The Last Ninja

The Last Ninja – Shadows in the 8-bit Era

The Last Ninja was originally developed by System 3 and released in 1987 exclusively for the Commodore 64. At a time when most games were linear and action-focused, this title broke new ground by blending isometric exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming, and martial arts combat into one atmospheric experience. It quickly became one of the most iconic and technically impressive games of its generation.

Gameplay and Innovation

You play as Armakuni, the last surviving ninja of the Brotherhood, on a quest for vengeance against the evil shogun Kunitoki. The game takes you across six varied levels—gardens, palaces, and dungeons—each presented in an isometric view. Along the way, you must solve environmental puzzles, collect items, and engage in one-on-one battles with various enemies.

Combat is strategic, requiring careful timing and positioning rather than button-mashing. You can punch, kick, or use traditional weapons like nunchaku and throwing stars. The isometric controls are challenging at first, but reward persistence. Exploration is non-linear, and you’re often forced to experiment and backtrack in classic adventure-game fashion.

The Six Stages of The Last Ninja

In The Last Ninja, players guide Armakuni through six distinct stages, each presenting unique challenges and environments:

1. The Wastelands: A treacherous terrain filled with rivers, cliffs, and hostile guards. Players must navigate carefully, collecting essential items like the sword and nunchaku while avoiding deadly traps.
2. The Wilderness: Dense forests and rugged landscapes challenge players with complex navigation and hidden enemies. Key items such as the claw and glove are crucial for progression.
3. Palace Gardens: Serene yet perilous, these gardens are filled with puzzles and enemies. Players must find items like the flower and necklace to advance.
4. The Dungeons: Dark and ominous, the dungeons are home to skeletons and other dangers. Precision and the use of items like the rope are essential to escape.
5. The Palace: Lavishly decorated halls conceal deadly traps and formidable foes. Players must use keys and other items to navigate and survive.
6. The Inner Sanctum: The final confrontation with the evil shogun Kunitoki awaits. Mastery of all skills and collected items is required to succeed.

Each stage combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, requiring players to think strategically and act swiftly to restore honor and defeat evil.

Graphics and Sound

Graphically, The Last Ninja was a marvel on the Commodore 64. The pseudo-3D environments were rich in detail, the sprite animations fluid, and the variety of settings impressively realized with limited hardware. But perhaps more legendary was the game’s soundtrack—a masterclass in SID chip composition. Each level featured a moody, memorable tune that enhanced the sense of atmosphere and adventure.

Legacy

The success of The Last Ninja led to ports for other platforms and spawned two sequels. It helped establish System 3 as a top-tier developer and remains one of the Commodore 64’s most beloved and technically ambitious titles. While the control scheme hasn’t aged gracefully, the game’s unique structure and immersive feel continue to draw fans decades later.

Ports and Other Versions

After its groundbreaking debut on the Commodore 64 in 1987, The Last Ninja was ported to a variety of other systems throughout the late '80s and early '90s. While some versions remained quite faithful to the original, others suffered from poor conversions or significant downgrades.

• Apple II (1988) – A solid port with comparable gameplay but less impressive sound and color limitations.
• BBC Micro / Acorn Electron (1988) – A rare version, technically impressive for the hardware but limited in responsiveness.
• Amstrad CPC (1988) – Colorful graphics but slower and choppier performance compared to the C64.
• ZX Spectrum (1988) – Black-and-white graphics but surprisingly smooth gameplay; a respected version among Spectrum fans.
• MS-DOS (1990) – A VGA-compatible version that looked good on paper but suffered from clunky controls and minimal audio.
• Apple IIGS (1990) – One of the better ports with enhanced visuals and improved music quality.
• Amiga (1990) – Visually polished but with slower animations and less fluid controls than the C64 version.
• Atari ST (1990) – Very similar to the Amiga version, with good graphics but stiff movement.

Despite the number of conversions, the original Commodore 64 version is widely considered the definitive experience. Its fluidity, iconic music, and balanced gameplay remain unmatched in most of the ports.

I never played the full version of The Last Ninja when it was released in 1987. I was 10 years old at the time, and back then, I would just ask for random games for my trusted ZX Spectrum 48k. I saw the Commodore 64 version at a friend’s house—just long enough to admire its stunning graphics before we moved on to something else.

I played the Spectrum version a year later, but it was part of a compilation—one of those you could buy at the newsstand back then. It was probably an incomplete version, though I doubt I ever noticed, since I never made it past the Dragon’s Cave section anyway.

In 1991, I believe I tried the Amiga 500 version, but without much enthusiasm—I dropped it almost immediately. Only recently did I rediscover the Commodore 64 version and finally complete the game, appreciating every facet of it.

It truly is a gem among gems for the beloved old Commodore 64. A must-play, whether to relive a golden classic or—especially for newer generations—to understand what a truly great game could be, even when forced to compromise with such limited hardware.

Verdict

The Last Ninja is not just a nostalgic curiosity—it’s a milestone in the history of action-adventure games. With its genre-blending gameplay, moody atmosphere, and unforgettable music, it stands as a monument to what the 8-bit era was capable of achieving.

Pros

✔ Stunning isometric graphics for its time.

✔ Atmospheric and iconic SID soundtrack.

✔ A clever blend of action, puzzles, and exploration.

✔ Memorable and immersive environments.

Cons

✘ Controls are stiff and awkward by modern standards.

✘ Some puzzles can feel obscure or trial-and-error.

✘ Combat feels repetitive after a while.

Final Score (Commodore 64)

91%