Naruto: Ultimate Ninja III

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja III
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Reviewed on: PlayStation 2
Rating: T � Teen
Game type: Fighting/Role-Playing Game
Rating: ** (out of five)

What�s the premise?
Button mash your way through the Hidden Leaf Village, smashing friend and foe alike in an ultimate fighting contest to see who will be crowned the best ninja in the village, which is known to contain the best ninjas in the Naruto universe.

This game is most similar to�?
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja II, with a few additions � including the ability to walk around the village.

Is it suitable for younger gamers?
There is some animated violence, as it is a fighting game, but the majority of fans of the popular Naruto anime are of the younger demographic.  It�s a light-hearted game and should be OK for the young ones.

One player or more?
One and two-player versus mode.

The (not-so) secret to success is�?
It�s not too hard to be crowned the best of the best, as much of the game can be accomplished by using pretty simplistic combos for fights and heading to the next fight as highlighted on your map � that is, if you�re not automatically sent there.

What�s missing?
The role-playing elements are rather, well, pointless.  You do gain levels and you can explore Hidden Leaf Village on your own, but any levels gained by your experience don�t seem to do much and the village is painfully bland (and ugly as well).

And in the end?
Young gamers who aren�t asking for much more than bright cel-shaded characters, goofy animation and simple gameplay will enjoy this title.  But there isn�t enough here to really grip the hardcore gamer.

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