Review: The Last Ninja Collection (Nintendo Switch)

March 17, 2026 - 22:17

I am a firm believer that as many video games, be they popular, good, bad, and loathed, should be preserved as possible. All these retro collections that have been released by publishers to cash in on their classic properties have been both good for the publisher’s business model and the games themselves. However, the qualities that make some retro titles classics will struggle to translate in 2026, and The Last Ninja is a very good example of this.

The Last Ninja was a major hit on its original release back in the late 1980s, celebrated for its isometric perspective, intricate puzzles, and atmospheric presentation. For its time, it was a groundbreaking action-adventure title. This new collection bundles the core trilogy, offering a direct portal to gaming’s past. Yet, modern players may find the experience jarring. The controls, once innovative, now feel clunky and imprecise. The game’s difficulty, often stemming from awkward movement and unforgiving design, feels more like a relic than a challenge.

While the preservation of these titles is commendable, the collection does little to bridge the gap between past acclaim and present expectations. It serves as a fascinating historical artifact, showcasing a pivotal series in gaming history, but its gameplay has not aged gracefully. For nostalgic fans, it’s a worthwhile trip down memory lane. For newcomers seeking a timeless ninja adventure, however, its archaic mechanics may prove to be an insurmountable wall.