Are you ready for the return of The Last Ninja? The classic collection is coming to Xbox and PlayStation in 2025 with The Last Ninja Collection.
If you were gaming back in the 1980s, you’ll know all about The Last Ninja. A franchise and series that dominated on C64, Spectrum and Amiga, it gets set to return, fighting out onto modern day consoles – Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Previously confirmed for PC and Switch release, everyone will be catered for in 2025.
Kickstarter to the rescue
Most of that is thanks to a fully funded Kickstarter, as The Last Ninja Collection brings together every Last Ninja title from the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and Commodore Amiga for the first time. That includes The Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Last Ninja 3 and Ninja Remix, as The Last Ninja Collection is joined by incredible games such as Bangkok Knights, International karate and International karate +.
“I’m delighted to bring The Last Ninja Collection to our fans, collectors, and even more players curious about these retro game classics,” commented Mark Cale, CEO of System 3. He continued, “The response to the Kickstarter has been fantastic, and we’re driven to fulfill even more requests from our fans, including bringing The Last Ninja Collection to all the current generation of consoles. These iconic retro games had a significant impact on the video game market in the 80s and 90s, and their importance cannot be overstated. This project is not just about revisiting these legendary titles, but also about preserving them for future generations through video game preservation efforts.”
By including the art, editors and work-in-progress demos of Last Ninja 4 from 2002 and 2018, as well as redacted contracts and correspondence with past partners like EA and Activision, along with communications with Sony, Sega, and Nintendo at the time, in the Diamond tier, System 3 is breaking new ground.
Video game preservation
This is the first time something like this has been done, and it’s a great way to ensure authentic video game preservation—not just preserving the games, but also the documents, contracts, storyboards, letters, and emails from that era spanning decades. It offers a rare insight into the development and business processes behind these beloved classics.
System 3 is also including a playable demo of IK++, the sequel to IK+ that was being worked on prior to it being abandoned in 2021. This unfinished project provides a unique glimpse into what could have been, adding another layer to the preservation of these iconic series.
The Last Ninja series has sold over 23 million copies, making it one of the most significant retro computer game franchises in history. Preserving this legacy is not only about the games but also the rich history and development behind them.
Coming in 2025
Take a look at the videos below, enjoy what they bring and than check out the Kickstarter page. The Last Ninja Collection will be releasing on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Switch in early 2025.
Surely this is going to be a bit of a winner for System 3?
