Last Ninja, The (USA)

In The Last Ninja for the NES, players embody Armak, the sole survivor of a ninja clan annihilated by the wicked Shogun Kageyama. Armak's primary mission is to infiltrate Kageyama's stronghold, defeat him, and reclaim the stolen sacred scrolls.

The gameplay of The Last Ninja is presented from an isometric perspective, creating a unique pseudo-3D space for its time. Players guide Armak through various diverse and perilous environments, including ancient dojos, dark caves, damp sewers, and ultimately, the Shogun's fortified citadel. Each area presents distinct challenges such as obstacles to overcome, hidden traps, and lurking enemies.

The combat system in The Last Ninja is quite intricate and demands precision. Armak can utilize a variety of traditional ninja weapons like shurikens for long-range attacks, nunchaku for fast close-quarters combat, a powerful katana sword, and even smoke bombs to disorient enemies. Furthermore, Armak can engage in unarmed combat with punches and kicks. Battles are often tactical, requiring players to time their movements and positioning precisely to dodge opponent attacks and deliver effective counter-blows.

Beyond combat, the game also incorporates puzzle-solving and exploration elements. Players need to search for crucial items such as keys to unlock new areas, or scrolls to restore power and skills. Solving environmental puzzles, memorizing routes, and exploring every nook and cranny are key to progression. The game's graphics, though simple by modern standards, were quite impressive at the time of release with meticulously designed environments and character details, contributing to an atmosphere rich in ninja mystery and challenge.