Reviving the Ninja Legacy: System 3's Kickstarter Campaign Brings Back Classic Martial Arts Gaming

In a move that has delighted retro gaming enthusiasts, the British publisher System 3 has announced a new collection for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and PC that will revive the beloved Last Ninja series. The collection, which was successfully crowdfunded through Kickstarter, promises to be a "tribute to the golden era of computer gaming," offering players a chance to experience not only the Last Ninja trilogy but also several other classic System 3 titles, including International Karate, IK+, and Bangkok Knights.

Preserving Gaming History: System 3's Mission to Revive Iconic Titles

Uncovering the Origins of System 3: From Photography to Gaming Entrepreneurship

Mark Cale, the co-founder and CEO of System 3, had an unconventional path to the video game industry. After finishing school, Cale initially pursued a career as a freelance photographer, working with renowned photographers like John Rawlings and Norman Parkinson. It was during this time that Cale's passion for gaming caught the attention of his contacts at Atari UK, who encouraged him to start his own video game company. Cale seized the opportunity, teaming up with Emerson Best and Michael Koo to establish System 3 in the early 1980s.

Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the Challenges of System 3's Early Days

Cale's first game, Colony 7 for the Atari 8-bit computers, was not a resounding success, and he readily admits that it was a learning experience. With limited resources and a lack of experience, the team faced significant challenges in developing the game, which was based on the Sirius title Bandits. However, this early misstep did not deter Cale, who continued to forge ahead, eventually connecting with LT Software and the Stampers' agent, which led to the creation of the iconic International Karate series.

Seizing the Spotlight: How a Controversial PCW Event Propelled System 3 to Success

One of the pivotal moments in System 3's history was the 1985 Personal Computer World (PCW) event. Facing the prospect of having nothing to showcase, Cale decided to take a bold and unconventional approach, hiring a dance troupe called "Naughty But Nice" to perform a provocative routine based on the game Twister. The stunt was a resounding success, drawing massive crowds and garnering the attention of Activision, with whom System 3 subsequently signed a deal. This daring move not only generated significant publicity for the company but also demonstrated Cale's willingness to think outside the box to achieve his goals.

Crafting the Last Ninja: Blending Martial Arts, Platforming, and Puzzle-Solving

The inspiration for The Last Ninja series stemmed from Cale's admiration for Datasoft's Bruce Lee game for the Atari 400 and 800, as well as the growing popularity of martial arts in popular culture. Cale envisioned a game that would combine the action and combat of Bruce Lee with the exploration and puzzle-solving elements of classic adventure games like Adventure. With the help of Andromeda and the programming expertise of John Twiddy, System 3 was able to overcome the technical limitations of the Commodore 64 and create the visually stunning and immersive Last Ninja trilogy.

Preserving the Past: The Motivation Behind the Last Ninja Collection

Cale's decision to launch the Last Ninja collection on Kickstarter was driven by several factors. The resurgence of interest in retro gaming, coupled with the importance of preserving gaming history, convinced Cale that the time was right to bring these classic titles to modern platforms. By including not only the Last Ninja series but also other beloved System 3 games like International Karate and Bangkok Knights, the collection offers a comprehensive look at the company's influential contributions to the industry.

Expanding the Experience: Bonus Content and Unreleased Projects

The Last Ninja collection goes beyond simply porting the original games, offering players the opportunity to experience different versions of each title and even delve into unreleased projects like Last Ninja 4 and IK++. These bonus inclusions provide a unique glimpse into the development process and the challenges faced by System 3 over the years, further enhancing the value and appeal of the collection for dedicated fans and gaming historians alike.

A Resounding Success: The Kickstarter Campaign's Overwhelming Response

The success of the Last Ninja collection's Kickstarter campaign has exceeded even Cale's own expectations. The initial goal of £10,000 was reached within just 40 minutes, demonstrating the enduring popularity of these classic games and the enthusiasm of the retro gaming community. This overwhelming response has not only validated System 3's decision to pursue the project but also underscores the importance of preserving and reviving iconic gaming franchises for modern audiences.