The Last Ninja - Main Theme for Classical Guitar (Arrangement)

Hello! Well, this definitely takes the crown for most difficult (and longest) arrangement I've ever done!
Dedicated to XrustynutsX from the Eurogamer forums (thank you for the support rusty - I appreciate it). Sadly this will be one of my last arrangements as I want to focus on my own compositions. But who knows? Maybe one day I'll get to compose for video games professionally!
All the best and thank you for listening, I hope this arrangement does the original justice!
Jamie x

[@BenDaglish]

Nice. Very very nice.

[@MarkTDKKnight]

From the man himself!!!! :)

[@couerl]

Greatest video game music ever written hands down and then my next favorite is from Descent 2 with Ogre and Skinny Puppy, awesome industrial-techno music. So awesome to see Ben here himself, wow!

[@FabledGentleman]

Ben. Did you come up with the tracks yourself?. I can almost guarantee i heard one of the songs from last Ninja being played by a Chinese Orchestra once, either they played your music, or you borrowed from somewhere. In case of the latter, what song was it?

[@BenDaglish]

No - I wrote them all myself. I "borrowed" at other times in my career, but Last Ninja was all original.

[@FabledGentleman]

Well Ben, big kudos to you. You deserve it, not only did you make some of the best sid tunes of all times, especially wastelands and wilderness, but you made some of the best music tracks for a game in all of history. In my book you, Rob Hubbard, Joeren Tel, Matt Gray, David Whittaker, Markus Schneider, Martin Galway and Chris Huelsbeck are heroes. I grew up in the 80's, and i was 7 years old when i got my c64. I know about half of the tracks for last ninja was composed by someone else, but it is your tracks that stood the test of time. I hope you have listened to all the remixes of your tunes on remix.kwed.org - if not, do it, some of them are so good. Here is me hoping that one day you can "renew" some of your tunes just like Huelsbeck does.

[@killpilger]

Still listening to this 10 years later. It's a masterpiece. RIP Ben Daglish.

[@johankaewberg9512]

Ben lives within me.

[@mystscot9814]

I never realised Ben passed away until I saw your comment, sad news to hear, he will always be a legend in the C64 community.

[@deanhowlett6905]

R.I.P Ben Daglish. Of all the great pieces he wrote, this is the one I will always associate him most with.

[@dizlike88]

Ben Daglish ❤️ Rest in peace.

[@vix_in_japan]

This is stunningly beautiful, a fitting tribute to the sad passing of Ben Daglish RIP :( x

[@krad2520]

The already emotion-filled composition of this song just hits like a truck with the added context of Ben's passing. Years go by and this track remains evergreen.

[@mrmichael9315]

You know, it's been years since I first heard this, and it's still the best remix I've ever heard of a video game song.

[@TheHammersmashdave]

one of the most gorgeous pieces of recorded music on all of KZbin. I’ll never forget this video until the day I die.

[@DC-ef5qk]

Still coming back to this - after all these years. My goto magical piece to pick me up. Love it.

[@astrideavolta]

Thank you DC, that means a hell of a lot. Hope you're doing well. Take care :)

[@Avean]

Still coming back to this song. The Last Ninja games has so many melodic pieces that waits to be reborn again with youre talent.

[@indiana-dani]

RIP Ben Daglish... your music lives on in the spirit of Armakuni

[@DRLVIRUS]

Found this about 5 years ago,,,and it's still one of the best things I've ever heard :)

[@astrideavolta]

Why thank you! That's very kind!

[@astrideavolta]

Haha cheers! I'm desperately trying to finish more (been saying that for years) but life is getting in the way!

[@astrideavolta]

Thank you, and anyone else who's watching, for being so patient!

[@YoshYouYube]

I only found this recently. it's marvelous, like it was always meant that way.

[@alirezaie6263]

Jamie I discovered your remake just when you recently released it. Thank you for making a 34-year old man cry and traveling 30 years back in time in just of a split second.

[@1472Ravean]

You have no idea how long I´ve been waiting for this. I loved this game for it´s music back then... actually I only played it to listen to this marvelous music. I think that it actually is the greatest music ever composed for a game. You did an awesome job... the best remix of this song I´ve heard so far and I heard alot. Thank you

[@jeanninesandmayer2926]

God bless legend. Rest in piece, you will always live on through the tears of those who know.....

[@bareheads]

Just traveled some 20 years back in time for almost 6 minutes. You've really managed to catch the essence of a true C64 classic. Thank you.

[@emils7749]

Rest in peace Ben and thank you for all.....😢

[@prospero4183]

Bloody fantastic, a theme fit for a spaghetti western with ninjas in.

[@ericsminia]

well... as a long time c64 enthusiast....most c64 covers I don't like.. but this.... this is beautiful. very well done. Benn Daglish (R.I.P) original was beautiful and you managed to capture his spirit in this magnificent arrangement. thank you for this musical treat and a worthy salute to Benn.

[@merisonola]

*What a hidden gem this is.* If only more people knew about this game. There'd be so many more likes.

[@astrideavolta]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I haven't forgotten about you all I promise!! Hopefully more to come....

[@norwayitalo]

i can not tell u how f.. i love this!!!!

[@aliakram4594]

Can i use this sound in my game?

[@SteveFusionX]

ali akram are u making a game?

[@jawnwb]

Hello. This music is awesome. Have you considered releasing it on bandcamp so people can buy it? Please consider doing so!

[@eslotteroy]

+Jamie Maxwell Still return to listen to this every once and awhile.. Masterpiece.

[@Avean]

7 years later and im still listening to this. Just amazing ....

[@foxmarshall4402]

I still listen to this everyday, to calm a beating mind...it is simply brilliant ....!!!

[@johanrevelid2067]

I acutally got chills... soo good! and the memories... Thank you!

[@whmozart]

this is a timeless masterpiece and I am so glad that someone played with matching talent. One of the best things I've heard on youtube (or guitar playing in general)

[@ARMAKUNI01]

This arrangement always finds its way on my main playlist at the time and has done for years. It's always welcome when it arrives as the next song and I often repeat it several times. Ben is a Legend for creating this. I spent many hours listening to his Last Ninja OST growing up on the C64 as I played Armakuni. Thank you for making this arrangement, it's simply brilliant.

[@Phelixc]

Ben Daglishs music has been stuck in my head for 25+ years now. May he rests in peace.

[@DisonantDyscord]

I stumbled across this earlier today while looking for something else and I've already listened to it several times. To say I am ABSOLUTELY FLOORED by this rendition of that song is a gross understatement. I remember playing the Last Ninja 1 & 2 games on C64 as a kid and being so into the music in the game. This just took it to a whole new level of awesomeness I never thought possible. Great work, mate. I would definitely love a cd version of this track if it ever becomes available. :-)

[@maxbrandt6]

Absolutely gorgeous cover the main theme, if ever there is a modern day update to this classic computer game I sincerely hope this is the version of the main theme used. Most excellent, Mr. Maxwell!

[@datriaxsondor590]

This video just informed me of Ben's passing. Awful news. Sad to hear it. RIP, Ben.

[@dava_arvarabi]

RIP Ben Daglish

[@igormarkovic5010]

Ben Daglish.Man who marked many today's old players young days.

[@MarkTDKKnight]

This was lovely 8 years ago, and now with the news of Ben's passing, this arrangement says even more to me.....

[@zooropaforever]

Getting the credits for this stunning version from "the man" himself it's something like winning the gold medal at the olympics.

[@TSpancer80]

You created a very deep and beautiful version of this awesome song. Your interpretation really mean a lot to me. It remembers me on my childhood, playing with the C64 of my older brother. This game, with his awesome soundtrack, atmosphere and spirit stuck in my head for over 30 years. Now it helps me in this weird times. Also it helps me actually relieve my pain because a beloved family member gone too soon. Thank you very much. Greetings.

[@andreaswahlberg100]

This is a masterpiece and it immediately takes me back to the eighties.

[@astrideavolta]

That's very kind of you - thank you!

[@stevereddin7253]

The beat of the base, the strum of the guitar, the memory of the game and the fantastic ageless Ben brought to our lives. One of the few times a tribute holds up to the original.

[@Couchfighter4]

How the heck can anyone press thumbs down on this, how you let me down sometimes, humanity :/

[@astrideavolta]

You can't please everyone, and I respect their opinions! People like yourself keep me going though!

[@thomas86800]

well i not disliked it, but tbh its not what i thought, i thought this song was like Warriors Orochi.

[@Mystscot]

Thanks for this classic C64 tune..excellent acoustic rendition..simply uplifting.

[@GiorgosPlanar]

found this may years ago. glad its still here

[@whatnamewillipick]

I have to congratulate you for this tune. Your take on it is really excellent. You've got a great ear to change it up the way you did.

[@lennyunox2877]

Hey there! I've been playing "The Last Ninja" for weeks on end when I was a kid and the theme tune was always the one that could send shivers down my spine. Even years after having heard it last, it could still totally get me. This version is by far the most fascinating and most evolved version I've ever heard. And it's been running all of last week for me. Thanks for letting all of us enjoy this. Thanks for your effort and talent. Keep it up, mate! Richie

[@astrideavolta]

I apologise for the delay - this is an INCREDIBLE compliment. Thank you so very much Lenny!

[@lennyunox2877]

@@astrideavolta 8 years later, I got married and had two kids... and I still return on a regular basis to enjoy this gem of a track. You have made an impact on my life by creating this. Thank you forever.

[@Siberiansxl]

Still great to hear this music after all this time.

[@nickdalby6152]

That's incredible. It's sounds like an old Irish ceili (and I mean that in the most positive way.) It's the sound for the raid scene in "The Tain."

[@sarahsytubeid]

This game really pushed the C64 to its limits and what you've done here is a beautiful tribute. Bravo!

[@raynavillus4927]

Why am I only finding this NOW!?... AHEM... nice instrumentation, I imaging a young Joel from the Last OC Us playing this. It sounds kinda quaint but also pretty cool, granted it is back in 2010, but tis better late than never. Many thanks to the guitarist and the uploaded!]:3

[@borg_cube]

Fantastic! I have so many memories with this game, this actually got me all teary-eyed. Can't stop listening.

[@Yomamaswatchin]

I had the walkthrough of this game on hundreds of pieces of paper back in the day lol was an easy game but one wrong move and you were starting over. The music to that game was so ahead of its time. Best cover of it that ive ever heard bro thanks heaps

[@JCrashB]

Perfect cover of a perfect tune. RIP Ben Daglish, the hero of my youth.

[@themurphy8797]

A masterpiece, I live for 2.55, well done.

[@grahamturner6060]

So absolutely tragic that Ben is no longer with us - he was clearly incredibly gifted and blessed a certain generation with some incredible and memorable tracks, in the age when computer games were actually an art-form, instead of the modern situation of just throwing money at a project. I don't think anyone will be able to outdo him. I will never really understand how he overcame the hardware barriers and manged to produce such evocative, sensual and emotional music with the hardware that he had - modern computer games companies should take note.

[@foxmarshall4402]

The best thing I have heard on facebook, or twiiter, or any of the other social media bullshit...Keep these tunes coming sir,, This is FUCKING outstanding...

[@donncha1]

Absolutely amazing. Posted it on my blog for others to enjoy too. Thanks for going to the trouble of making this!

[@deepcloudsmusic]

Wow this is incredible!

[@EarthenAncient]

Absolutely love this; striking, poignant, enigmatic, elevating, mystifying...The last ninja in the wind atop a mountain in his silent glory before his final mission. Great playing, right awn!

[@angrycandy5441]

Oh shit, this is nice. Great job and RIP Ben.

[@pierreleroux3606]

I embrace this way of playing this track..the writers of c64 music was above their time. Thank you for bringing a new theme song into my life...this will grow on me throughout my life!

[@shelbychan2168]

So well done. Wow! Brings back the fondest of memories.

[@TheZzoommbbiiee]

This is still the best thing I have ever heard or seen on YOutube :)

[@TBStudios91]

Wow. Feels straight out of a movie or series. Perfectly captures the feeling of Japan and a touch of America (if I remember correctly, the game was set in the US). Best arrangement of the song

[@redvampire8]

Still the best rendering of retro gaming music ever. I encourage you to keep doing things like this arrangement. Absolute fantastic work.

[@lars-ingemansson7179]

Wow! How could i miss this masterpiece!!? Splendid work on this one👌

[@bowmanencore]

Superbly done, and Daglish himself approved. :)

[@Yoghomir]

This is stunning. Your grabbed the essence of this song, rearranged it and preserved it´s soul. Thumbs up. :)

[@astrideavolta]

Frank Matthes Thank you Frank, that's very kind of you. Really pleased that you enjoyed it!

[@nicolasnikopol7946]

That's pure talent, thank you very much for this.

[@arzraghuul]

Absolutely beautiful re-arrangement of one of the greatest game soundtracks of all time!

[@TheN0odles]

Masterful. This is one of my favourite games. Please do more!

[@CJWarlock]

A very good arrangement! I've just heard it on the live show on Slay Radio and found it online here. I'm glad I found the channel of the very arranger. Congratulations on the piece! A soothing nectar for my soul, heart and ears. And for my sense of beauty and harmony. I feel satisfied and pleasantly warm inside. Thank you for the music. :)

[@peteradams8442]

Wow this one is amazing! Very very Nice! Brings so many memories back from the 80s :-)

[@danielsprangers8672]

Beautiful! Makes me wanna go back in time and play the game again 😁👍

[@hobbesyhobbit]

OMG, Only just found this, but think it's truly amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@MrTiiRow]

So good... one of the best i've heard so far. both i mean, original and this arrangement... ^^, brings up some memories as well, countless of hours of c64 games :D

[@stunthumb]

Great stuff, all the LN music has aged really well, this wouldn't sound out of place in a brand new game.

[@lifeschool]

RIP Ben, this seems a fitting tribute to his energy and the down-to-earth sparkle he had, and is a lovely tune. Thank you.

[@astrideavolta]

He seemed to like it. I'm glad you do too!

[@Shizbazki2]

3 years on and i still have this listed in my daily playlist.

[@chrislaivier8459]

Remarkably good composition and cover. Totally digging the last ninja soundtracks and the numerous remixes/covers. Never played it though. Had an old Sharp Computer with Datasette at the time. That's until my parents upgraded me with an Amiga500. Boy, how time flies once you've turned 18. Seems so unreal...

[@phoobingcamel]

This is absolutely fantastic on so many levels! Wastelands is probably my favourite piece of gaming music of all time. But what I especially like about this is it isn't just a replayed version of the original or a boring "remix = annoying techno version" thing like so many that saturate the net. This is well thought out, musically brilliant arrangement that stands out on its own and just oozes class. Absolutely brilliant! Thanks so much for your hard work! :-D

[@claudioscolastici1248]

love this, me too come back to listen to it once in a while! ;)

[@lolirocket]

Simply legendary, words can't describe how good this is.

[@TemplarKnight1177]

Thank you for the 5+ magic minutes. I had to close my eyes and I feel enchanted. I will have to play this countless of times.

[@isabacsi]

Amazing. We played TLN a lot on C64, can't forget these melodies - but this version adds a lot to the original! Congrats, man!

[@FuckYouWithThisNames]

Extraordinary! Thank you 4 this guitar & more tune!

[@DJamzie]

Wow! This really takes me back. Obviously, I heard it in 8 BIT originally but the music from this game was a massive standout. Serious kudos. Really nice arrangement of the original.

[@TheZzoommbbiiee]

I downloaded this song, as you have made it, bloody brilliant!. it has brought back so many memories..! When I was young, I used to play this game all night long with my friends when they stayed over... I would sneak out my commodore 64,when my mom and dad were ZZZZ, and load up the tape game, and play it all night long!!!

[@paranoidx9]

load"lastninja",8,1

[@paranoidx9]

hahaha. brilliant!

[@SteveForrestMusic]

load"*",8,1

[@jonnymilad84]

A mutual friend showed me this a couple of weeks ago. I've been listening to it on repeat... Thanks for making it! It's honestly the best thing I've heard for a while. I hope you find the time to make some more!

[@thomassmart4088]

This is so great! Could see this as a soundtrack to a show like Firefly.

[@mrtomlovin]

The Last Ninja came out for C64 in 1987. This means that i spent 25 years of my life thinking that there could never be any better version of his great soundtrack than the original one... Man, this is too great, my congratulations.

[@icculus7935]

Thanks buddy. Brings back memories. My best friend who died in 2006 had a C64 and we played this on PEPSI filled all nighters at 13! Great job! And Amazing game for it's time. A classic amongst the gamers.

[@WhatKateyDid]

Beautiful performance and arrangement. Thank you very much for sharing :)

[@rtmiki]

Now, this is something! Gorgeous, thanks for creating it, Pal!

[@CAPNGRIZZ]

Thank you so much for doing this. I often come back to this over the years such a beautiful piece. Amazing work!

[@jorghorn6678]

Absolutely fantastic playing!!!

[@joelandimusic]

Stunning, i absolutely love it. Amazingly done.

[@MiniPCEU]

That's really awesome! Thank you for your performance, I love it!

[@StepMap]

One word: Excellent! This brings back so many memories and in such a nice way. Thanks so much for all the effort you have put into this. And remember: only 1 out of 50 will leave a positive comment because most are simply to lazy to comment (but still liking it a lot at the same time). Keep it up man!

[@oviaelectronica]

Wonderful version of a classic! - Brings back so many memories...

[@BrickVada]

Amazing arrangement. Thank you.

[@TheShinobi1985]

Made my day!! Thank you so much for uploading this song!!

[@eivinstens6091]

Very nice version! - Beautiful.

[@MrStagesix]

Good job sir! I shared this with all my friends. Amazing.

[@meckleemu]

This is fantastic, hats off to you! Brought back great memories...fantastic soundtrack.

[@DeckerFI]

235 likes, 0 dislikes. Art is not a popularity contest but that tells the story. A fantastic tribute to a classic.