[Game Review] Naruto: Narultimate Hero 2
By Abel Belmonte
Anime and video games don’t usually mix well, but make an exception for this one. If you’re an avid fan of fighting games, a certain yellow-haired ninja boy, or both, then you’d better try Naruto: Narutimate Hero 2. Let’s quickly go over the game’s details, so hold your Kage Bunshins tightly!
Gameplay. The game features three playable modes (RPG, Freefor-All, and Practice) and two special “collectors” stuff (Jiraiya’s Shopand Naruto’s House). You can tussle with a computer or another player in Free-for-All, and you can test your skills in Practice mode. However, the game truly shines in RPG, where you control Naruto and wander around Konoha, following the storyline. You can earn money and use it to buy action figures or even movie discs from Jiraiya’s shop — so you can watch them in Naruto’s house! You can even unlock a multitude of jutsus for use in character customization (Chidori Naruto, anyone?).
Your moves are attack, use item, jump, and block. Sounds simple? You can use a character’s jutsus, or their Ougi attacks (an equivalent for a Super Move), which costs a lot of chakra. Still sound simple? Things can get tougher as Kawarimi, Block-Cancel, Air Juggling, and other famous fighting tactics are unveiled. It is good to read an FAQ, watch a tutorial video (http://www.shishi-rendan.com), or spend long hours to get the hang of it.
Many unlockables await you, most of them by playing through the RPG. Remember the green suit Gai gave to Naruto? Yes, you can play as Green Suit Naruto using Gai’s and Lee’s moves! You want to know how Hinata fights if she weren’t shy? Go unlock Successor Hinata, a better fighter than Neji! You can also unlock stuff like cards, action figures, and more, which will take time.
Graphics. Simply top-notch. It features cel-shaded animation and has a manga-feel to it. Lots of kanji and the usual manga “sound effects” pop out when you throw shurikens (or some villain!). You can also see the different characters’ facial expressions when they react to attacks (Ever seen Itachi give a surprised look?).
Sound. The opening music features GO!, the fourth intro song in the anime. The BGM will give you that ‘Naruto feeling’, but taking the cake are the voices. It’s like watching subbed anime, only without the sub.
Conclusion. Probably the game’s only con is that it’s in Japanese — which might not even be a bad thing at all, especially for the die-hards. But this game is fun even if you’re not a Naruto fan! A great fighting engine, funny characters, and even funnier animations. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll finish my foe using Naruto’s Sexy no Jutsu!
By Abel Belmonte
Anime and video games don’t usually mix well, but make an exception for this one. If you’re an avid fan of fighting games, a certain yellow-haired ninja boy, or both, then you’d better try Naruto: Narutimate Hero 2. Let’s quickly go over the game’s details, so hold your Kage Bunshins tightly!
Gameplay. The game features three playable modes (RPG, Freefor-All, and Practice) and two special “collectors” stuff (Jiraiya’s Shopand Naruto’s House). You can tussle with a computer or another player in Free-for-All, and you can test your skills in Practice mode. However, the game truly shines in RPG, where you control Naruto and wander around Konoha, following the storyline. You can earn money and use it to buy action figures or even movie discs from Jiraiya’s shop — so you can watch them in Naruto’s house! You can even unlock a multitude of jutsus for use in character customization (Chidori Naruto, anyone?).
Your moves are attack, use item, jump, and block. Sounds simple? You can use a character’s jutsus, or their Ougi attacks (an equivalent for a Super Move), which costs a lot of chakra. Still sound simple? Things can get tougher as Kawarimi, Block-Cancel, Air Juggling, and other famous fighting tactics are unveiled. It is good to read an FAQ, watch a tutorial video (http://www.shishi-rendan.com), or spend long hours to get the hang of it.
Many unlockables await you, most of them by playing through the RPG. Remember the green suit Gai gave to Naruto? Yes, you can play as Green Suit Naruto using Gai’s and Lee’s moves! You want to know how Hinata fights if she weren’t shy? Go unlock Successor Hinata, a better fighter than Neji! You can also unlock stuff like cards, action figures, and more, which will take time.
Graphics. Simply top-notch. It features cel-shaded animation and has a manga-feel to it. Lots of kanji and the usual manga “sound effects” pop out when you throw shurikens (or some villain!). You can also see the different characters’ facial expressions when they react to attacks (Ever seen Itachi give a surprised look?).
Sound. The opening music features GO!, the fourth intro song in the anime. The BGM will give you that ‘Naruto feeling’, but taking the cake are the voices. It’s like watching subbed anime, only without the sub.
Conclusion. Probably the game’s only con is that it’s in Japanese — which might not even be a bad thing at all, especially for the die-hards. But this game is fun even if you’re not a Naruto fan! A great fighting engine, funny characters, and even funnier animations. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll finish my foe using Naruto’s Sexy no Jutsu!