The Last Ninja

The Last Ninja is an action-adventure game developed and published by System 3 Software and released in 1987 for the Commodore 64.

It was ported to several other systems in subsequent years. It is the first in a trilogy and one of the best games ever made on the Commodore 64. It also set the stage for the next two chapters in terms of the series's look and feel.

The game is set in Japan’s Edo period and follows the protagonist, Amakuni, on his mission to kill the reigning Shogun. As the sole survivor of his slaughtered clan, it’s up to Amakuni to make the Shogun pay. As with any villain, he has a lot of cronies that Amakuni must defeat before he faces the actual Shogun. Amakuni can use all of the classic ninja moves like shuriken throwing, smoke bombs, swords, nunchaku, and so on. Jumping is also an important part of the game, and you will need to be precise for some levels. You may want to avoid water, however, because even this skilled ninja can’t swim. Amakuni is controlled from an isometric view, allowing him to walk in 8 different directions. Should you find yourself stuck, Amakuni can kneel before shrines and other markers to receive a little spiritual guidance.

The Last Ninja was internationally acclaimed for its innovative graphics and gameplay. It features a sophisticated combat system that allows targeting individual body parts, an influence still seen in games today. It is part of our list of the best Commodore 64 games ever created. With a perfect mixture of action and adventure, an in depth story-line, and kick ass martial arts moves, the Last Ninja’s got it all. The epitome of classic, it begs to be experienced.