Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 picks right up where the original left off, with players hopping into a variety of roles and beating enemies to a pulp. Fighting devotees may be disappointed by the simplistic mechanics, but the game simply offers mindless fun.

Namco Bandai replaced the Scenario mode from the first game with the all-new Ultimate Road. Here, players go through a variety of missions. A few have been lifted straight from the anime show, mixed in with numerous original stages. Over the course of the game, thirty-two characters become available, each with their own tactics and Chakra magic abilities. From there, players move through stage after stage. Like the original game, the action takes place in 2-D, with the ability to jump in and out of particular sections of each stage.

Visually, the game looks closer to the anime style of the show and the comic books than its prequel, with superb animations and very exquisite settings. The menus are a little easier to navigate, bursting with anime flavor. The sound department could've used a little more oomph, however. The music works fine but the dialogue, provided by the show's U.S. cast, can get tiresome.
With gameplay, the sequel could've used a little more improvement. The game still leans heavily on the tap-tap attack system, where players can strike at opponents with quick punches and kicks, along with projectile weapons and charge-up Chakra-powered strikes. Developer CyberConnect 2 attempted to freshen up the proceedings with the addition of a few quick time event like scenarios, requiring players to hit certain buttons and rotate the analog stick to out-do their opponents. However, these end up being more troublesome than helpful, leaving a few sore thumbs in their wake. The player must also locate enough time to store up precious Chakra to deliver the final blow, which can be difficult while being bombarded by opponents. With the scattering of weapons and the over-the-top pandemonium of it all, however, it still manages to work in a care-free sort of way – in the same manner as the Super Smash Bros. games or Namco Bandai's previous One Piece releases.

Ultimate Road comes with over sixty missions and mini-games, all of which stay true to the Naruto theme. It'll take players quite a while to complete, and they'll revisit the Road with a different character, seeing if they end up doing better or worse. In addition, they can hone their skills in the training dojo, perfecting the art of Chakra and practicing their moves without the risk of assault. Furthermore, currency earned during each fight can be spent in the Tanzaku Market. Here, hard-earned money can be spent on collectible cards and figurines, as well as videos and other Naruto-themed goodies. Last but not least, Vs. Duel lets a friend join in on the beat-em-up fun. Online play and the option to invite more players, however, would have added more replay value.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 never reaches an innovative plateau but avoids the depths of failure. It doesn't necessarily do things entirely different from the first game, but seeing how enjoyable that was, maybe such changes weren't necessary. The presentation, plentiful modes and mostly pleasant fighting engine should keep fans of the comic and anime show happily content throughout the summer. Those in search of something more involving, however, will find an Ultimate rush elsewhere.

Final Score: 7 (out of 10)

Related Links

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 Game Guide

Namco Bandai Games

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