Reviews for Naruto Ultimate Ninja 2

A larger roster and psuedo-RPG mode add to the...

Strengths: Larger Roster than the first, an RPG mode with the ability to customize characters with tons of techniques, improved Voice acting, and improved graphics, with many unlokables

Weakness: Simple gameplay, no Japanese option, dated graphics, toned down script with edited content, and some removed content not involving censorship

Good game, but just an upgrade than an overhaul

Gameplay/Controls:
The game play takes place on a 2-d Plane. Think old school side-scroller style fighting game meets manga. The gameplay also takes place between 2 planes, which allows for some versatility and ambushing. In essence, all characters have the same move-set. Up Up X and Down Down X will always activate a Jutsu, and back x will always thrown an opponent. Will everyone has the same commands, the moves and ways they are implemented are unique to the characters, taking moves mentioned and hinted at from the manga and anime. The Controls are tight and responsive.
There is a light RPG element in this game You play as Naruto and others through a story mode “Ultimate Road”, which lightly bases itself on the actual story(a few changes, but the general Idea remain) which can spoil people only watching the dub. The story then goes into original material. The acual mode itself involves talking to people and learning their techniques and unlocking certain characters. There are mini games to earn Ryo(money) to buy new things, such as music and scrolls, mostly fan stuff


Audio:
The audio in this game is much better than the last Ultimate Ninja, in quality alone. The last games audio seemed quiet and drowned out by other sounds. In this game you can hear things more crisply.
The music is alright. The music is very Japanese and similar to the first. The music is catching, but not very memorable. It doesn’t really base itself on the music used in the anime.
The voice acting in this game is improved upon in the first. With a few exceptions(Gaara grunting in pain) the voice work is a large step up form any localized Naruto game to date, save Uzumaki Chronicles.
Interestingly, a few characters are not voiced by their anime counterparts. To name a few, Tsunade and Genma are not voiced by the same people.
There is not a Japanese option, but that is likely because of localization to the script. Likely, is a Japanese option was put in place, it would be likely that the text would not match what they were saying, thus defeating the purpose of dual language option

Graphics/Art Style:
The Graphics and art seem more influenced by the original Naruto Manga than the Naruto Anime. Most shading has a manga style shading and effect. All characters look exactly like their manga counterparts, as well as most of their techniques (some use the anime versions). Since the game is more manga based, the graphics are less colorful and grittier. However, this game came out years ago in Japan, so the game shows its age a little.
The characters seem to move stiffly, though everyone has unique ways of moving. When using Secret Techniques, you are able to see a close up of the shadows of the characters, and can see polygons and shapes rather than the actual shape of the person giving the shadow. In the RPG mode though, the shadows look much better
The environments are very interactive and everything seems to have some life to it. The environments have detail, but look a little dated.
Special Techniques, however, are done very well, with over the top action sequences and sometimes really good effects.


Censorship/changes:
This is more for the fans of the Japanese version wondering what was changed. This game had some censorship in it, as well as some changes
-Doto Kuzunoha (first movie villain) was removed from the game, as well as the stages (which were actually pretty cool.)
-Asuma’s cigarette is edited out in his character model and all pictures. Also, in Shikamaru’s 3rd Secret Technique, He does not put his cigarette out in the enemies’ blood, since he doesn’t have it(the scene cuts away before he would go through the animation to do it)
-Itachi’s second Secret Technique is edited to remove the “cross” and made it look like the character is strapped to a board
There is other stuff, but it is unimportant

Conclusion:
If you are a fan of the dub, you will love this game. If you watch the Japanese version or have imported NH3 or Accel, there is not much here unless you want something to hold you over till NamcoBandai Localizes Releases ltimate Ninja 3(likely in early 2008). If you are not a Naruto fan, there is not much here to change your mind.

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Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2

Strengths: Big roster, character customization, various game modes

Weakness: No Japanese voice over

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 is a great upgrade to the first game. It has a biger roster of characters to choose from, and characters can be customized further with skills and techniques.

Combat takes place in a 2D fashion and between 2 planes. There are lots of Jutsu techniques and moves that you can execute to combat your foe.

The game has some RPG element in that you are free to explore the environment and talk to people along the way. You can also earn Ryo and use it to buy stuff.

Graphics is decent and follows the anime very well. It's mostly cell shaded graphics. Voice over is better than the first game but I wish there is a Japanese voice over option though.

Ultimate Ninja 2 is a worthy upgrade over the first game. Its improvement in both story and additional characters itself warrants another look into this installment of the game.

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Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2

Strengths: Easy to pick up and play; expanded cast of playable characters and improved story mode to the first Ultimate Ninja

Weakness: Fulfilling victory conditions can be frustrating at times

This is the second installment of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series for the PS2. If you are a fan of the Naruto games, manga or anime, you will not be disappointed. If you have played the first game in the series, this game should feel very familiar. Basically, this game is the same as the original with twice as many characters and improved story mode. If you’ve never heard of Naruto, I suggest you rent this one first. Some background knowledge of Naruto and his friends is very helpful to understanding the storyline and getting the most out of the game. The game is very easy to pick and play. Most of the attacks consist of pressing one button. Even the charka attacks, which have been updated, have been made simpler by requiring more endurance than precision. In addition, the attacks look good graphically using cel-shading effects. Overall, I would recommend Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 to any Naruto fan. Even if you have the original, the additional characters and improved story mode, made this game worth a look.

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Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2

Testseek.com has collected 13 expert reviews for Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 and the average expert rating is 63 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 2

Ninjas don’t have it easy like they did in the 14th century. It used to be uncomplicated fighting samurais, simple peasants, and feudal rulers. But now, in today’s society, ninjas are fighting demons, dragons, and mythical creatures. I can only imagine the thoughts going through a ninja’s mind when they first encounter a giant tyrannosaurus rex or a colossal cyborg. The storyline for Naruto...

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