Last Ninja: The Return

Last Ninja: The Return is a cancelled PS1, PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC game by Studio3. It was to be another entry in the classic Last Ninja games.

Plot
The game was to be set in Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). You would play as Armakuni, the last of his slain fallen clan. You must defeat the magical warlord Kunitoki.

Along the way you would be assisted by your mentor Makrin. He is a spirit that appears at times to guide the player. He can also be summoned at specific sections if the player needs help.

Gameplay
Last Ninja: The Return was to have a mixture of authentic ninja tools and weaponry, and elemental magic. You could play stealthily, combat-focused, or a mixture of both. The game was applauded by the press for its period-accurate environment and aesthetics.

Development
The game began as Ninja: Shadows of the Darkness in it's concept phase. It was retitled to The Last Ninja: Return to Lin Fen Island as development began for the PC. A PlayStation port was in the works but was cancelled in favour of the 3D version to come.

In 2001 the game went under the working name Last Ninja: The Return. Around this time the game got a publisher: Simon & Schuster.

Cancellation
In 2003 the publisher Simon & Schuster Interactive was inherited by CBS Corporation. Simon & Schuster was cutting out their game division. This put the game's future in jeopardy.

In 2004 the game appeared to be cancelled. Mark Cale, founder of Studio3, had left the company. Despite rumors of next-gen releases, the game seemed well and truly dead.

Timeline:
 * 1999: game begins conception as Ninja: Shadows of the Darkness
 * 1999: development begins. Game title changed to Last Ninja: Return to Lin Fen Island
 * 2001: game is renamed to Last Ninja: The Return
 * 2003: the publisher Simon & Schuster left the gaming market
 * 2004: game cancelled