System 3's Last Ninja Collection Faces Nintendo Delay Over Rising Sun Symbol Artwork

British developer System 3, known since its founding in 1982 for its influential retro titles, has announced a postponement for The Last Ninja Collection across several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

The collection, which compiles classics such as The Last Ninja, Last Ninja 2, Last Ninja 3, Ninja Remix, International Karate, IK+, and Bangkok Knights, faced a roadblock due to issues highlighted by Nintendo regarding certain in-game artwork. Nintendo raised substantial concerns over the display of the Rising Sun flag imagery in Last Ninja 3, a symbol considered offensive in territories like South Korea.

System 3 addressed the matter in a Kickstarter project update, stating that, "Nintendo requires the removal of the original Rising Sun flag artwork before granting approval, especially given its offensive connotation in some regions." The core complication lies in the fact that the emblematic art is deeply embedded in the original Amiga game code.

As these releases are emulated versions of the original games, direct file editing is not a simple option.

This challenge becomes particularly significant for physical cartridge editions, which are distributed globally and aren't region-locked—unlike digital storefronts that allow regional content restrictions. Outlined in their statement, System 3 conveyed that their options are either to "remove Amiga Last Ninja 3 entirely from the cartridge, or to secure a waiver from Nintendo." The studio emphasized ongoing collaboration with Nintendo to achieve the latter solution, promising timely updates for supporters once a resolution is identified. Moreover, similar requirements have surfaced for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox versions, as platform holders enforce comparable content standards.

System 3 affirmed that efforts are being made to address and synchronize changes across all console editions. Despite these challenges, there is positive news for PC users: System 3 confirmed that Steam codes for The Last Ninja Collection will be distributed starting October 14th to Kickstarter backers who selected the PC version.

For those supporting the console versions, the company is "considering releasing digital codes to all backers while holding off the wider consumer release outside of Kickstarter." This interim solution aims to "ensure that backers can access and enjoy the full collection as planned, while the team works through necessary approval requirements with Nintendo." The Last Ninja Collection crowdfunding campaign reached a notable milestone, securing £184,847 in support from fans.

However, System 3 has also recently been the subject of criticism for alleged usage of AI-generated artwork in some of their gaming projects. System 3’s efforts underline the complex regulatory landscape of global game publishing, particularly as classic titles reach new audiences on hardware such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

The developer’s transparency and ongoing communication have kept backers informed as the company navigates these cross-platform content approvals.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Xbox Switch System 3 The Last Ninja Last Ninja 2 Last Ninja 3 Ninja Remix International Karate IK+ Bangkok Knights Steam