Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3

"The Latest Game of the Narutimate Hero Series!!"

BANDAI and Cyber Connect 2 releases the 3rd installment of the Narutimate Hero Series: NARUTIMATE HERO 3.

The Graphics: 10/10

As usual the third series brings us the beauty of cel-shading, the feeling of an anime with a manga-riffic visual, complete with manga-ish sound effects. The enhancement is recognizable by the ‘darkness' of the drawing style depicting a sense of maturity of the game this time around. Eye-catching.

The Sound: 10/10

The BGMs are still well placed especially in critical moments of the Story Mode as well as the Versus Mode feature. Voice Acting is still top-notch and the sound effects are truly satisfying, most noticeable is the clash of metal ‘Kunai's' or the disappearing ‘poof!' a character ninja makes plus other audible environmental noises. Hearing pleasure is-through-the-roof.

The Gameplay: 10/10

As they say in my country, the controls for Specials/Death Moves are ‘chicken-feed' before, now they are just much more simplified. Specifically the Special/Death Moves are easier to pull off this time around because you just input the corresponding buttons appearing on your side of the screen. All the buttons are very much the same: Square is for projectiles and item usage while L1 & R1 are for cycling through picked-up items, X is for jump, Triangle is for chakra, Circle is for hand to hand and R2 & L2 are for blocking. The game has a plus also, the mini-game: enjoyment + hilarity = entertainment. The new dating feature incorporated in the RPG Mode is most definitely a welcome addition as well as the Jutsu clashing in the Versus Mode. Wurr.

The Story: 10/10

Narutimate Hero 3 now is even more engrossing as you follow the adventures and misadventures of Naruto as he strives to become one of the strongest ninjas as well as the future ‘Hokage' of Konoha Village. It also follows the anime series, as seen in the opening sequence, Naruto's encounter with Sasuke and his new power. Wicked.

Replayability Factor:

With dozens of ‘Ougi's & Jutsu's' to unlock, only by playing RPG & Story Mode, the replayability factor is a definite high. Not only that, the sense of satisfaction to squeeze every ounce of the game's secret is quite a gravitational pull to any gamer to finish this game right through the end. Aside from the Versus Mode, there are also the mini-games to play with a friend and an addition of new characters. What more could you ask for?

Buy or Rent?

If you don't understand the Japanese language and you don't know or don't wanna know about Naruto, his story and adventures then rent this game. But if you're a ninja fan, manga fan or an anime fan then this game is a definite buy/must-have.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/06/06, Updated 03/28/06