Official Website

Platform: PlayStation 2

Genre: Fighting

Number of Players: 1 - 2

When it comes to video games based on popular anime, it seems that Namco-Bandai is the only company here in North America that is willing to release them. Most companies simply aren’t about to take the risk, and so games based on anime like RahXephon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and a lengthy list of others remain elusive to all but those who own an import model PlayStation 2. Namco Bandai Games on the other hand has given anime fans titles like Ghost in the Shell, Lupin the 3rd and even Samurai Champloo have given anime fans and gamers a quick fix, but there’s another hero that is making his way to the PlayStation. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja brings the popular series onto the PS2, believe it.

Naruto brings together twelve different characters from the popular anime . . . manga, trading card game . . . you name it, Naruto has probably cornered the market on it. If you want to play as Naruto Uzumaki, you’re more than free to do so. Sakura Haruno, Keji Hyuga, Rock Lee, the list goes on, but all your favorite characters can be found, though some of them you will need to unlock, but that’s all part of the fun of the game.

I know what you’re probably thinking; fighting games are a dime a dozen these days and every company wants to try and cash in, but Naruto isn’t quite like other games that are on the market, though there are some aspects to it that are very similar to other games. Naruto features a number of different modes of play; the one that most will want to start with is the Scenario Mode. This is the story mode, and it is different for each character, including the order of which characters are fought, so it’s not just some cheapened attempt to use the same story and just replace the character.

The levels are designed in a 2D multi-tiered format, and for most that might sound like Street Fighter, but there’s a bit more going on here than what the venerable fighting franchise allows for. The controls actually make gameplay a bit simple, but there are certain tricks to use as well. The O button is your attack, and pressing it rapidly and throwing in different directions will unleash combo attacks. You will also use this same button to guard and even throw opponents. That isn’t all there is to this game however, and it’s not just some simple, one-button masher.

X allows you to just, and you can even double jump, jump off walls, trees, and virtually anything else. Smashing open boxes and barrels will give you items that can be used in the game. Any good ninja needs things of this nature, and pressing square will let you use things like giant throwing stars (or even normal ones) and a variety of other combat related items which you can scroll through by pressing L1 or R1. Save for you normal star, most of these items can only be used once. You will also get items from your support character who occasionally throws you a bone, but this can also include items to increase your health or chakra. There are also items that immediately go into effect, such as ones that increase your defense and attack or even scrolls to make you invisible.

So, what is charka? Well, it’s another important aspect of fighting and relates to your secret technique. Once you’ve activated this, attack your opponent before it disappears and you’ll enter super attack mode. Here you will have a combination to enter before time runs out, success will move you to the next phase of combat (there are three in all.) However, should you receive a special attack; the same rules apply, though in this reversal of fortune you are defending to lessen the damage. These attacks take on a different mode and move away from the usual fighting environment and instead are animated sequences that are enjoyable to watch, though I will admit a little distracting when you’re trying to enter codes quickly.

During the stages, you also may see an option pop on screen that will allow you to move to another section of the stage with a completely different look. While the same fighting does still apply, it can give you an advantage at times, especially if you’ve found yourself in a larger area where your opponent wants to constantly move and avoid your attacks. Also, the stages have scrolls hidden within them, and changing location may be the only way to find some of these. Each of these battles is also one round and if you emerge victorious, you will be rewarded based on remaining health, however much time was used, if you found all areas, and a vast number of other sections that will give you a bit of spending money.

A faster way to earn money however is by taking on the Mission Mode. These are still the same types of fights, but the requirements to succeed can vary drastically. In some cases, you may have a decreased amount of time that you need to finish by, or you may even need to win with a certain item in your possession. Completing each mission rewards you with not only money but experience, and as your ninja skills improve, the missions that you can undertake grow even more difficult.

The best way to succeed in any case is to practice, and for those that want to master their ninjitsu, you can enter the practice mode and brush up on what each combatant can do. This is similar to what has been seen in a number of fighting games, and Namco Bandai’s own Tekken and Soul Calibur come to mind, but what Naruto lacks is a mode that will show you what needs to be pressed to achieve different combos. Of course, a fighting game wouldn’t be the same if you couldn’t beat down your friends, and free battle will let you unleash your deadly ninja skills on your buddy, or the computer.

But wait! I know, I mentioned money, and you may be wondering what that’s used for. Money can be spent in the shop in a capsule machine (gachapon) and you’ll get a number of different things that relate to the game. Action figures (and variants) artwork, music and at times . . . nothing. Spending that hard earned money to be rewarded with a big zero is disappointing, but there are so many bonus things to be unlocked in this portion that any Naruto fan is going to be kept busy. If you want to take a look at what you’ve managed to collect you just need to pay a visit to Naruto’s House and everything that you’ve currently collected will be available to you.

To stay in tune with the anime, the game itself takes a cel-shaded approach in terms of the graphics. The cut scenes are done in a mock, manga style where you’ll have action flowing through panels as well as captions. The stages themselves to do have great deal of depth to them in terms of both the look and how they are played. Some of the subtleties are what I really appreciate, such as seeing the trees bounce and shake a bit when you jump on their branches, water splashing around, shattering glass or splintering wood, and these touches are what makes Naruto an attractive fighting game instead of simply an attempt to cash in on the popularity. The only thing that I dislike however is that the games only audio is English and there is no option to hear the dialog in Japanese. Being an anime purist, I really do prefer having the original language as an option, but in Naruto’s case, I suppose that the game play and entertainment makes up for this.

Even if you’re not a fan of Naruto in any fashion, the game really is a blast to play and works more on a fast paced level than trying to memorize intricate combos or finishing moves. For the fan of the series, will this be something that will appease your ravenous Naruto obsession? It most certainly will . . . believe it.

 -mike-