"Naruto: Rise of A Ninja" is based on the popular anime series. Is the first (I believe) game on the next generation platform or is this just another one of those popular anime to game creations, or is it a worth while atempt?
Overview First of I must admit i have not seen much of the anime series, and am more of a dragonballl z fan boy, this game apparently goes from the beggining of the series to a certain episode (hence the new game broken sword). Using cel shaded graphics which seems to be adopted more and more in anime games this gives it a very nice look. The game (and anime) is about naruto and his friends training to be ninjas, but no body in the village likes naruto for some unknown reason which is later revealed in the game.
Gameplay - 8/10
There are two gameplay elements and a variety of sub missions in the game which gives it a lot of variety. Ill focus on the story mode which is like an action rpg where naruto can run around the city he lives in, travel to other parts of the world. In all the dragon ballz games ive played, i never found it enjoyable traveling from place to place, which is were this is different, you can have a lot of fun collecting coins, and looking for people to impress.
The main mechanic in this game is to make the villagers happy which requires you to complete various task from performing certain amusing special moves, finding a lost item or rescueing someone. The combat element is quite enjoyable and as you progress through the game you gain strength in chakra which lets you pull of some very awesome looking moves with loads of copies of naruto attacking the enemy.
Some of these start a quick time event which i always like and even though you find your pretty much stuck to the floor its quite a good combat system requiring a mediocre level of skill, but it does feel a little aimed at a younger audience. I have to mention that there is a few sections where you run up a tree and to cross some distance have to jump tree to tree which is quite fun having to time your jumps right. The sub missions involve various things from races, to hide and seek which help in the replay factor.
The versus mode is a bit lacking i feel with slightly small selection of characters, and it feels a bit basic not one youd find in your regular line up for when friends come round but good for a few rounds. Also the story mode can be a bit annoying with repetive bad guys (being mostly the same). It does feel a bit short and the end comes slightly abruptly but still its an enjoyable game.
Graphics - 9/10
The graphics are cell shaded which i really like and seems to be the standard in these anime to game makes. the town naruto lives in is apparently recreated exactly from the anime (which should please fans of the anime) there's lots to explore, there nothing ground breaking but its very well done. A few scenes from the anime are also included which helps tie the game into the anime.
Sound - 8/10
Seeing a few episodes the same voice actors must have been used. The sound track complements the game well, and gives it a nice feel.
Overall - 8/10
If your a fan of the anime or not you will find this an enjoyable game, with plenty to do and see, the combat is a bit basic, the visuals are very cool at times, i always like a good quick time event, can be a bit easy so for a younger player this is perfect, but being 25 i still enjoyed it, and thought it was a very good game.
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Naruto: Rise of a Ninja Achievements (37)
There are 37 achievements with a total of 1075 points available
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