"Excellent Fighting game with low replayability"

Introduction:
Naruto: Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu 3 is based from the Naruto anime and the latest from the Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu series. Uzumaki Naruto, an orphan that possess extremely huge power (That can be summoned during huge emotional changes/climaxes) is on a mission to find his close friend, Uchiha Sasuke that has gone astray and went to 'the dark side'. Its up to Naruto and friends to find Sasuke and convince him to come back.

Gameplay: 9/10
This game is very fun for those who love fighting games. Much of the game play consist of mashing and bashing. Its all punches and kicks here, but with a twist. This game allows you to use Jutsus (techniques) from the anime itself, like the well known "Rasengan" and the all time favourite "Chidori". This techniques give the game a more unique feel, and lets not forget about the included "Support Character" system, where you can summon support characters to use their special techniques to the enemies who aren't so easily beaten. Though running around, jumping and fighting doesn't sound all that great, there are a variety of enemies to "kick butt", ranging from snakes to Sound ninjas, you won't get tired of punching the same dude, especially when enemies increase in attack, defence, health and weapons.

Graphics/Sound: 9.5/10
Graphics in this game are simple, yet highly detailed. The sprites used are bright and satisfying. It is also easier to tell the characters apart from the previous game, and the characters have all the trademarks or outfits they used from the anime. The running animation is fantastic and very entertaining to the eye, as well as the animation of techniques (especially Chidori). The graphics are clear and sharp, with no lag. The background are somewhat repetitive though, but since you will be focused on fighting, it isn't a very major set back. The background is very pleasant, with many landmarks such as the "Hokage Mountain" from the anime.

For sound, it is just as fantastic. The sound is vibrant, sharp and clear. The intro sound will never fail to surprise fans of the anime/game nor first time players. Audio during the game is great. Sound effects like punching, yelling and running are satisfying and a joy to hear. The background music keeps your mood and spirit high as you punch down all who oppose you, and the sound effects from the technique animations are so clear and brilliant, you'll find yourself using the same technique over and over again just to see the fantastic animation and hear the breath taking sound effects.

Play Time/Replaybility: 7/10
This game has very low replayability and play time. With only 7 missions in all and no versus mode or the like, this game finishes fast. There are many unlockables though, that are unlockable after completing the campaign a number of times. Besides campaign, the only other mode would be the Doodler, where you can draw using the stylus. This is pretty much the same like Microsoft paint, but with backgrounds and the fact that you cant save your work.

For Play time, as mentioned above, this game finishes fast with only 7 missions. Though the game finishes fast, it isn't surprising for one to play it again. Play time varies from player to player. Skill, use of short cuts and other factors cut play time, and this game can be completed in a number of hours (4 to 10 hours) depending on the player.

Final Recommendation:
This game is in Japanese, including the menu. But inability to understand the language( Like me ) is not an important factor of the game as dialogues are few. It comes free with a Kunai (knife in Japanese) stylus holder which you can put your stylus into. Very cool design and helps strains on the fingers. It is, however recommended to rent this game first for the non-fan before making an actual purchase. It is very likely you may want to return this game, but that is only when you do not really like fighting games and unlocked every single feature.

All in all, one of the best fighting games in the market. But the way too short campaign/story and extremely low replayability brings this game down.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/06