Naruto: Rise of a Ninja - Hands On Preview

The first Naruto game to emerge from a developer outside of Japan, Ubisoft Montreal's take on the popular manga/anime is shaping up to offer something surprisingly comprehensive when it's released as an Xbox 360 exclusive next month.

Chronicling the origins of Naruto as the would-be ninja on his incessant search for recognition, Naruto: Rise of a Ninja pitches itself perfectly for fans and newcomers alike, covering events from the beginning episode to the fight against Gaara at the end of the third series - that's an impressive 78 episodes worth of storyline. Although we've only seen a few hours up to episode 8 so far, it appears that Ubisoft Montreal have captured the anime series to the finest detail. Fans will instantly recognise events such as Mizuki deceiving Naruto to steal the forbidden scroll and teaching the third hotage's grandson the Sexy Jutsu, whilst newcomers will discover the world of Naruto liberally interspersed with carefully matched footage from the anime series.

Pitching itself closer to the Uzumaki Chronicles series than the likes of Ultimate Ninja, Ubisoft Montreal's vision to encompass the entire Naruto storyline comes closer to a well-rounded action/adventure game than anything that's come before. A free-roaming game that features plenty of running and jumping around the streets of Konoha, Rise of a Ninja's variety of secondary quests slowly become unlocked as Naruto's popularity increases amongst the locals. Beyond the story-progressing Ninja Missions, secondary quests such as Hide-and-Seek, Ninja Races, Lovelorn Villagers, Ramen Delivery, and Social Quests should hopefully lend the character and personality lacking in previous Naruto games.

Emphasising Naruto's search for recognition amongst the citizens of Konoha that surreptitiously look down upon him, the first few hours revolve around completing tasks to change their minds and improve his popularity. Collecting enough coins so the ramen shop can open or recovering a stolen scroll, pleasing the citizens of Konoha provides several benefits, most notably when it comes to directions or information on the current mission.

Discovering new jutsu's is of course part of the daily routine for a ninja in training, and the system in Naruto: Rise of a Ninja appears to be well thought out and implemented. Using different combinations of the thumbsticks unleashes Naruto's trademark techniques such as the Multiple Shadow Clone or the Sexy Jutsu, capturing the hand gestures of the show with careful timing being the key requisite. Available to use either in battle or in Konoha, jutsu's such as the Multiple Shadow Clone attack provides plenty of punch during the fights and can also be used outside of combat to break through impenetrable barriers. Naruto's Sexy jutsu that temporarily changes his gender allows him to enter the ladies baths during an early mission, but is also the solution to helping villagers unlucky in love or confusing an opponent during a fight. Chakra Concentration was the final technique demonstrated in the preview build, allowing Naruto to run up surfaces or gain the extra hand in combat with increased damage.

Leaping between trees like a chimp with the trots, Tree Action Sequences continue to offer the variety that's a necessity for Rise of a Ninja to continue appealing beyond the first few hours. The task lies squarely with timing, pressing the A button just as Naruto lands on a branch to continually increase his speed whilst steering between trunks. With multiple layers to access and goodies to collect upon reaching certain speeds, the Tree Action Sequences deliver a gratifying challenge on your hand-to-eye co-ordination with the style, pace, and intensity that Naruto fans will enjoy.

During the course of the adventure, key moments such as Naruto finally graduating or discovering the hidden third hotage's grandson will earn a Memoclip. Used after the receiving end of a killer blow, Memoclips allow Naruto to draw upon inspiring moments from his past to provide a short period to bash the A button to recover health and chakra. It's a small touch, but one that typifies the thought and imagination on display throughout the entire game.

Missions, character development, and clever touches ensure Naruto: Rise of a Ninja rises above the typical effort; however, Naruto wouldn't be worth anything if the combat wasn't up to the same standard. Fortunately, Ubisoft Montreal appears to have worked their magic in a genre they're not particularly renowned for - it's never going to turn on Virtua Fighter fans, but it should at least satisfy Naruto fans with its excessive nature. Acquiring new skills and techniques along the way, combat seems to capture the intensity and insanity of the show, with a combat system that is surprisingly strong and satisfying. Once again, the jutsu's are a key component of the fighting system, elevating the experience with amusing mini-game action beyond the core horizontal/vertical attacks, blocks, jump, and grab techniques. Unleashing the power of the nine-tailed fox spirit concealed within him, Naruto's Rage grants him extra damage and invincibility for short period during the fight.

Shaping up to be an unusually substantial anime adaptation, Naruto: Rise of a Ninja should amaze Xbox 360 owners that haven't even heard of the young ninja. Not since Jet Set Radio first wowed gamers with its cell-shaded visuals has the technique been employed to such stunning effect. The sheer crispness coupled with the vivacious style creates a stunning Xbox 360 title, and should be one of the most convincing takes on the manga style to-date.