Kalamba Games’ Commercial Director, Kai Boa, has detailed how the studio’s latest release, Ninjas vs Narcos 2, represents more than just a sequel, it’s a strategic step in strengthening Kalamba’s long-term IP portfolio.
The title follows the unexpected success of the original Ninjas vs Narcos, a game that began as a lighthearted experiment inspired by what Boa described as the CEO’s idea of “fat chubby ninjas going up against mean narco bosses.”
While the concept’s humorous origins may have seemed unconventional, its nostalgic, 1980s B-movie aesthetic resonated strongly with players. “It was random and bold, but it worked,” Boa explained. “The satire, the humour, the contrast. It gave players something they hadn’t seen before.”
For the sequel, Kalamba has combined that distinctive theme with proven game mechanics drawn from one of its top-performing titles, Hell Chef Goes Fishing. Returning characters – the trio of chubby ninjas Mr. Yellow, Mr. Green and Mr. Red – have been reimagined within a new Tokyo-inspired setting, offering fresh visual detail and dynamic character interactions.
Boa emphasised that this blend of familiar branding and evolved gameplay forms part of Kalamba’s broader approach to player retention in a saturated slot market.
“The core principle of what we try and do at Kalamba Games is always first and foremost to entertain players,” he said. “We want every game to deliver enjoyment, regardless of the outcome because consistent entertainment is what keeps players coming back.”
Ninjas vs Narcos 2 is positioned as a medium-to-high volatility slot, offering a base game hit frequency of just over 40% and a maximum win potential of 20,000x. The game features buy bonuses, K Cash symbols, and a three-tier Hyperbet system, ranging from “White Belt Mode” to the highest level, where multipliers can reach 10x.
The sequel forms part of Kalamba’s ongoing strategy to deliver one premium title per quarter. Upcoming titles include Blazing Scarabs Hold and Win, the studio’s first three-part game, and Horus Fire Prize Tower, which introduces a cascading reels mechanic and is slated for November.
Boa concluded that maintaining a strong creative identity is key to Kalamba’s growth: “In a market where mechanics can be copied, identity is what lasts. Our focus is on building franchises and themes that players instantly recognise. Games that make an impression.”
