couldn't seem to do and they just kept falling off because you needed to be walking backward when you approached the edge and in the exact right position, it took several tries before they realised you had to put away everything you were holding so the ninja could hold onto the wall. When they finally managed it you could feel the relief. That poor C64 and TV was on for about 3 weeks without ever being turned off because there was no save feature like you get now and what with work and bringing up 5 kids it didn't leave them much time to play every day. Good times that I miss like crazy and yes they both hated those bloody jumps over the swamp and lake, Its been about 20+ years since I spoke to him last but I do know that he still has his original C64 and The Last Ninja 1,2 and 3 tapes that both he and his wife used to play all those years ago.

[@JestersDeadUK]

Good times my friend, good times…

[@darthdraken766]

What's for a sad and at the same time wonderful story about Last Ninja, they never turned off the computer... I think it is time to contact your friend.. im sure he will love the add ones from the Kickstarter Last Ninja Collection, like the Poster, the mugs and all the other stuff around the collection ..

[@wardehaj]

It is great to support The Last Ninja on kickstarter. Still hoping for The Last Ninja 4 at any time an/or remastered versions on The Last Ninja 1-3 with enhanced graphics and audio

[@ColneCrusader]

These games mean a great deal to me. Never was I more excited about a game as a kid than The Last Ninja 1 and 2. I remember waiting a month for Ninja 2 to arrive from a mail order company, complete with the rubber Shuriken and Ninja Mask! 😁 Great times!

[@The_Last_Ninja]

Gotta get me some of this!

[@TheIsolatedGamerz]

You guys smashed the pledge amount, congrats. Looking forward to picking this game up on release.

[@SonganDrakensang]

the kickstarter ends and the Last Ninja 1 HD continues... i am so excited. Thank you System 3

[@Evilnishi]

before watching video i wanted change diamind to normal but after see the video and the love that you have for our last ninja i cant change my support will be fullest, dont geve up for last ninja 4! maybe you ca do in 2d isometric like hades!

[@RavageReeves]

we need a new trilogy. last ninja 4, 5 and 6.

[@dazamad]

I plan to back this. Only just caught this. I hope it helps move thing for a future ninja game. I would buy it😊

[@JimmyTheGuz]

Thank you System3 for creating my my most favorite game series ever. If The Last Ninja 4 ever comes out, I would purchase the physical collectors edition right away for any platform. The game looks great and fans would love it.

[@SonganDrakensang]

i agree... i also buy the last ninja collection for the PS5. Even if i have not a PS5... but i will love it to support System 3... and it will gives a reason to buy a playstation at the moment, i can hold the Ninja Collection in my hands

[@azalea_k]

the Last Ninja series means a lot to me, and I even had the LN2 world speedrun record for a month or so. So many memories, System 3, thanks! 💗

[@lee5111]

Very interesting. I'm curious with how the controls are going to translate to modern pads. Hopefully we'll see some optional quality of life improvements in regards to control. I would love to see more in the series. perhaps a smaller game in the vein of the originals with really nice 2d backdrops & analogue controls, perhaps update the combat system. sprinkle in some nice cut scenes & focus on the mystical story I really like the highlander inspiration.

[@HKvalhe]

The Amiga version of Ninja Remix is very faithful to the C64 version in both graphic and music. Really love these games and they have inspired me to create my own version and even fan made Amiga music of these games. I hope a new Last Ninja 4 will show up or at least support the idea of doing it the way it was done with Ninja Remix for Amiga 🥰❤️🙏

[@luigimelis8465]

loved the sounds and graphics..it was the first game I completed with no tips. last ninja and last ninja 2 were the best for music. I had the sounds on my mp3 player during my moto rides....what times....the 80's

[@pawelg.595]

I will back you up. Can't wait to play The Last Ninja IV. My childhood was Amiga 500, and The Last Ninja 2 of course.

[@mulletmcnugget]

Was an instant back for me, albeit the digital version as that's all I can afford. Looking forward to playing International karate on my switch though!

[@SonganDrakensang]

Great News: System 3 plans a "Last Ninja 1 HD".. check the latest update21 in the kickstarter :)

[@marcelengels1079]

Yes still remember that Zzap! 64 front cover, I had a lot of those and C+VG. Probably was the first time I tried out The Last Ninja, on that cassette. Also remember the Sanxion music player (I think it was Sanxion) where you could mix various tracks. Fantastic time.

[@HKvalhe]

Beautiful 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@franargenio]

A C64 version of LN4. Old school. Lower costs. Launch a new Kickstarter for it, I will jump immediately to support that one too.

[@iwantthemoonback4198]

Loving these insights (and thank you Slopes Game Room too!) Can't wait to play all these versions (although my C64 bias will never shift!) Thanks guys 🙏🙏🙏

[@GadgetUK164]

Again fascinating to see all the history on this! I would love to know what happened to the plans to sell Last Ninja 3 on cart (all the companies that sold games had it listed as "coming soon" - order now on cart), but by the time it released, it was only available on cassette. Was it due to the lack of sales of the 64GS?

[@EvilKris]

good luck with all that. Last Ninja is probably the reason I became an indie dev myself. I know more than most how hard it is to get recognition out there amongst the tidal waves of games coming out each and every day on Steam and the like-- it's an uphill struggle. And though Last Ninja might be immensely popular amongst us who were 12 when it came out I wonder if we're a big enough pool to financially float it fully to completion. wish i could lend a hand somehow. Last Ninja is a game close to my heart. Well, my channel is my 'portfolio' - if you think I could contribute in some way (few hrs a week for free) give me a shout!

[@holgerbahr8961]

If you're in the mood for a treat, be sure to look up this gem on KZbin from 14 years ago: "The Last Ninja - Main Theme for Classical Guitar (Arrangement)" by Jamie Maxwell.

[@RavageReeves]

are we getting the last ninja trilogy remakes soon? with the ability to have on the fly changes from classic 8 bit graphics to new HD graphic, old music to new matt grays remix's and sound effects ?

[@SOULDEZIGNER]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@RavageReeves]

last ninja 4 demo looks spectacular. it looks similar to Ghost of Tsushima and it could be a big blockbuster

[@scapeyblah4367]

Its such a shame, the games that come out these days are all graphics and no game play. 80`s and early 90`s were so much better for gaming

[@woods7321]

Would be excellent if you could somehow add Fastloaders Ninja Musicology to the games

[@trydowave]

Pixel perfect swamp? ohh... the boxes in LN2 basement stage were worse! i think me an a mate even refered to that level as the bl00dy boxes stage. but. we had a lot more perseverance back then. its the only bit now that trips me up. You have to admit though... if you could sail through it, it only takes about 20mins to complete,so it added to the longevity and the sense of achievement when you got passed those obstacles. ;)

[@onlogica]

Last Ninja VR😀

[@nightbeast8105]

I remember spectrum preview screen shots for ninja 1 back in the day, but the mags at the time said that the ninja 2 project overtook ninja 1 and so was cancelled. do you guys still have any code or unfinished builds knocking about on an old floppy/cassette you could release and let the current Speccy community try reverse engineer and maybe finish?

[@murrayreid2748]

Played Last Ninja 2 first so naturally a tad biased towards it vs LN1 & its horrid swamps & pebbles,sorry John!😅 Felt LN3 was a victim of being rushed out,as Stan Schembri's earlier Vendetra gave the Last Ninja gameplay a bit more variety.👍 TBH,liked the isometric stills of the ps1 era,but yep crying shame the PS2 era version wasn't able to get off the ground!😑 Doubt if Mark Cale will see this, but would buy Robocod & James Pond if System 3 still had the rights like they did back around ps2/ps33 era I think!😁

[@claudioimperio7989]

Because ln4 with graphic of hades You dont like?

[@lifeschool]

Last Ninja 1 and 2 were the top C64 and ZX games of ALL TIME. Never got in to 3, I just kept walking off cliffs and dying. Sadly, Last Ninja 2 was among the worst ports to the Amiga of all time. ;)

[@DejaVuDejaVuDejaVu]

Last Ninja Series in Unreal Engine 5.5 would be amazing, please :) ?

[@trydowave]

A question for Mark. Instead of a new Last Nnja game for modern systems, what do you think of making it, be it LN4 or a new ninja game to the C64 now? Some of the best games have been made for the system now and even old companies have resurfaced to make new stuff. would it be possible to get the old team baclk together to make LN4. But this time with more levels and the bugs (pixel jumps), ironed out? Long shot, I know, but id thought id ask as im here ;)

[@gautelundal9940]

Last Ninja VR?

[@cyrillesegers522]

Not even close to ninja gaiden graphics

[@Frank_42]

Why did everyone in the 80s have a "Last" something? Sho Kosugi was supposed to be the Last Ninja, but they kept on making more ninja movies. It gets ironic when you get Last Ninja 1, 2, & 3.

[@mehere3013]

its a game I never really liked , can just play original roms on emulation

[@GenX_in_the_wild]

The games where really bad. Only the soundtrack was amazing. Without that music, nobody would care about these games..

[@consty715]

Sony America, Sega America, Nintendo America. Why the japanese give them so much leeway when they always fuck it up

[@danielmagnus5239]

The first Last Ninja was briljant. Last Ninja 2 was a big disappointment.

[@ehenyor]

I respect your opinion, sir, but I fear that you are in the minority.

[@_Quint_]

​@@ehenyorwithout a doubt. The second game is the one ingrained most in people's memories, largely down to the legendary music score. Both are nostalgic favourites of mine, but LN2 on the C64 is the one I still think about all these years later. It's very bittersweet, that these wonderfully formative games have faded into almost total obscurity now.

[@JestersDeadUK]

You’re talking utter shit mate you wombat, the sequel was JUST as good if not better… the Empire Strikes Back, Lethal Weapon 2 or T2 of the bunch.

[@JestersDeadUK]

@@ehenyorI don’t, he’s talking bubbles

[@SirCrofty]

I wish that I liked LN2 more, but truth be told I could never consistently get past that darn boat jumping segment in the first level. That's why the first game will always hold a more special place in my heart.