The Last Ninja Collection + Bonus Games

From the Devs

Presenting The Last Ninja Collection + Bonus Games (International Karate, IK+ and Bangkok Knights).

A tribute to the golden era of Retro gaming that brings together 7 iconic titles for the first time. This is more than a collection; it's a celebration of gaming history and the preservation of pioneering games from the '80's & '90's.

Our Last Ninja series of games is one of the most beloved and successful franchises from the 80's & 90's. Known for its innovative gameplay, memorable graphics, atmospheric music and blockbusting reviews, the series captivated gamers the world over and set a new standard for action-adventure games.

This collection brings together the entire Last Ninja series of C64 versions along with Amiga and Spectrum versions, where available, for the first time. Not only are we offering  The Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Last Ninja 3 and Ninja Remix, we are also adding the critically acclaimed International Karate, (the first European game to top the USA C64 billboard charts), IK+ and Bangkok Knights. These games were milestones in the gaming industry, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the technology of the time and making them available to play on Windows PC.

This release was only made possible by our amazing Kickstarter community. All our Kickstarter backers are credited in-game.

Please note: Options for getting your name in the game via Kickstarter are now closed.

The Last Ninja

Includes C64 and Amiga versions.

This ground-breaking retro action-adventure game developed and published by System 3 in 1987 set the standard for the genre in the 80's. Navigate through beautifully hand-crafted environments, solve puzzles and engage in combat with a variety of enemies. The Last Ninja was not only a global commercial success but also a critical one, earning numerous awards, including ‘Game of the Year,’ ‘Best 8-Bit Graphics,’ and ‘Best Music Soundtrack.’ Its legacy endures as a beloved classic that continues to inspire and influence the action-adventure genre to this day. The Last Ninja series of games sold over 23 million copies across the trilogy, cementing its place as one of the most influential and best-selling titles of the 8-bit computer gaming era.

Last Ninja 2

Includes C64, Spectrum and Amiga versions.

Last Ninja 2, developed and published by System 3, is a landmark title in action-adventure gaming, originally released in 1988. As the sequel to the critically acclaimed The Last Ninja, the game follows Armakuni’s quest for vengeance in modern-day New York against the evil Shogun Kunitoki.

Renowned for its innovative blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, Last Ninja 2 featured atmospheric, isometric environments that were highly praised at that time. Its detailed graphics, immersive soundtracks, and challenging gameplay captivated both players and critics, earning multiple awards, including Game of the Year, as well as accolades for its outstanding graphics and sound. It became the most successful entry in the Last Ninja trilogy, contributing to over 23 million copies sold across the series, cementing its place as one of the most influential and best-selling titles of the 8-bit computer gaming era.

Last Ninja 3

Includes C64 and Amiga versions.

Last Ninja 3 - holds a special place in retro video game history, not only for its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals of its time, but also for being the first computer game to receive a perfect 100% review score. This unprecedented achievement underscored the game’s ground breaking design and the impact of the series on the industry and gamers at that time.

Over its three instalments, The Last Ninja series went on to sell over 23 million copies, a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring legacy. The series' seamless integration of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all within beautifully crafted isometric environments, set it apart from its contemporaries. Its atmospheric soundtrack and attention to detail created an immersive experience that captivated players and critics alike, solidifying its legacy as a timeless classic that continues to influence the action-adventure genre.

Ninja Remix

A special edition that enhances the original experience with new soundtracks, updated graphics and gameplay tweaks.

International Karate

Includes Spectrum and C64 versions.

International Karate (rebranded as World Championship Karate in the USA) was the first game from a European company (System 3)  to top the Billboard charts in the USA on the C64. This classic fighting game from System 3 set the standard for martial arts games in the 1980s. It was also the first European-developed game to receive a CES Showcase Innovations Award at the 1986 Chicago event and won many other awards. 

IK+

Includes C64, Spectrum and Amiga versions.

IK+, the acclaimed System 3 sequel to International Karate, is a multi-award-winning retro classic that remains a must-have for fans of the genre. Building on the success of its predecessor, IK+ introduced improved graphics and gameplay, with AI that continues to impress even today.

The game also featured an innovative and exciting three-player mode, which added a new dimension to the fighting genre. Widely regarded as the ultimate fighting game of the 1980s, IK+ has earned its place in gaming history as a timeless masterpiece that continues to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts.

Bangkok Knights

Includes C64 and Amiga versions.

Bangkok Knights - A classic System 3 retro game celebrating the art of Muay Thai boxing. Bangkok Knights, was the first fighting game to feature large, distinct different characters, and according to some interviews with Capcom’s developers, it inspired the very first Street Fighter game. Fight your way to victory, taking on all comers, until you reach the bright lights of Bangkok and take on the mighty Bangkok Knights.

This collection is more than a nostalgia trip; it's a tribute to the pioneering developers of the 80's and 90's, whose creativity laid the groundwork for today's gaming industry.

Introduction

The 1980's and '90's were a pioneering time for video games and for us at System 3, a games company set up in 1982, by Mark Cale. These decades saw the birth of many influential gaming platforms, genres and franchises, including these System 3 games that are still beloved to this day. Preserving these games is crucial, not only for nostalgic reasons, but also for understanding the roots of modern gaming and our history at System 3.

The original developers of these games were pioneers, experimenting with new technologies and game-play mechanics that would lay the groundworks for today's video game industry. This title helps ensure that the creativity, vitality and innovation of our early game developers are not forgotten, but preserved.

The Importance of Video Game Preservation: A Message from System 3

At System 3, we have always been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of video game development. From our ground-breaking titles in the 1980’s on the Commodore 64 (C64) and Amiga platforms to our continued innovations in the industry, we believe in the power of games to inspire, entertain, and create lasting memories.

However, as we look back on our journey, we recognize the critical importance of preserving these computer and video creations for future generations in a physical and digital format. Video game preservation is not just about archiving old games; it is about maintaining the cultural and historical significance of an entire medium.

Why Preserve Video Games?

Preserving video games is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that classic games remain playable, allowing new generations of players to experience the titles that shaped the industry.

Secondly, preservation efforts provide valuable resources for researchers studying the history and evolution of video games. Developers, too, can benefit from looking back at older games to draw inspiration and understand the technological and creative processes that went into their creation.

System 3’s Legacy

System 3 is proud to have contributed some of the most iconic and influential games in the industry, particularly on the C64 and Amiga platforms. Our Last Ninja series set new standards for graphics, gameplay, and immersive environments, leaving an indelible mark on the action-adventure genre selling more than 23 million copies across the series on various formats.

Titles like International Karate (the first European game to get a CES showcase award (June 1986) for innovation and the first European game to get a US Billboard Number one) and its sequel International Karate + (IK+) were pivotal in the development of fighting games, introducing fluid animations, responsive controls, and engaging multiplayer modes with three characters that were ahead of their time.

Preserving these games is crucial not only for their historical value but also for understanding the evolution of game design and technology. We believe that the legacy of The Last Ninja series, IK, and IK+ deserves to be remembered and studied, as they represent the innovation and creativity that defined the very early years of video game development in the 1980’s.