Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is a 2003 fighting video game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai and Bandai Namco Games.  It is the first installment in the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series and was released for PlayStation 2.

Positives:

• Fast paced combat
• A lot unlockable content
• Great soundtrack
• Fun gameplay
• Manga style animation

Negatives:

• Not enough characters
• Repetitive gameplay
• Lackluster story

Campaign:  The Story Mode loosely covers the events from the Land of Waves Arc to Konoha Crush Arc in an arcade style. The Story Mode is split into twelve stories are meant to depict the events from different characters’ perspectives, each consisting of six scenarios. This keeps the story diverse however, for anyone looking at a deeply compelling retelling of the events of the show, you’re not really going to get it.  Really, fans of the manga and anime series will understand what’s going on. (3 out of 5)

Gameplay: The game’s main objective is to deplete your enemies’ health bar and features 14 playable characters over 12 stages, each character having their own combos, jutsus, guarding, tools, and special attacks. Ultimate Ninja features a pretty immersive and well balanced combat system with controls that are simple but handle well. Stringing different combinations to unleash dozens of moves per character using the D-pad.  It’s fast pace keeps players on their toes and the mixture of physical combat, environmental interactions, Body Replacement Technique, and special attacks keep the fighting very diverse. Also, some characters have transformations that will boosts their stats.

Each character has their own special techniques which require chakra that is built while fighting. Each has three power levels which are presented with an over-the-top anime-style fight scenes. On the two sides of the screen sit gauges with different button sequences. Hit them in the right order and the attacker delivers maximum damage. If the victim get its right, then the damage is reduced.  One of the biggest drawbacks to this is the fact that players will be so focused on the buttons that its hard to appreciate the actual sequence. Each stage has two planes and players have the ability to shift between two at will.  (4 out of 5)

Graphics:  The game does stay true to the manga art style, combining it with cell shaded characters and 3D stages.  The stages are well detailed and the diverse staying true to the source material (including the Chunin Exams, Forest of Death, and Hidden Leaf Village).  They feel active with supporting characters appearing, destructible objects, and activity going on in the background.  The cinematics are good giving life to the manga style art.  The dialogue in Story Mode is presented in a manga style display. (3 out of 5)

Score: The soundtrack is actually pretty awesome bringing back some memorable themes from the series.  Casting from the series do a good job with the characters.  The sound is awesome; attacks feel impactful and stages have depth with background noise. (3 out of 5)

Replay Value: The game simple but it does have its share of replayability.  The versus can be really competitive especially when playing with friends.  There are a ton of unlockables; including audio tracks, videos of the characters’ special techniques, figurines, and scrolls.  These items can be purchased with in-game currency earned from completing missions and battles. There are three modes Scenario (main story mode), Free Battle (versus matches), and Mission (fights with specific requirements).  (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is a surprisingly good game.  Not many anime can make a transition to games and actually be good but Ultimate Ninja is a great starting point.  Despite some of the smaller issues such as the small roster, lacking story, and some repetitive gameplay, the game has great music, great combat system, a lot of unlockables, high replayability, good animation, and fun gameplay.  Naruto: Ultimate Ninja gets 3 out of 5.