Naruto: Clash of Ninja

"An awesome title, for an awesome console."

I'm a huge fan of the Naruto anime and manga, so when I heard about this game, I had to try it. I was skeptical at first, due to the fact that certain games based on anime/manga turned out horrible…*cough Full Metal Alchemist (GBA), Ghost in the Shell (PSP) cough*. This one is different, though. I don't know if it is just that I like the anime better, or if it is actually a good game. I am quite positive it is the latter, however.

Graphics--9/10
For the most part, the graphics in this game were outstanding. To keep the feel of the anime, this game uses Cel Shading--similar to that of Dark Cloud II and Zelda: Wind Waker--which I think is perfectly fine. The Characters all look like themselves, as well. Naruto looks like his usual self, as does Sasuke, and the others. The reason I didn't give graphics a 10 is because I think they didn't use the full capabilities of the Nintendo Gamecube. What I mean, is in most cases, the backgrounds are lacking. They are mostly done in 2-D. I honestly think, that they could have done more, much more. Even with that, the graphics are great for the most part, and easily deserves a 9 out of 10.

Sound/Music--10/10
I automatically am giving this category a perfect score. Simply because this game features all of the voice actors from the anime. When something like this happens, you can't get any better. The music is good, not great, but good. It fits in well with the game overall. The music is decent, but the voice acting is what makes it so special. I am giving Sound/Music a perfect score, 10 out of 10.

Controls--10/10
The controls are done very well. They are easy enough for beginners, and yet more advanced players can pull off their insane combos and killer moves. The layout is perfectly done, your fingers never have to cross each other, or go into weird positions. God forbid, we have to do it Super Smash Brothers style. I never was able to wavedash…No, there's none of that here, just straight up fighting with a great controller scheme. For it's open-endedness, I am awarding the Controls with a 10 out of 10.

Gameplay--8/10
This game can please a spectrum of different people. It will definitely please any Naruto fan, and it also will suffice for any action/fighting fan. This game offers a minute amount of modes. However, I am not complaining, simply because I could play solely the Arcade mode and still be content. For the more nitpicky ones, keep your pants on. There is also the Story Mode. In Story mode, you play only as Naruto--considering he is the main character--and you follow him on his adventures to eventually becoming a Ninja. The reason it may appeal to casual fans is the fighting engine. Like I said, new players know what to do, yet the veteran players can still unleash amazing combos and great attacks. If you are a fan of the anime, the gameplay score will climb. I am a fan, so I think it is great, but for the general public, who may or may not like Naruto, I will give it an 8 out of 10.

Replayability--8/10
The Arcade mode is really the only part of this game that will keep you coming back. Having someone else who enjoys the game as much as you, will also help. You can then experience the greatness of it together. A great game, but it isn't the most replayable game out there, so it gets an 8 out of 10.

Overall, I really recommend this game. Especially if you are a fan of the anime/manga. If not, I suggest renting it, seeing if it is what you are after. A truly awesome game, which sadly may fly under the radar.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/19/06