GameCube
Naruto: Clash of Ninja

Graphics:
Sound:
Gameplay:
Overall:
8.69
8.08
8.54
8.77
Votes: 13
Reviews: 1


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Reviewer: Esoterick Date: Aug 28, 2023
This game introduces players for the first time into the Naruto universe for games. This is the first release in North America and it sets the standard of what's to come for future releases. It plays as a street fighter-esque game with an extremely brief story that stays true to the very early episodes of Naruto: Shonen Jump.

Graphics: 7
The cel-shaded graphics faithfully depict the distinctive visual style of the Naruto anime. Character models are impressively detailed and closely resemble their animated counterparts, allowing players to engage with their favorite ninjas. Though the graphics could have benefited with a bit more attention to detail for that full immersion. The fight against Zabuza at the end of the game though looks the best in my opinion.

Sound: 6
The music complements the gameplay, enhancing the immersion during combat sequences. However, the lack of standout compositions prevents the music from being as memorable as it could be. I believe it could have done with a bit more of similar music found with the anime to give even more immersion value.

Gameplay: 8
The gameplay is literally great, that is the description that I could fairly give it. It does a good job with immersing the player into the world of Naruto. Once you get the hang of it though the gameplay immediately becomes recognizable and repetitive between brief dialogue to fight and back again. Rock Lee is a beast!

Overall: 8
The game masterfully captures the spirit of the Naruto anime through its cel-shaded graphics, accessible gameplay, and genuine representation of the series' core elements. Despite a lack of standout musical compositions and a few gameplay repetition, the game remains a commendable homage to the beloved series.

The game is a must play for any Naruto fan as it does stay true to the source material up to the confrontation of Rock Lee in the anime series, though the game is a bit short, its a fun play trough. Still it can't be overlooked how its the very first game of the multiple games to come from this universe.