"Try two Rasengans at the same time. Trust me....."

I'm an avid Naruto fan. I like the manga, the anime, hell, I've even got one of those Konoha headbands. Couple that with the fact that I played the last game to death, it means I had fairly high expectations for this game. And, as I suspected, this installment delivers of the Narutimeto series delivers.

Gameplay-9

The battles in this game were always where it shone the most. They remain mostly the same, with ridiculous pace and frantic button bashing. The previous use of three ougis per character has been replaced by each character having many more, but only being able to equip one at a time. They also affect stats when equipped, allowing for more customisation. Other new features of battle include the mid-battle clash, where a button bashing match begins in battle after two similar jutsus collide, like two Rasengans or Chidoris, and they can be mixed and matched to a certain extent as well. Unfortunately, no real changes have come about in the battle system, and the previous ability of being able to freely alter a character's stats has been replaced by a level-up system, which lowers the level of flexibility in customisation. Also, the RPG and Story modes are still fairly poor in comparison with other games. Although, having said that, this is primarily a fighting game, and only a certain amount of an RPG element can be expected. And also, some previously poor characters (eg. Kiba) have been given far better moves to put them up there with some of the better people. The addition of being able to play as all five Hokages and Konohamaru, along with the “Sound Five” of Kimimaro, Jiroubu, Kidoumaru, Tayuya and Sakon is an expected, yet exciting one. Also, more special power-ups from the series have been added, such as Chouji's Butterfly state and Rock Lee's Suiken sees the level of battle reach new heights of excitement and visual splendour. The multiplayer system also provides many more hours of fun. There are also more minigames to take part in when you feel like you need a break from mashing the shoulder buttons in battle to teleport away from your enemy. Almost perfect, there is still some room for more innovation.

Sound- 9

The music provides an entertaining and immersive quality that puts you smack dab in the shoes of a ninja. Even the selection and cancel noises are inspired. Whether or not you understand Japanese, the voice actors for the characters are very apt, and the jutsu cries are just plain badass. The girlish cries of pain can sometimes make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up with a shriek akin to nails on a chalkboard at times, but even they are entertaining for one who enjoys the manga and anime. All the same, they provide an effective catalyst to the environment, which brings them together flawlessly.

Graphics- 9

Cel shaded graphics very rarely look bad, and this game is no exception. They give a more anime feel to the game, and it simply adds to the effect of capturing the gamer's imagination. Having said that, they haven't changed at all since the last game, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I like to see improvement in the visual department as game series progress. But, in the end, they are quite charming in their own little way, and the game most certainly would not be the same without them.

Overall-10

Now you may think, why has this person decided on a 10 when he gave everything a 9? The simple answer is that the multiplayer part of this game provided me with many hours well spent, and I believe there will be many more to come, as this game carries an implacable addictivity that really will have you hooked for too many an hour. For those who enjoy the anime and manga and own a Japanese console, I beseech you, at least rent this game, learn Japanese as you go, even though it is not essential to complete the game. For those who don't enjoy the anime and manga, it is probably still worth importing, but probably will not appeal nearly as much to you as to avid fans. If you have the power, play this game, you won't regret it. So strap on your headband, grab your kunai, and proclaim “Dattebayo!” as you rush toward an import site!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/09/06