Platforming, RPG, Fighting
If you’re new to Naruto let me introduce you to the orange jumpsuit-wearing pint-sized hero of the story. Uzumaki Naruto is an adolescent ninja who longs for recognition amongst the people that dwell in the delightful ninja village of Konoha (more eloquently known as the ‘Village Hidden in the Leaves’). Naruto’s dream is to one day become a Hokage, a leader of the village and the strongest ninja in the region’s history. In short, Uzumaki Naruto is a ninja-in-training!Alongside his classmates, Sakura and Sasuke - and under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi - he faces a series of dangerous and daunting tests and challenges. Hardcore fans of Naruto will probably enjoy the storyline, which admittedly will be an acquired taste, but if you’re new to the series you probably won’t understand the significance of new characters as they’re rarely introduced properly into the story. Nevertheless, it doesn’t distract at all from having fun and the only thing you really need to concern yourself with is becoming the best of the best. To do that, you need to get the villagers on your side and prove yourself in a number of life threatening missions.
Click for larger image
Click for larger imageAs mentioned earlier, Naruto: Rise of the Ninja combines a number of different genres: a bit of role-playing, platforming and plenty of fighting. The role-playing elements come in the form of earning respect amongst the villagers by taking part in quests that can be picked up from the locals. In turn, you gain money and EXP which can then be spent down at the shops on new weapons, training, new combos, scrolls and the vital health pick-me-up, Ramen; the local delicacy of noodles served with broth.
At the beginning of Naruto’s journey, once you’ve entered the village, you’ll notice that the villagers aren’t particularly friendly and they all sport an ‘unfriendly face symbol’ above their heads. But, after you’ve completed a number of mini-quests, such as delivering Ramen to the doorsteps of the grumpy locals, challenging villagers to a race through the narrow side-streets or charming them with your sexy Jutsu (more about that shortly), those sad faces will soon turn into happy ones, you’ll gain more respect in the community and then you’ll be able to use the locals knowledge to help point you in the right direction for missions and side-quests.