I-Ninja 2

2004 Argonaut Games

Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox

Following the release of I-Ninja back in 2003, Argonaut Games had quietly begun work on a sequel which, although never officially announced, was internally greenlit and in development for a short period of time. Our new post on the game today brings you previously unseen gameplay footage – confirming that development was indeed relatively advance.

The original game had built up a cult following thanks to its quirky humour, unique style and fast paced action platforming, but unfortunately it did not achieve strong commercial success. Combined with financial troubles at Argonaut, the studio would ultimately enter liquidation in October 2004, bringing development of I-Ninja 2 to an abrupt end.

For many years, very little was known about the sequel beyond a handful of concept artworks that surfaced online. Siliconera.com informs us that these were shared via an artist who had worked on the project, giving one of the only glimpses at the time into what the game may have become.

From these materials, it appeared that I-Ninja 2 was set to build upon the same core formula, continuing the mix of feudal Japanese themes with futuristic elements. Siliconera.com also highlighted that some of the new enemy designs, such as the Ranx robots, were being reimagined with a more aggressive and military inspired look – complete with heavier weaponry.

Further concepts suggest additional variations were planned, including Arctic themed Ranx and even mutated versions created through environmental hazards. Designs such as the Top Droid surveillance unit and an evolved Kappa Captain mini boss, again showing a shift towards a more advanced and militarised style.

Beyond enemies, the concept work also shows a range of props, weapons and aircraft designs, many continuing this more industrial direction. There were also early ideas for new characters, including a proposed design for Halo, I-Ninja girlfriend, who had originally been planned for the first game but never made it in.

Up until now, that was largely all that existed publicly. However, footage later surfaced which gave a much clearer indication that the project had progressed beyond early concept stages. A video shared by Evan Hanley showcases what appears to be an intro sequence from I-Ninja 2. According to Evan, the sequel may have been closer to completion than previously believed.

In April 2026, Games That Weren’t were provided by an Anonymous contributor (with huge thanks) a previously unseen clip of the game in action (platform unknown) and showing an underground cavern level, collecting coins and killing a few enemies. It’s short at only 20 seconds, but a rare glimpse that many will not have seen until now.

At present, no playable builds are known to exist, and aside from the concept art and this newly surfaced footage today, very little remains of I-Ninja 2. We hope more soon will begin to surface over time. If you worked on I-Ninja 2 or have any further information or materials, please do get in touch and we will update this page accordingly.

With a huge thank you to the Anonymous contributor who passed on the video and Siliconera.com for design assets (mirrored here).

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