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The Last Ninja 4 A5 Notebook

The Last Ninja 4 A5 Notebook

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£15.99
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The Story Behind The Last Ninja 4

The Game That Nearly Was

A Sequel Decades in the Making

For years, fans of the Last Ninja series asked the same question: would Armakuni ever return? With three iconic games behind him, the warrior’s journey seemed complete. But behind the scenes at System 3, plans for The Last Ninja 4 had taken shape multiple times. Though the game was never released, its development story spans decades of ambition, changing platforms and a loyal fanbase that refused to let the series fade.

Three Versions, One Vision

Development of The Last Ninja 4 began and stalled three separate times. Each version was rooted in the same desire: to bring Armakuni back for one final mission, updated for a new generation of players.

The first attempt came in the early 1990s, shortly after The Last Ninja 3. Initial work began on a follow-up for the Amiga, in partnership with Philips Interactive. This version aimed to take the franchise into the emerging world of multimedia gaming. However, the market was shifting fast, and when Philips withdrew from the games industry following the commercial failure of its CD-i (Compact Disc Interactive) system, the project was shelved before it could move beyond early concept and art development.

The second version emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, targeting the PlayStation 2. This time, System 3 entered into a partnership with Brian Fargo and Interplay, one of the most prominent US game publishers of the era. The plan was to reimagine the isometric style in full 3D, retaining the puzzle-solving and combat of the originals while modernising the setting. Early character models, gameplay designs and tech direction were agreed, but as Interplay ran into financial trouble and eventually closed its US operation, the project was halted.

Soon after, the game was picked up by Simon & Schuster Interactive, the US book publisher that had previously released System 3’s Mob Rule on PC. However, the curse of the ninja struck again. As Simon & Schuster themselves exited the games business shortly afterwards, the project was cancelled for a second time before entering full production.

The third and most recent version saw development in the late 2000s. By this point, System 3 had returned to the spotlight with Constructor updates and retro-themed projects. Work began again on The Last Ninja 4, this time using modern development tools with a view to cross-platform release. Key concept art, a fully updated cover, and even a playable demo were completed, and the tone returned to ancient Japan, in line with the original game’s atmosphere. However, challenges in the industry — including a steep decline in physical PlayStation 4 game sales and a wider shift toward mobile and tablet gaming — made it increasingly difficult to justify the production scale required. Combined with resourcing issues and the weight of fan expectations, the project was once again placed on hold.

The Final Cover

One lasting legacy of The Last Ninja 4 is its official cover art, completed during the most recent development cycle. Featuring a powerful new rendition of Armakuni, the artwork captured the tone System 3 had envisioned for the sequel: dark, elegant, and steeped in mythology. Though the game itself never reached store shelves, the cover has since been used in limited edition merchandise and remains a favourite among fans.

A Legacy That Endures

Despite never being completed, The Last Ninja 4 lives on in the imagination of players and the long history of the franchise. Its repeated development efforts reflect how seriously System 3 treated the challenge of returning to such a beloved series. Each attempt brought new ideas, fresh creative energy, and a deeper understanding of what made the originals so memorable.

While Armakuni's fourth journey may not have been told in full, the ambition to continue his saga helped shape System 3's legacy as a studio that always aimed high, even when the path forward was uncertain.

Description

JULY-2025 - The Last Ninja 4 A5 Notebook

The Last Ninja 4 – A5 Notebook

Inside, you'll find 80 lined pages, ideal for writing, sketching, or organising thoughts. Practical details like a ribbon bookmark, rear pocket, elastic pen loop, and secure closure make it perfect for daily use or display as part of a retro collection.

Premium Moleskine-style soft-touch cover

80 lined pages

Ribbon bookmark and internal storage pocket

Elastic pen loop and closure

Printed on the front only

Official merchandise from System 3

Collector’s Edition

Country of Origin: UK

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