Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja delivers a straightforward yet engaging fighting-system that will appeal to both series fans and genre newcomers. Each of the twelve original characters—plus two bonus fighters in overseas releases—come equipped with unique movesets and special attacks drawn directly from Masashi Kishimoto’s manga and anime. Whether you’re unleashing Naruto’s Rasengan or Sasuke’s Chidori, the controls remain responsive and easy to pick up, yet deep enough to reward practice and experimentation.

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The game offers multiple modes to keep you invested. In addition to local versus battles, there’s a main Story Mode comprising six key confrontations, complete with in-engine dialogue exchanges that capture the spirit of the anime. You can also dive into Free Battle mode to experiment with different character matchups on stages like the Forest of Death or the Chunin Exam arena, fine-tuning your tactics and combos without narrative constraints.

Replayability is bolstered by unlockable content and character variations. In the Japanese version, characters can transform on the fly into their “curse-marked” or Nine-Tails forms; overseas, these modes become separate playable fighters. This design choice encourages you to revisit campaigns and versus matches to discover new strategies and combos, extending the game’s lifespan well beyond the first few sessions.

Graphics

One of Ultimate Ninja’s standout features is its cel-shaded visual style, which makes each character look as if they stepped out of Kishimoto’s panels. The vibrant color palette, bold outlines, and dynamic camera angles combine to create an experience that feels like an interactive episode of the anime. Special attacks explode across the screen with satisfying flash and flair, capturing the kinetic energy of Naruto’s signature jutsu.

The arenas themselves are lovingly rendered, from the quiet serenity of Hidden Leaf Village to the ominous trees of the Forest of Death. Background elements—like falling leaves or distant mountains—imbue each battle with a sense of place that longtime fans will immediately recognize. Even with multiple effects on-screen, the game maintains a consistently smooth frame rate on the PlayStation 2, ensuring that the action never feels stuttered.

Beyond character and stage design, the UI and menus adopt a manga-inspired aesthetic, with stylized panels and brushstroke accents that reinforce the game’s source material. Whether you’re selecting your fighter or reviewing move lists, the presentation remains cohesive and polished, demonstrating the developers’ commitment to preserving Naruto’s visual identity.

Story

Ultimate Ninja’s Story Mode spans six pivotal encounters drawn from the early arcs of the manga and anime, placing you in the boots of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their rivals. While the narrative isn’t as expansive as a dedicated RPG adaptation, these concise story segments are punctuated by in-engine cutscenes and dialogue that highlight key character moments—rivalries are framed, and stakes are clearly defined before each battle.

The dialogue sequences feature both Japanese and English voice tracks (depending on your region), allowing purists to enjoy the original cast or newcomers to follow along in their preferred language. Although some story details are streamlined, the emotional beats—such as team camaraderie and the drive to protect one’s friends—shine through, offering just enough context to engage players who may be less familiar with the source material.

For fans seeking deeper lore, the game’s compact narrative serves as a nostalgic refresher rather than a comprehensive retelling. It sparks curiosity about subsequent arcs while providing enough standout moments—like Sasuke’s first major showdown—to satisfy those eager to relive their favorite scenes in interactive form.

Overall Experience

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja stands as a fine introduction to the series’ fighting-game subgenre, balancing accessibility with enough depth to reward dedicated players. Its faithful adaptation of character abilities, coupled with cel-shaded graphics that pop off the screen, make it an appealing package for anyone invested in Naruto’s world. The title shines brightest in local versus matches, where you and a friend can duke it out as your favorite shinobi in familiar locales.

Single-player offerings are somewhat limited by today’s standards—Story Mode is brief and there’s no online play—but the addition of unlockable characters and bonus modes extends the game’s longevity. Hardcore fighters may crave more tiers or a richer roster, yet what’s here is polished and captures the essence of Kishimoto’s creation.

Ultimately, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja remains a must-have for series enthusiasts and a solid pick for fighting-game collectors. Its blend of recognizable visuals, solid mechanics, and fan-service moments make for an experience that, even years after its release, still holds up as an engaging entry point into both the franchise and the genre.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10