The Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series, known in Japan as the Naruto: Narutimate series (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ ナルティメットシリーズ Naruto: Narutimetto shirīzu), is a series of fighting games, based on the popular manga and anime series Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, for the PlayStation 2. They were developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco Bandai. The series includes three games based on the first part of the Naruto story, which were then followed by two titles based on Naruto Shippūden, as well as spinoffs and a sequel for the PlayStation Portable, and a follow-up title for the PlayStation 3 entitled Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm. The most recent installment, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, marked the first game in the series to appear on a console outside the Sony PlayStation brand (Xbox 360) in addition to being released on the PlayStation 3. The series has sold over 8.7 million units worldwide as of December 2011.[1]
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In the Ultimate Ninja Series line, the player controls one of the characters within the Naruto anime and manga. The simple goal is to fight the opposing character and to win by reducing their health to zero. The catch to this goal is the vast amount of weapons that appear to the characters as the battle progresses (along with items which could potentially heal the player or the opponent). Along with the various weapons available to the characters, they also have their various special abilities taken straight from the series (Naruto Uzumaki's Rasengan or Sasuke Uchiha's Chidori, for example). To use these attacks, however, the player must have the required chakra as indicated by the "chakra bars" located under the players health. Using the technique drains the chakra bar (which can be regained through various methods, including special, character specific methods for some characters). These special techniques are not performed in real-time, however; once successfully executed, a cinematic takes place, where the player either has to fill a bar to a specific level or hit buttons illustrated in the corner of the screen faster than their opponent to assure the attack is at its full strength. All characters can use the substitution jutsu, although some characters use different versions (two variants of Substitution exist; one which evades normal attacks, and another which begins a tug-of-war like minigame after juggling an opponent). Also, some characters have specific transformations available to them (such as Sasuke's Curse Mark of Heaven with the right amount of chakra or, in the later games, by successfully executing their special technique). The first 2 games of the Ultimate Ninja series let players execute 3 different secret technique attacks using three different Chakra levels (red, purple, and blue, in order of weakest to strongest), 2 different signature techniques, and a wide variety of kicks, punches, and throws. However, in Ultimate Ninja 3, players are only allowed to use one secret technique attack, besides the other attacks and techniques. To compensate for this, players will be allowed to select the secret technique of their choice before each battle, but not all secret techniques will be made available at the start of the game. Different secret techniques must be obtained through story mode and completing missions.
| Naruto: Ultimate Ninja |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
| Rating(s) | |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja, known in Japan as Naruto: Narutimate Hero (NARUTO－ナルト－ ナルティメットヒーロー Naruto: Narutimetto Hīrō), is the first installment of the Ultimate Ninja series. It is now a Greatest Hits title. The game was released on October 23, 2003 in Japan, June 26, 2005 in North America, November 17, 2005 in Australia, and November 30, 2005 in Europe.
There are special techniques and jutsus that can be used. It also features several items, like shuriken and kunai. There are many multi-layered stages from around the Naruto universe, including the Hidden Leaf Village, the Chunin Exam arena, and the Forest of Death. In the original Japanese version, there were only 12 characters; however, NamcoBandai has added the ability to select both Curse Mark Sasuke and Nine-Tailed Naruto as bonus characters. Although both of these characters were already in the Japanese version as transformations, NamcoBandai chose to distinguish these four variations into their own playable characters. Due to this, both Naruto and Sasuke have lost their ability to transform into their stronger modes during battle. This is much like the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 transformation system. The game also features an arcade style story mode. The Story Mode consists of up to six battles divided by some dialogue in a manga style display, one of many homages to its source material.
The game also uses support characters such as Naruto's support being Iruka, or Sauske's support being Kakashi Hatake. Though, they are only used when the support has obtained an item, such as an attack using the support or power ups.
Critical reception has been positive. But fans criticized the game and gameplay, especially the graphics. G4's X-Play gave Ultimate Ninja a three out of five for a creative comicbook feel and stylish cel-shaded graphics, but complained that the controls are too simple, and that the English voices are "slightly questionable."[2] Both IGN and GameSpot say that the game is easy, yet fun, to play, and praise the anime/manga-inspired graphics.[3][4]
| Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
| Rating(s) | |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2, known in Japan as Naruto: Narutimate Hero 2 (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ ナルティメットヒーロー２ Naruto: Narutimetto Hīrō 2), is the second installment of the fighting game series Naruto: Ultimate Ninja. Like some other Naruto games in Japan, this one was available in two covers: one featuring Naruto Uzumaki along with several different characters in the background, and the other with Sasuke Uchiha and several other characters. The game was released on September 30, 2004 in Japan, June 13, 2007 in North America, and October 19, 2007 in Europe.[5]
Ultimate Ninja 2 features a similar gameplay experience to Ultimate Ninja, featuring many of the same gameplay elements and geography and mini games in the story mode. The game also features an RPG-esque story mode, the first half from the series, the second being an added story arc that takes place after the Tsunade Decision arc.
Ultimate Ninja 2 is the second game to use a support, though, they are not seen until Ultimate Ninja 5 since in Ultimate Ninja 3 the fighter must obtain items. But, after you have chosen the character you want to be, you are allowed to choose your own support, instead of the game giving you one.
There is a total of 32 characters to choose from (33 in the Japanese version with the inclusion of Doto Kazahana as a promotion for the movie Naruto The Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow). Some characters have also been fused together, so the player must use a certain special jutsu to activate them, such as Sasuke with his Curse Mark of Heaven, although the separate character of Nine-Tailed Naruto remains, this version of Naruto using his Level 3 Ultimate from the first Ultimate Ninja game as a level 2 version
| Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
| Rating(s) | |
Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3, known as in Japan as Naruto: Narutimate Hero 3 (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ナルティメットヒーロー3 Naruto: Narutimetto Hīrō 3), is the third installment of the fighting game series Naruto: Ultimate Ninja. This game was released in Japan on December 22, 2005 in North America on March 25, 2008, in Australia on September 18, 2008. It was also released in England on September 15, 2008, but is only available in specific Tesco stores. This game features the largest character roster upon release, and third largest roster in the Ultimate Ninja series, with 42 characters, and follows the storyline up to and including the Sasuke Retrieval Arc. The player can use equippable jutsu, a trend that began in the second game. When two jutsus of the same strength clash, the game cuts to a jutsu clash, in which the player or players must rapidly press a specific button repeatedly, until either jutsu wins out over the other. In this installment, the player is to both induce temporary transformations (such as Sasuke's Curse Mark, and Rock Lee's Eight Inner Gates) through special jutsu, and other, more permanent ones, that last the entire rest of the fight (like Nine-Tailed Naruto or the Second State Curse Mark). The game also heavily expands on the previous game's RPG mode, and is the first in the series to use CGI cutscenes. The player also has the ability to summon other characters, such as Gamabunta.
Additionally, the Japanese version comes with a bonus DVD that includes a special 26-minute Anime OVA. It features many characters from the series, both living and dead, making it a non-canon release. The basic plot centers around a Battle Royale tournament, providing players with hints to be used in the RPG mode contained in the game.
| Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 4 |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Engine | PlayStation 2 |
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4 known in Japan as Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Accel (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ 疾風伝 ナルティメットアクセル Naruto Shippūden: Narutimetto Akuseru) is the fourth installment of the Ultimate Ninja series, and the first in the Accels completely redone and improved scenes from Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3. It was released in Japan April 5, 2007 , in North America March 24, 2009 and in Europe April 30, 2009.[6] The game features over 52 characters (including transformations) and also has an original story mode new to the series that takes place between the Sasuke Retrieval Arc and the Shippuden Arc called The Black Shadow.
The game introduces Naruto Shippūden characters for the first time, featuring over 52 playable characters. Other changes include the introduction of fixed ultimate jutsu, which change as health decreases or if the player enters any secondary mode. The graphical style of the game has also been toned down, retaining the anime look. Hero's History Mode includes completely redone and improved scenes from Naruto Ultimate Ninja 3 as well as redone CGI scenes. A new mode in the game called Master Mode also allows players to compete in challenging missions, explore the massive world of Shippuden and level up character. The game covers half of the "Kidnapped" arc from the Shippuden storyline.
| Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 5 |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 5, known in Japan as, Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Accel 2 (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ 疾風伝 ナルティメットアクセル２ Naruto Shippuden: Narutimetto Akuseru 2), is the fifth installment in the Ultimate Ninja series, and was released in Japan on December 20, 2007. It was released in Europe on November 27, 2009 and Australia on December 3, 2009.[7] The game continues the Naruto Shippuden storyline, going up to the first meeting between Naruto and Sasuke in the anime. One of the new gameplay additions is the introduction of assist characters. Assist characters are chosen during character selection, and can be called in during a match to deal extra damage. Certain combinations of characters create unique jutsus in a match; these combinations reflect the associations of those characters in the anime and manga. Many of the character's jutsus from the previous game were updated. There are many updated ultimate jutsus, including the aforementioned assist-specific ones. Summons have been removed from the game. The assist characters cannot be turned off. The game also includes an RPG mode where players can roam sections of the village and interact with the surroundings of the story and villagers. Also the game includes an extra arc which Tsunade assigns Team Kakashi to re-investigate Orochimaru's hideout in the Hidden Grass village.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, known in Japan as Naruto: Narutimate Storm (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ナルティメットストーム Naruto: Narutimetto Sutōmu?) is a fighting game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco Bandai Games. The game was released for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) across North America, Europe and Australia in November 2008 and in Japan on January 15, 2009. It is based on the popular anime and manga series Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto, and the first installment of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series on the PS3. The game features a 3 dimensional fighting style and has 25 characters. It also features boss battles and awakenings for the first time.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 released on 15 October 2010 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles and features 42 characters (excluding transformations) including Lars Alexanderson from Tekken 6. The story begins from Kazekage Rescue to the Invasion of Pain arc.
| Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations | |
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| Developer(s) | Cyber Connect 2 |
| Publisher(s) | Namco Bandai Games |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Release date(s) | |
| Media/distribution | Blu-ray Disc, DVD |
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations was officially announced on June 18, 2011 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It will feature characters from both Part I and Part II of Naruto. It will be released on February 23, 2012 in Japan. It is assumed this game will start from the beginning of Naruto, in the Land of Waves Arc to Sasuke Retrieval Arc, all the way to the Fourth Shinobi World War.
| Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
| Rating(s) | |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, known in Japan as Naruto: Narutimate Portable Zero is a North American and European-exclusive fighting game. It was released in North America on August 28, 2007 and in Europe on September 14, 2007. It is essentially an edited version of Naruto: Narutimate Portable, which also happens to be a scaled down version of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2.
Story Mode, Kabuto, Shizune, The Third Hokage, and two stages were removed in this release, while Naruto & Sasuke's secret techniques were modified to prevent spoilers (as the English dub had not reached the Sasuke Retrieval arc yet). To compensate for these removals, the game now has a 3-on-3 battle system, similar to The King of Fighters; where the first team to defeat all 3 members of the other team wins. The game features 20 characters, 8 Stages, and several new features, such as a three-on-three fighting system, wireless two-player battles, and "Hidden Team Skills", which grant special abilities to a certain combination of characters.
| Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
| Rating(s) | |
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: Phantom Fortress, known as in Japan as Naruto: Narutimetto Pōtaburu - Mugenjō no Maki (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ ナルティメットポータブル 無幻城の巻?, lit. Naruto: Narutimate Portable - Castle of Illusions), was released in Japan on March 30, 2006 and in North America on June 24, 2008 and in Europe on July 8, 2008. In this Naruto game, the player can equip skills and items to four characters of his or her choice. This release is the full non-modified version of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, and contains the three characters that were removed, which includes The Third Hokage, Shizune and Kabuto. Both removed stages and the game's Story Mode are now present as well. Additionally, movesets have been updated. Gamers can also select the characters to use Japanese or English voices. Jiraiya and Naruto can use Rasengan, Kakashi can use Lightning Blade and Sasuke can use Chidori without the use of a secret technique.
While some characters retain their old techniques, others, such as Neji, have theirs upgraded. The game contains an original storyline involving moving up a haunted castle in the sky to the 100th floor (or 30 subfloors if playing the Hidden Mugenjo Mode.) Each floor has several "blank" rooms where the users place randomly generated scrolls to determine the type of action that will take place in the room. The scrolls include Battle (a player vs. CPU fight) and five mini game scrolls: Tree Climbing (Naruto dashes up a tree and dodges broken branches), Shadow Possession (Simon-style button pressing), Amusement (slot machines), Riddle (answer Naruto trivia) and Clone (the shell game where the player tries to follow the real clone). Non-blank rooms include Treasure Rooms, Healing Rooms and Drama rooms (where the story progresses and cut scenes take place). Other game modes include vs. CPU and ad hoc wireless battle mode where players can fight against a friend using game sharing (only one UMD, but two PSPs).
| Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 | |
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| Developer(s) | cyberConnect2 |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Fighting game |
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3, known as Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Accel 3 (ＮＡＲＵＴＯ－ナルト－ 疾風伝 ナルティメットアクセル３ Naruto Shippūden: Narutimetto Akuseru 3) in Japan, is the sixth installment in the Ultimate Ninja series, announced as an exclusive title for the PlayStation Portable.[8] The game was released in Japan on December 10, 2009 and was released in North America on May 11, 2010.[9] The game features of a roster of more than 50 characters, 48 of which are from the TV series Naruto Shippuden. The game will feature 4-player local multiplayer battles, as well as characters from the Itachi Pursuit arc, including Sasuke and the members of Team Hebi. It will feature a story arc designed by cyberConnect2 that is unique to this game, as well as a regular one that follows the Naruto Shippūden storyline and one that follows Sasuke's story.
| Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact | |
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North American cover art |
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| Developer(s) | Cyber Connect 2 / Racjin |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Series | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Adventure / Fighting |
| Rating(s) | |
| Media/distribution | UMD (Universal Media Disc) |
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact (Naruto Shippuden: Narutimetto Inpakuto (NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝 ナルティメットインパクト) in Japan), is the sixth Naruto title for the Playstation Portable. The game's storyline covers the Kazekage Rescue arc up to the Five Kage Summit Arc. The game features boss battles, an all new rush battle system, 1 vs 100 action, ad hoc multiplayer missions, and also features over 50 characters, 26 of which will be playable. As a special gift at New York Comic Con 2011, the first 200 people that went to watch Naruto Shippuden Movie 2: Bonds along with Naruto japanese voice actress, Junko Takeuchi, received a free copy of the game.
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