Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 builds on Namco Bandai's franchise, offering gamers more content and anime inspired shenanigans. Based on the hit anime series that currently airs Saturday nights on Cartoon Network, the game lets players select from a cast of over thirty fighters to brawl it out in the name of ninja school supremacy. These characters include students (the wily Naruto and the skillful Rock Lee), oddballs (the sand-powered Gaara) and several others. Other fighters unlocked over the course of the game, along with other anime-related goodies such as movie clips, collectible cards and more.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 brings back everything that made the original game such a hit. Players run through sixteen different multi-tiered levels, fighting off opponents with both close-range attacks (punches, kicks) and long-distance weaponry (throwing stars and others). It operates in a similar fashion to Capcom's Power Stone games, but in a 2-D environment rather than 3-D.

For the sequel, CyberConnect2 has thrown in a new feature -- being able to call for back-up support. An assisting character can be summoned to drop off a helpful weapon or to lend a hand during a concentrated super-attack -- similar to the teamwork-powered super combos in Marvel vs. Capcom 2. Being able to charge up super attacks with additional chakra makes them almost limitless in power and a major threat to opponents -- even those with proper shielding.

A new mode, Ultimate Road, features an original storyline. Along the way, players pick up coins to buy additional items and unlockable goodies at a local shop. Assessed power-up points also become earnable through this campaign, granting players the ability to customize their character through several areas, such as strength, defense, agility and a magical energy called chakra.

In addition, the game also contains a solid presentation on par with the hit show. Animations should remain very true to each fighter's characteristics, such as Rock Lee's determination and Naruto's inability to restrain. The environments show quite a bit of appeal as well, ranging from the rooftop of the school during a gorgeous sunset to a deceivingly peaceful mountain setting. The show's cast provides voice-overs while a fitting soundtrack backs them up.

Along with the Ultimate Road campaign, players can try their fighting dexterity against others in versus mode or on their own in a practice dojo. Fans should also be happy stumbling upon memorable scenarios from the show, including the Tsudane Story and Chunin Exam, among others. Finally, Ultimate Ninja 2 offers six brand new mini-games ready to add extra variety to the fighting action.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 foregoes the odd play-style of Uzumaki Chronicles in favor of a more traditional fighting effort. Look for GameDaily to take it to school upon its arrival.

Related Links

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 Game Guide

Namco Bandai Games