10/27/2006 12:45:09 AM
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja PlayStation 2 ReviewBy Vichus Smith
“Believe it!” If you can get past that often annoying catch phrase, then you will be able to play “Naruto: Ultimate Ninja.” Naruto, if you don’t know, is the latest anime phenomenon, which is also based on a manga (Japanese comic book). The titular hero, Naruto, has ambitions of becoming the greatest ninja of all time. The only problem is, he’s not exactly a natural when it comes to the ninja arts. The story follows the adventures of him and his ninja friends.
"Naruto: Ultimate Ninja” is a 2D fighter with 3D elements. Initially, you get to choose to play as one of a handful of ninja: as Naruto, one of his two closest friends, or their teacher, Kakashi. There are a few modes you can play in, from Free Battle mode against the computer (or a second player), the Scenario Mode, Practice Mode, or Mission mode. There is also the shop, which will annoy you as two characters constantly repeat the same lines, as well as Naruto’s house, where you can change settings and look at all the items you have won or bought.
Story mode is a mish-mash of episodes from the TV series. Each person has a somewhat unique series of battles. Some may have many fights, while others will have a shorter story. The story will not make total sense to people who haven’t seen the show, but at least you know who the bad guys are. The story is not told in 3D cut scenes, but rather through the character’s 3D pictures on screen with text. A brief dialogue will occur, then it’s time to fight.
In battle, you have one button to do basic kick and punch attacks, a jump button, your button to throw items, and the special ability button. Besides the ninja’s weapon of choice, the shuriken, there are many other offensive and defensive items you can pick up and throw during the match. Your allies either drop items for you during the fight, or you have to destroy items to find them. You can cycle through the items you’ve picked up and use them at any time you want. Jumping is not just limited to jumping up and down. With the analog stick, you can also warp from the foreground to the background, which can be important if you need to avoid attacks. Since parts of the environment are interactive, you can also jump on trees, and walk on walls or flat vertical surfaces.
There is an energy that you accumulate in “Naruto: Ultimate Ninja” called chakra. Chakra can either be gathered as an item or by beating up on your opponent. Chakra isn’t necessary to fight, but it becomes important when you want to activate your special ability. There are three levels, each with their own special ability. You simply have to press the triangle button one to three times, depending on what level chakra bar you have accumulated. The tricky part is when you have to hit your opponent to start the special move. When you connect, the move begins and a series of button commands comes onscreen. Depending on the level of special move you attack with, you may have to complete as many as three series of button commands. The only other use of chakra comes when you have to walk on water. The chakra bar empties whenever you stand on water, and when it’s empty, you cannot go across water without falling into it and losing life.
The modes that are most fun to play in are Free Battle mode and Mission mode. If you prefer to play with friends, then Free Battle mode will be the most enjoyable. If you prefer to be challenged by the computer, then Mission mode is preferable over Scenario mode. Scenario mode is just like every other story mode in a basic fighting game. The only incentive in finishing all the scenarios is the unlockable characters. Mission mode is much more challenging because there are restrictions put on each fight. In one scenario, you are restricted from jumping. In another, you have to keep your health above a certain percentage. Like in the TV show, you start at a lowly rank and you can take on all the missions to reach to Hokage, the highest of all ninja ranks.
“Naruto: Ultimate Ninja” is not the best fighting game you will ever play. It does feel great to be a ninja and move with speed and agility, but there is a lack of power and excitement to this fighter. The special moves don’t feel worth the effort and the attacks do not look or sound like they are as brutal as you would like them to be. Also, the story mode has to be improved, or it has to be merged in some fashion with the Mission mode to be more worth playing. “Naruto: Ultimate Ninja” is fun, but the next game will have to try harder. Believe it!
Ratings (1-10):
Graphics 8.0. This is an accurate representation of the anime characters, but it is not stunning or noteworthy.
Sound 7.5. The sound effects are simply average and the voice acting is equal to the show’s English. The game’s menus tend to be annoying with voice actors describing every little thing.
Gameplay 7.0. This game would have been more enjoyable if all of the moves were in your control.
Story 6.0. You’re much better off watching the TV show if you want to understand what’s going on.
Replayability 7.5. There are many items to unlock, but it will take too long to unlock them all.
Overall 7.5. The Naruto anime was an obvious choice for a fighting game, but this game is not the best representation of the show.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja PlayStation 2 Review
