News Blog

Namco Bandai’s Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes is a solid handheld version of the Ultimate Ninja console series. The team-based fights, large locations, and tight controls offer a great bout for fighting fans.

Ultimate Ninja Heroes features several game modes, including Heroes Mode for team-based battles against various opponents, Vs. CPU for one-on-one fights, Promotion Test to clear certain fight tasks, Wireless Mode to battle a friend, and Parameter Power-Up to customize character attributes for use in Vs. CPU, Promotion Test, or Wireless Mode.

Four teams are available to choose from at start – Team Kakashi with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura; Team Guy with Lee, Neiji, and Tenten, Team Kurenai with Hinata, Kiba, and Shino, and Team Asuma with Ino, Skikamaru, and Choji. In addition, players can create a custom three-person team.

The title is a virtual replica of the Ultimate Ninja combat engine. Players can throw projectile weapons, jump, attack, and move to various planes in the location. Additionally, each character utilizes unique special attacks that deliver extra damage to the opponent.

All attacks are easy to perform in the game. The D-pad features precise control and all button functions employ instant attacks. However, blocked attacks can leave a lot of residual time for opponents to perform a brutal counter no matter how well the game controls.

The graphics engine is solid at 30 frames per second. Character models are cel-shaded and well-construction. Backgrounds retain the hand painted look featured in the console versions. Also, the handheld version offers the same zoom scaling as players fight in near and far planes.

Sound effects are standard with light punch and kick audio. Voice acting is taken from the console versions, which features the voice cast of the television series.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes is a great direct handheld version of the Ultimate Ninja series. While there is no new story in the game, the solid controls and graphics engine provide a near-console experience on-the-go for quick battles against the CPU or friends.