The Last Ninja Collection has now been confirmed for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S / X, joining the already announced PC and Nintendo Switch release in 2025.
Expanded Kickstarter tiers
Although the goal was set at ‘we-use-Kickstarter-for-marketing-purposes’-level low, the Kickstarter was fully funded in 40 minutes and now PlayStation and Xbox fans can pledge as well via the Kickstarter page: The Last Ninja Collection Kickstarter. The Last Ninja Collection’s tier list is very simple. Every support in any tier will have your name be mentioned in the credits, each tier offers the following:
- Tier 1 (Bronze): Digital wallpaper
- Tier 2 (Silver): Digital copy, and tier 1 perks
- Tier 3 (Gold): Physical copy and tier 2 perks
- Tier 4 (Platinum) : all Tier 3 perks, plus a slew Collector’s edition goodies, like a rubber Last Ninja Shuriken, a mask, OST, steelcase and collection box.
- Diamond Tier : Unique Collector’s edition perks and unreleased w-i-p game (read below!)
The Last Ninja Collection brings together every Last Ninja title from the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and Commodore Amiga for the first time, including The Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Last Ninja 3 and Ninja Remix. In addition games such as Bangkok Knights, International karate and International karate + as been added to the collection as well. This a game selection should hit any home computer user of the 80s and early 90s in the feels, as it bundles some of the most popular games of the era.
System 3 ‘gives away’ work-in-progress ‘IK++’
Kickstarter backers at Diamond Ultimate level will also receive access to the code for Last Ninja 4 work-in-progress 2002 and 2018, as well as a cancelled remaster of international Karate, IK++ – each of these exclusive additions are never-before-seen developments not available to the public.
“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 ideals
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 also including a playable demo of IK++, the sequel to IK+ that they were working on before it was 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,” Mark Cale adds.
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