The Naruto series follows Shonen Jump, a popular manga series and television show in Japan. Seeing as the show centers on students at a Ninja Academy, the translation to a 2D fighting game seems logical. Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 will introduce some new characters, such as a female ninja named Temari and the hardened ninja master Jiraiva. There’s also a chubby character named Chouji. As in the show, Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 splits characters into groups of three. Returning characters Ino and Shikamaru join newcomer Chouji in Team Konoha, while Team Sand is made up of newbie Temari and old characters Kankuro and Gaara. As in the last installment, Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 boasts a four-player fighting mode.
Tokyo Game Show Hands-On:
The Naruto games for the GameCube have been one of the most popular fighting games on system due to its likeable (and series accurate) characters and fun gameplay. It's a title that doesn't require a lot of practice to get started, and it's a riot to play when you have three friends over for some intense free for all battles. The third title in the series, Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen! 3, was shown at the Tokyo Game Show and it improves a lot on the first two games with slight changes.
The basic foundations of the game haven't changed that much though. One significant overhaul was the merging of characters together. In the last Naruto game, there were two separate characters for Kakashi and his Sharingan version, as well as Sasuke and Naruto with their different modes. Now they have put the two characters together, so that you can access it by pressing Down + X to activate it. Characters who don't have two modes can use a second super move by pressing the same button combination, while characters like Naruto, Rock Lee, Sasuke and Kakashi have to switch to another mode and then use their second super combo by pressing X.
Free for all battles were one of the best things about Naruto Gekitou Ninja Taisen, but now a new battle mode has been introduced consisting of three on three battles, King of Fighters style. On top of that, you can also access another super attack that uses all three members of your team. Too bad you can't have 6 player free for all battles. The demo that was shown at TGS had only a few characters selectable, but from the select screen there were 25 slots for the other characters, with more hidden, most likely. Visually the graphics haven't changed that much, although there were a couple of new stages available, including one set in an onsen (hot spring).
No details were shown of the single player mode at the show, but we can only expect that it'll be similar to what was done in the last game. While the improvements made in Naruto 3 aren't nearly as large as the ones in Narultimate Hero 2, fans of the manga or anime will love the introduction of new characters like Jiraiya and Tsunade, as well as the new battle systems. Look for the game to be released in Japan in the winter, and no word on a domestic release, since the anime series hasn't been announced for America just yet.
-- Andrew Alfonso (IGN) |
Average customer review:  Based on 104 reviews.
Show all 104 reviews.
Ohh Yeah
Review by: Ryan Doorley (2) on February 27th, 2006
This was my first import title for gamecube, and I have to say, what a start, I played this one and the fourth one, but for some reason, this one has more charm! lol, pick it up!
Makes Naruto Proud!
Review by: Jerome (1) on February 4th, 2006
This was my first ever Naruto game and it turned out to be one of the best fighting games i've ever played. As a single player game it will hold you for a while but as a multiplayer game it will bind you...forever.
Enchance Your Naruto Experience
Review by: Micke Jonasson (5) on February 3rd, 2006
I have all the Naruto games up to this edition and i´ve gotta say this is the best so far. They´ve tweaked down the best chars a little, but only to make the game more fun!. And the fact that all the char´s got 2 (some even 3) specials only makes this game even more fun. You just want to play this game over and over again!
Better Than The Second One...
Review by: Marina Mandrelli (1) on November 15th, 2005
I played NGNT2 so many hours that I didn't think they could make the sequel even better, instead Tomy did.
I'm going to buy the fourth episode in the series later this month, since it would be the best multiplayer game on GC without doubt, expecially if you're a fan of the manga/anime.
If you aren't you could still like SSBM more, though.
Amazing!
Review by: KatReusaki (1) on September 12th, 2005
I played this at Otakon '05 and HAD to have a copy for myself, the realism is amazing and you'll want to play it for hours. I honestly give this title a 5 our of 5 stars.
|
This item qualifies for FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
