Game Info
Genre: Action-Adventure / Developer: System 3 / Publisher: Activision (North America), System 3 (Europe)
Release Date: 1987 / Format Reviewed: Commodore 64 / Other Formats: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Amiga, Apple II, MS-DOS / Players: 1
The Last Ninja Review: A Commodore 64 Classic That Still Kicks
Step into a shadowy world of stealth and vengeance, where a lone ninja battles an evil shogun in feudal Japan! The Last Ninja, released in 1987 for the Commodore 64, is a landmark action-adventure game that captivated players with its isometric visuals, gripping soundtrack, and innovative gameplay. Developed by System 3, this title pushed the C64 to its limits, blending combat, exploration, and puzzles in a way few games of its era dared. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s home computer boom, it arrived when ninjas were pop culture icons, riding the wave of films like American Ninja. This review dives into its strengths, flaws, and lasting legacy, exploring why The Last Ninja remains a retro treasure.
Historical Background
The Last Ninja was born from the creative minds at System 3, a British developer known for ambitious C64 titles. Inspired by the ninja craze of the 1980s and games like Impossible Mission, System 3 aimed to craft an immersive experience that combined action and adventure. Lead programmer Mark Cale, artist John Twiddy, and composer Ben Daglish formed the core team, pouring their expertise into a game that would redefine the C64’s potential. Development wasn’t smooth—early builds struggled with the C64’s memory constraints, requiring clever optimization to fit six sprawling missions into 64KB. Released in 1987, The Last Ninja hit the market during the C64’s peak, competing with arcade ports and early console titles. Its success spawned sequels and ports to platforms like the Amiga and Atari ST, cementing System 3’s reputation.
Interesting fact: The game’s iconic cover art, featuring a ninja in a dramatic pose, was hand-painted by artist Tim White, whose sci-fi and fantasy illustrations graced many 1980s game boxes. The team also drew inspiration from Japanese culture, consulting martial arts experts to ensure Armakuni’s moves felt authentic, though some liberties were taken for gameplay’s sake.
Gameplay Overview
In The Last Ninja, you play as Armakuni, a ninja seeking revenge against the shogun Kunitoki, who slaughtered his clan. The core objective is to navigate six missions across varied environments—gardens, palaces, dungeons, and mountains—to confront Kunitoki. Each mission blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in an isometric world.
The gameplay mechanics are multifaceted for a C64 title. Armakuni moves through 3D-like environments, collecting items like shurikens, smoke bombs, and keys to progress. Combat involves wielding a katana, nunchucks, or staff against enemies like guards and rival ninjas. Controls use a joystick, with directional inputs for movement and attacks, plus a button for item interaction. Puzzles range from finding hidden paths to using objects like ropes to cross rivers. Progression is linear but challenging, with no save system—players must master each mission’s layout and threats. The goal is to reach Kunitoki, with each mission ramping up in complexity and danger.
Visuals and Audio
The Last Ninja’s visuals were jaw-dropping for 1987. The isometric perspective, with detailed sprites and vibrant backdrops, creates a pseudo-3D world that feels alive. Gardens bloom with pixelated flora, while palaces shimmer with opulent decor. Character animations, like Armakuni’s sword swings, are fluid for the era, though enemy movements can feel stiff. The C64’s 16-color palette is used masterfully, with clever dithering to add depth. However, some screens suffer from sprite flicker, a common C64 limitation.
The audio is a standout. Ben Daglish’s soundtrack, powered by the C64’s SID chip, delivers haunting melodies that blend Japanese influences with synth-driven energy. Each mission’s theme sets the mood—calm for gardens, tense for dungeons. Sound effects, like the clash of swords or Armakuni’s grunts, are punchy but sparse. The lack of in-game voice work (expected for the C64) doesn’t detract from the immersive atmosphere. Fun fact: Daglish composed the music in just two weeks, using a custom music driver to squeeze complex tunes into the C64’s memory.
Strengths and Highlights
The Last Ninja shines in its ambition. The blend of action, exploration, and puzzles was groundbreaking, offering a cinematic experience rare for 1987. The isometric design makes every screen feel like a diorama, inviting players to explore hidden corners for items or secrets. Combat, while not perfect, feels satisfying when you land a well-timed katana strike. The game’s variety—switching between stealth, fighting, and puzzle-solving—keeps you hooked.
Replay value is high, thanks to the game’s difficulty and secrets. Hidden items, like extra shurikens or health boosts, reward thorough exploration. The sense of progression, from open fields to claustrophobic dungeons, gives each mission a distinct flavor. What sets The Last Ninja apart is its atmosphere—few C64 games match its ability to transport you to a ninja’s world of danger and mystery.
Weaknesses and Critiques
No classic is flawless, and The Last Ninja has its share of issues. The controls are the biggest hurdle—Armakuni’s movements feel sluggish, and the isometric perspective can make precise navigation tricky, especially in tight spaces. Combat suffers from hit detection problems, where attacks miss despite appearing to connect. The difficulty is punishing, with no checkpoints within missions, meaning a single mistake can send you back to the start.
Some puzzles are obtuse, lacking clear hints—like a hidden switch that’s nearly impossible to spot without trial and error. The lack of a save system, while standard for the era, frustrates modern players. Finally, the game’s pacing can drag in later missions, where repetitive enemy encounters and lengthy backtracking sap momentum. These flaws don’t ruin the experience but demand patience.
Technical Performance
On the C64, The Last Ninja is a technical marvel. It maximizes the system’s 64 Тег: 64KB RAM, leveraging clever coding to deliver smooth performance. Load times are reasonable for a C64 disk game, and crashes are rare. Compared to ports like the Amiga version, the C64 release holds its own, with tighter optimization despite less powerful hardware. Today, the game holds up well on original hardware or emulators, though modern players may find the controls dated. The lack of save states means you’ll need to leave your C64 on for long sessions—a nostalgic quirk!
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Last Ninja was a critical and commercial hit, praised for its visuals and gameplay. It sold over 200,000 copies on the C64, a massive figure for the time, and topped UK charts. Its success led to two sequels (Last Ninja 2 and 3) and influenced later isometric games like Head Over Heels. Today, it’s a cult classic among retro gamers, with fan remakes and tributes still appearing. Its ninja theme tapped into 1980s pop culture, making it a defining title of the era. Fun fact: The game’s success helped System 3 fund future projects, and its code was so optimized it was studied by developers for years.
Personal Take and Modern Appeal
Playing The Last Ninja today feels like stepping into a time capsule. I remember struggling with a river-crossing puzzle for hours, only to feel like a genius when I found the rope! The game’s challenge is brutal but rewarding, perfect for retro fans who love a test of skill. Its visuals and music still charm, though the controls may frustrate newcomers. It’s best for C64 enthusiasts, adventure game lovers, or anyone curious about 1980s gaming history. I’d give it an 8/10—a classic that shines despite its rough edges.
Conclusion
The Last Ninja is a bold, beautiful slice of C64 history, blending innovative gameplay with an unforgettable atmosphere. Its clunky controls and steep difficulty won’t win over everyone, but its strengths—gorgeous visuals, a stellar soundtrack, and ambitious design—make it a must-play for retro gamers. Dust off your Commodore 64 (or fire up an emulator) and step into Armakuni’s sandals—you won’t regret it!
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Tips, Tricks, and Cheats
Tip: Memorize enemy patterns. Most guards follow set paths, so time your moves to avoid detection.
Trick: In Mission 1, search the bushes near the river for a hidden rope to cross—it’s easy to miss!
Tip: Conserve shurikens for tough enemies like rival ninjas; the katana is better for close combat.
Trick: To bypass tough sections, try diagonal movements to “glitch” past obstacles, though this takes practice.
Cheat: On the C64, enter POKE 53265,11 before loading to enable a trainer mode with infinite lives (requires a debugger or emulator).
Tip: Pause frequently to plan your route—there’s no rush, and mistakes are costly.
Trick: In Mission 3, the dungeon, use smoke bombs to distract guards and slip past tight corridors.
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