Taking into account that this game was originally developed close to the DS’s launch, it’s not too shabby at all. Still, the sprites are sharp, and the attack animations are smooth enough to pass by. While I didn’t like having to switch from using the face buttons (which are used for melee attacks) to the touch screen so quickly, I still enjoyed the frenzy involved in trying to get the jutsu ready in time.įrom a presentation point of view, there isn’t much of a change from the older GBA games.

They’ve all got their own special jutsus (magic attacks), which are executed by entering a touch-screen mini game where you’ve got to tap the correct seals in the right order in a limited amount of time. You’ll not only be able to play as the title character, but as the supporting cast as well, from Kakashi (Naruto’s team leader) to Sasuke (his rival) to Sakura (his love interest). Being able to teleport, pull off a sneak attack, and then disappear again before the other fighter can counter is really gratifying, and it makes for a lot of fun. Other missions, like tracking down and fighting other characters from the story, are a lot of fun. This is a shame, because there’s a lot to like, otherwise. I’d be able to let it go if it only happened occasionally, but when it takes up such a large portion of the experience, it’s a real problem. Why do I have to kill 20 snakes in 60 seconds? I understand it might be part of the character’s training, but that doesn’t make it fun. This in itself would be fine, but the missions themselves lack any hint of effort on the part of the developer. Ninja Council is based on completing a variety of missions (which can be accessed via large chunks in whatever order the player wishes) on a 2D, side-scrolling plane. Ninja Council 3 is my first taste of the chain, and while there are a few promising facets, it all falls apart as a result of lazy design. D3 Publisher of America has also been bringing over the portable beat ‘em ups, known as Ninja Council here in the States. The Clash of Ninja series is a very competent fighting franchise, and the critically acclaimed manga-amalgamation title Jump Superstars included Naruto’s main cast.

Naruto is a license that’s been lucky enough to be blessed with good games.

Naruto ninja council 3 itachi sprites