  he Ninja, known as The Mystic Shadow Warriors, were the elite
fighting force of Ninth Century Feudal Japan. They were dedicated to the fine tuning of
their bodies into killing machines. Their attributes were many and varied; they were
masters of weapon craft, assassination, stealth and invisibility and many believed them to
be in control of the supernatural. A real master of the art of Ninjutsu could even
anticipate an opponent's moves... and thoughts.
To achieve this high level of skill all initiates had to undergo years of rigorous
training. Correct application of these skills required cunning, dexterity and total mind
control. Students of the Ninja arts drove themselves on to try to achieve the state of
self-perfection and a closeness to their god. Therefore martial arts fighting disciplines
became the highest, most honourable path to perfection. Unfortunately, some Ninja were to
abuse their powers...
The Ninja were nearly wiped out of existence during a purge in the Twelfth Century. But
now they are back and more powerful than ever... Back with a vengeance !
The struggle with the Evil Shogun, Kunitoki, had taken its toll. For many months after
regaining control over the island of Lin Fen, Armakuni, the new master of the Ninjutsu,
fell into a deep depression at the loss of his brethren. He reflected again and again upon
his struggle against Kunitoki, and always came to the same conclusion - it was only the
end of a battle, not the end of the war.
 After more than a year of languishing upon Lin Fen, Armakuni was
prepared to reinstate the way of the Shadow Warrior to its former glory. With the Koga
scrolls in his possession all that Armakuni needed now were the disciples to follow his
guidance and the teachings of the ancient manuscripts.
As the word spread around the mainland that a new master had the scrolls and was about
to begin training, the men began to arrive. They were the sons of the fighting elite - the
Samurai.
A new order of Ninja slowly began to take shape. But this time the training was going
to be more intense than ever before. Never again would they be caught off guard and be
defeated without honour.
During a training session of the Inner Circle - the Master's elite of the elite - a
strange feeling came over the class. It was as if time had abruptly stood still, as if
they were the only people left in the world. As Armakuni rose from his meditating position
a strange pulsating light enshrouded him. Concerned with what they saw, the class tried to
rise and go to Armakuni's assistance. But they were fixed in their positions, no one could
move.
 The intensity of the light grew around Armakuni until all who
were witnessing the scene were forced to cover their eyes. When the light faded and
finally disappeared, the students leapt to their feet. What had happened? Where was the
master?
"What is happening?" shouted Armakuni. But no one could hear him. It was as
if he was invisible and in a sound proof glass box. Why wasn't his class rushing to his
aid to help him break free? Why did he feel the sharp thorns of fear, while inside he was
as calm as the deep seas? What game were the ancients playing with him? His questions
found no answers as he slipped unwillingly into unconsciousness.
Slowly Armakuni clawed his way back through the darkness of deep sleep, back to where
he felt safe. As he forced his eyes open, he was greeted by a sight that his experiences
could not have prepared him for.
Armakuni is now standing on a hard wooden floor surrounded by strange objects that
vaguely remind him of musical instruments. Behind him is a curtain parted slightly in the
middle. As he tries to focus his eyes on his surroundings his mind is spent spinning. He
sees strange gigantic shapes, covered with mirrors, reaching to the very doorstep of the
heavens.
"Where am I?" shouts Armakuni. Trying to get some control over his rushing
emotions he calls upon all of his reserves of courage. He must try to make sense of the
insanity surrounding him. Taking a moment to meditate, Armakuni suddenly experiences a
strange and chilling sensation. There is a force in this land, a force he has not felt
since the final battle with the Evil Shogun, Kunitoki.
 "Could he be here? Has some cruel trick of fate brought the
two of us together once again?" thinks Armakuni. As these thoughts rush through his
mind, Armakuni begins to realize that their destinies must be forever intertwined and
whenever evil forces try to hold sway over mankind, Armakuni is the one chosen to vanquish
it.
Armakuni's immediate concern is to explore his surroundings. He must find some means of
defending himself against the unknown dangers that lie before him. Although Armakuni was
torn from his own time with nothing more than the clothes on his back, he has total belief
in his abilities. |
et's face it: the control method for the main character is quite
painful as first, and the multi-loading is very slow. But even with these flaws The Last
Ninja 2 is still an excellent arcade adventure game. I mean look at the pictures !
Aren't they beautiful and incredibly varied? Listen to the SID tunes. aren't they
damn' good? The scenario is rich and the story is intriguing. What else do you want?
You start off in an open-air theatre. Go through the curtain and
punch the flashing box to reveal a trapdoor on the first screen. Drop through the trapdoor
to land under the stage. Grab the key in the bottom left corner then exit. To the east and
to the south you will find two ladies' lavvies. Enter each and use the pick up method to
take the two toilet chains. You will be granted with a nunchukka. On the screen west of
the stage, pick up shurikens from the box between the benches. To the west, keep
somersaulting to get past the juggler. Get the map on the next screen. Climb up the
trellis then cross over to the next screen and somersault across the gaps to pick-up the
staff. Remember to climb down backwards. Use the key to open the gate north of the
theatre, then cross the river by jumping onto the drifting boat. Dodge the bees and take
the right hand path then somersault onto the next screen. Push at the boat with your staff
and jump back onto the bee screen. Take the left hand path. Cross the river by jumping
onto the boat and exit the park.
Walk through the first three rooms, then take the right hand exit
and collect the key. Go back into the last room and jump the gap. On the next screen,
slowly walk forward until a spider falls. Quickly follow it and exit the screen. Use the
key to open the grate and drop down. Walk right to find a set of three doors. Take the
middle one, then follow the path until you come to some more doors. Take the one farthest
from you. On the next screen, ignore the doors, jump the rats and exit via the path. Keep
going until you find a new set of doors. Take the door nearest from you. On the next
screen, holding the bottle, walk into the torch on the wall and use the pick-up method.
The wick in the bottle should turn red. Kill the alligator by throwing the bottle at it
and exit to the next level.
Holding the chicken, slowly walk forward until it sits. Take one more step and
use the pick up method to lure the panther towards you. It will then take the chicken and
fall asleep. On the next screen use the credit card to enter the lift and exit the level.
When the helicopter flies past the top turret, pull down on the joystick to land on it.
Somersault forward, face left and jump to the next one. Nudge left off the turret and walk
along the grey strip until you reach a window. Drop through it to land inside the mansion.
Walk down the corridor into the next room, go through the big door and collect the rope.
Get back to the first room and go down in the dumb waiter. Turn off the alarm with the
pick-up method, then exit the room into the hall. Walk behind the plant where you should
find a secret entrance. Punch the switches on the wall
to turn on the lights in the maze which is on the next screen. Keep going to the steam
engine. Redirect the steam by activating the right hand switch so that you can walk
through the door and reach the final part...
