Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Naruto: Ninja Council 2 builds upon the side-scrolling beat ’em up formula of its predecessor by introducing fluid character switching and a deeper combo system. At any point during play, you can swap between Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, each boasting their own unique set of punches, kicks, and special techniques. This flexibility encourages experimentation, whether you’re unleashing Naruto’s Rasengan, Sasuke’s Chidori, or Sakura’s potent melee strikes, and it keeps the action fresh across the game’s seven stages.

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The title retains staple weapons from the first installment—shuriken, kunai, and fumafusen—while drastically increasing the impact of each hit. Enemies go down in one strike when properly dispatched, which rewards precision but also raises the stakes in crowded battlefields. Adding to the strategic layer are summoning scrolls scattered throughout the levels, allowing you to call in characters like Kakashi or Choji for powerful, screen-clearing attacks. These moments feel epic and help break up the hack-and-slash flow with spectacular anime-style cameo moves.

Perhaps the most exciting addition is the teleport mechanic, which lets your active ninja instantly relocate behind or beside an enemy to strike or evade. This move enhances the sense of ninja agility and offers a satisfying way to turn the tide when you’re surrounded. Many stages also introduce special objectives—defeat all foes under a time limit, finish with a lone character, or collect a set number of leaves—sparking a push for mastery and replayability. Your performance is graded on kills, completion time, surviving characters, and leaf count, culminating in a final rank that unlocks bragging rights among friends.

For those with a Game Boy Advance link cable, the inclusion of Co-op and Vs. modes expands the fun beyond solo play. Co-op mode lets two players team up through the stages, coordinating summons and teleport attacks, while Vs. mode offers head-to-head showdowns. Both modes require the hardware accessory but add substantial value for fans eager to share ninja action with a friend.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Ninja Council 2 stays true to the colorful, cel-shaded style of the Naruto anime. Character sprites are well-detailed despite the GBA’s limited resolution, capturing the distinct looks and personalities of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their foes. Combos and special moves are complemented by brief animations drawn from the show, lending a sense of authenticity that fans will appreciate.

Backgrounds range from leafy forest arenas to rocky chasms and exam grounds, each designed with layered parallax to produce a modest sense of depth. Enemy designs are varied—standard shinobi foot soldiers, giant shuriken-wielding brutes, and boss characters like Zaku Abumi—keeping each stage visually interesting. While some textures can become repetitive over multiple playthroughs, the fairly smooth frame rate and responsive controls ensure the action remains crisp and readable, even when the screen is crowded with adversaries.

Special effects for ninjutsu attacks stand out, with bright flashes for Rasengan swirls and crackling lightning visuals for Chidori. Summoning cinematics, though brief, include stylized flash panels that mimic the manga’s kinetic energy. The game’s palette is bold and vibrant, and although it cannot match home console titles of its era, it delivers a surprisingly lively anime feel on the go.

Story

Naruto: Ninja Council 2 loosely adapts the Chunin Exam arc, condensing key moments into its seven stages. You’ll follow Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura as they undertake the trials designed to test their skill, teamwork, and resolve. While the narrative is pared down—little dialogue occurs between fights—the essential beats are present: preparation in the forest, strategic battles in the arena, and dramatic boss encounters that echo the anime’s tension.

Cutscenes between levels use static images and on-screen text to advance the plot, emphasizing the exam’s rules and the shifting dynamics among characters. These transitional moments, though minimal, help maintain a thread of cohesion from stage to stage, reminding players of why they’re fighting and what’s at stake. Fans of the series will recognize pivotal flashpoints, such as inter-character rivalries and surprise appearances, which add fanservice without bogging down the pace.

Because the focus is firmly on action, the story serves more as a backdrop than a deeply emotional journey. If you’re unfamiliar with Naruto lore, you may find the plot skimpy, but the brisk progression means you’re quickly back into the fighting. For veterans, the retelling of these iconic exam battles—complete with summoning cameos—provides enough nostalgia to keep engagement high.

Overall Experience

Naruto: Ninja Council 2 offers a tight and addictive handheld beat ’em up experience for fans of the series and aficionados of classic side-scrollers alike. The ability to swap between three protagonists on the fly, combined with distinctive special moves and teleportation, elevates it above simple button-masher fare. Objectives and ranking systems further boost replay value, tempting players to refine strategies and chase higher grades.

Graphically, the game punches above its weight, delivering faithful anime aesthetics and lively combat animations on the Game Boy Advance. The story may be streamlined, but it effectively transports you through the Chunin Exam arc’s most memorable clashes. Music and sound effects complement the action without overstaying their welcome, maintaining a brisk tempo throughout.

Multiplayer modes add another layer of enjoyment, provided you have a friend and a link cable. Co-op play allows shared triumphs in stage battles, while Vs. mode is perfect for quick ninja showdowns. For its price point and portable convenience, Ninja Council 2 represents a strong value—especially for Naruto enthusiasts seeking to carry their favorite ninja battles in their pocket. Whether you’re grinding for top ranks or partnering up for tag-team action, this sequel cements itself as a worthy entry in the Ninja Council lineup.

Retro Replay Score

6.1/10