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Nintendo Entertainment System · Action-Adventure / Adventure
The Last Ninja
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Adventure |
| Developer | Jaleco |
| Publisher | Beam Software |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| Series | The Last Ninja |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 4 |
The Last Ninja is an action-adventure game released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Jaleco and published by Beam Software. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987. It blends action-adventure and adventure elements.
It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi.
It is part of the The Last Ninja series. The series also appears on other systems with The Last Ninja (C64) and Last Ninja 2 (C64). Jaleco also made City Connection, Field Combat and Ninja JaJaMaru-kun for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a game you can finish in one short session
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing The Last Ninja is like
Action-adventures blend real-time combat with exploration, puzzles and item collection. You open up a larger world gradually as new tools let you reach places you couldn't before.
Tip for newcomers: Keep a mental (or paper) map of locked doors and unreachable ledges; most action-adventures expect you to come back once you find the right item.
The Last Ninja cheats & codes
14 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinte Health | SXSEEZSA |
|---|---|
| Infinite Lives | SXSTIIVG |
The Last Ninja walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Last Ninja.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
The Last Ninja FAQ
When did The Last Ninja come out on the NES?
The Last Ninja was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made The Last Ninja?
It was developed by Jaleco and published by Beam Software.
Is The Last Ninja multiplayer?
No. The Last Ninja is a single-player game.
How long does The Last Ninja take to play?
As an action-adventure game, The Last Ninja typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about The Last Ninja on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.