The "Master Mode" is a fine diversion but the "Versus Mode" is the meat and potatoes of the game where two fighters bout it out in frenzied 2D fighting action. After choosing a fighter, you'll be able to select a support character that's similar to a Striker as seen in the King of Fighters games. The controls and the execution of the game engine are superb - players can chain a stream of combos together or smack out a staccato of attacks and the game just reels it all in with nary a hiccup. The character roster has expanded to a total of 62 fighters but a good number of them require unlocking before they can be used. The other modes that return are the Training Mode, the Shopping Mode, and the Gallery Mode which features character profiles, cinema selections, and music tracks.

Bonus Schwag
About half of our preorders will ship with a bonus Naruto "Unlock" CD as shown on the link below. Unfortunately, there was a 50% ratio enforced by the publisher so we only received 1 bonus for every 2 copies of the game we imported.

Jan Code: 4582224491971

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

» In one of the "Now Loading" screens, Kakashi reads a book while sweating profusely. In the mode selection screen, an SD version of Naruto stands on a platform and scopes out the territory before nodding to himself as if self satisfied with his job as a sentry of some sort. The animation is different for each mode selected.

» The Game MODES are as follows:

MASTER MODE: An original action-adventure featuring Naruto, Sakura, Jiraiya, and a few other characters.
VS MODE: Play 1P vs 2P, 1P vs COM, COM vs 2P, or COM vs COM in 2D fighting action
TRAINING: Play against a dummy opponent - every move you make is shown on the bottom of the screen
SHOP: Buy various virtual goodies with the credits you've earned playing the game
GALLERY: View character profiles, watch cinemas, and listen to song selections (all locked at the outset)
OPTION: Set controller configuration, position or center the screen, adjust sound volumes

» In the VS Mode, you select a character and then a supporting character. Next choose a fighting stage from 24 available choices. The supporting character is like a Striker in the King of Fighters games where a limited number of uses are available. When a little offensive support is needed, call upon the Striker to rush in and perform an attack.

» The selectable characters at the outset include Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, Rock Lee, Hyuuga, TenTen, Might Guy, Gaara, and more for a total of 21 usable characters. An additional 41 characters are hidden behind question marks. The action is fast and the controls are weighty. What we mean by "weighty" is the characters move and jump as if they had "weight" to them. The action is what we've come to expect from Bandai's Naruto titles - sharp, easy to control, and loaded with moves and special attacks. TenTen has a nifty move where she throws out loops of chains that capture an opponent for temporary immobilization. She can also perform a spin move where metal spheres orbit her whirl and knock out anyone that's close enough. Gaara can encase an opponent in a column of sand and call forth sand projectiles which hit the column and disintegrate it, causing the encapsulated opponent to collapse. Gaara's standard attacks are sand punches that appear out of thin air and smack and swipe at opponents. It's visual effects eye-candy.

» To call forth your supporter, press the R1 trigger and he or she will run out and attack your opponent.

» When the fighters are standard inches from each other, their height is about half the height of the screen. When they run away from each other and stand at opposing sides of the screen, the camera pans back fluidly so that they're about 1/8 the height of the screen. We encountered a mid-air janken battle in one bout where you're supposed to choose rock, scissors or paper to ignite a special attack against the opponent. If you choose rock to his scissors, your fighter will exact a powerful blow against him and knock him backwards. Juggling combos can send an opponent up in the air. For example, Naruto and punch and kick someone all the way to the top of a building.

» Each stage features two planes - to jump to the other plane, push up or down and press the "X" button.

» Start a new game in MASTER MODE and Naruto is running along inside a dungeon with Sakura and Shikamaru. They reach their destination which is an expansive room with a massive coiled stone serpent with glowing eyes in the background. A voice inside Naruto's head speaks and the trio spy a shadowy figure on top of the serpent's head. It's Sasuke who looks different - older and more somber than usual. Sasuke approches and stands thisclose to Naruto while wrapping his arm around him. There's a short flashback and then Sasuke draws his sword and slashes it down. Fade to black followed by the title screen and a new scene where Naruto walks with Jiraiya towards a village. The camera pulls back and upwards to take in the clouds above.

» In the next scene, Naruto enters the village and scenes of village life are shown with people milling about. The city appears to modern with electric wires overhead, manicured trees, and modern style clothing. Naruto and Jiraiya stand out like two sore thumbs. As they're talking, a familiar voice bellows from behind Naruto. It's Sakura who's surprised to see Naruto in the village. Naruto runs to her and the two exchange greetings but no hugs nor kisses. They're happy to see each other however.

» Control is handed over soon afterwards. Move Naruto with the L-Analog thumbstick and head northwards unto; you pass the perimeter marked by flashing blobs. In the next part of town, there's a fork which leads to two different areas. In these new areas, there's be barrels to break (oress the SQUARE button) and there might be an occasion for Naruto to jump (press X). A double jump may be performed by pressing X again at the apex of the original jump. To toggle a "Sniper" mode, press the L1 button and a targeting cursor in the shape of a shuriken slowly spins in the center of the screen. Look around by moving the L-Analog and fire off shuriken by pressing the "SQUARE" button to destroy chests or wound enemies. The R-Analog thumbstick controls the camera. L2 and R2 are used to block attacks.

» Voice acting accompanies the dialogue in the game.

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