Last Ninja 2 disc scandal is the focus of FairLight TV’s episode 135, which delivers a forensic investigation into a surprising moment in Commodore 64 history. Host MSL dives deep, revealing evidence that links the official disc release of Last Ninja 2 directly to a pre-existing cracked version—without proper credit. The topic, suggested by Tom SLC of Nostalgia, pulls apart a mystery many fans never saw coming.
Unraveling the Re-Cracking Incident
Re-cracking means someone removes another group’s intro from a cracked game, then re-releases it under their own name. In this case, all signs point to John Twiddy, one of the main developers behind Last Ninja 2. The forensic file comparison shows the official disc version from System 3 matches a previously cracked IRI release almost byte for byte. Both file lists look remarkably similar, with only the intro distinguishing the two.
Forensic File Reveal
The video walks viewers through a side-by-side analysis of the two game versions. Compressing the files exposes a clear match, as both use Doc’s custom time cruncher. Matching file names, sizes, and binary comparisons leave little doubt. The odds that separate compressors would yield identical results are, as the host states, zero.
A peek at the in-game loader, with its signature white lines during level loading, matches up in both versions. The game’s structure, including its file protection status, further supports the connection. A deep file comparison using Total Commander reveals binary identical files between the so-called original and the earlier cracked version.
Smoking Gun: The IRI Signature
The final piece comes from inspecting the memory dump of the original System 3 disc release. In a section of the code, the IRI signature appears, offering a direct link to the IRI crack. There’s no legitimate reason for this code to exist in an official version unless it was lifted straight from the crack, with only the trainer and intro removed. This forensic file reveal ties the Last Ninja 2 disc scandal together.
The Hit Squad Budget Surprise
The episode’s closing twist covers the Hit Squad budget release of Last Ninja 2. An analysis of tape dumps reveals missing files—specifically, some levels never made it onto the release. Anyone playing this version could find half the game absent, so collectors may want to look elsewhere for a full experience.
Community Thanks and Closing
FairLight TV gives credit to Tom SLC for the topic and material, along with insights from IRI’s Brian so Excel. The episode wraps with gratitude for viewer support and invites everyone to watch the evidence unfold themselves. For Commodore 64 fans, game historians, or anyone who enjoys a good scandal, this episode is a must-watch.
Watch the full episode for all the details behind the Last Ninja 2 disc scandal and see the forensic file reveal in action.
