This unique super attack system helps to add depth to the gameplay. When a character channels their chakra they start glowing in one of three colors depending on which level of super they are attempting. So it's very obvious when someone is about to try a super attack. This means that you can't simple pull one out whenever you want. You have to use really plan out when to use a super attack if you want to connect with it.

Aside from the combos, special attacks, and super attacks, the Square button will throw a projectile attack. Throughout your battle, other characters will appear to toss you new items. Every character has one unlimited projectile attack (usually a shuriken), but you can get the Shadow Shuriken, scrolls that will slow your opponent down, and even an item that will call on another character for assistance. Everyone has a helper character that tosses them items and will come in for the assist attacks.

The gameplay itself is like a mixture of Power Stone and Super Smash Brothers, with a Naruto theme. There are large stages that you can run around in (even up walls and along ropes suspended in mid-air), and each stage has two planes to attack from. Fans of the old King of Fighters games will have an idea of what I'm talking about. You fight on a 2D plane, but there are two of them on each stage; one in the foreground and one in the background. By pressing up and X or down and X, you can teleport from one to the other. If you and your opponent are on opposite planes, the camera will be zoomed out, and you can only attack each other with your basic projectile attacks. You can also change stages on the fly from time to time after one character gets knocked down. There's no load time at all when you change stages, and sometimes you can change two or three times in one match.

Naruto: Narultimate Hero looks outstanding with the new cel-shading technique used to create the characters and backgrounds. You really think you're playing the anime or the manga. All of the character voices and sound effects are pulled right out of the anime and should sound very familiar. CyberConnect2 has also included a Story Mode, VS Mode, Mission Mode (where you go through Practice, D, C, B, A, and S class missions beating opponents using only certain techniques), a card collection game, and a Practice Mode.

If you're a Naruto fan, there's no question, you will love this game. If you're looking for a deep fighting game, you may want to look elsewhere. It's better than Dragonball Z: Budokai, but it's not on the level of Tekken or Virtua Fighter. Still, it's a fun game, and it's deeper than most fighting games based on anime or manga.