Naruto 4 Game Review

By Owen Tran, staff writer
Friday, November 17, 2006

The idea of cartoons bashing each other across the screen had me thinking, “Oh gosh, another anime game.”

Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4 Clash of Ninja releases in Japan on November 18, 2005 for the Gamecube console. Though insider information on the fourth installation of the Naruto game series has already leaked into the United States, we'll still have to wait for the American version to come out on the shelves.

The game allows players to choose from 39 characters from the television series, watched by millions on Cartoon Network. Characters include Naruto himself, Sasuke, Sakura, and many more. Players are also given the option of playing in a 3-man tag team mode, single-player mode, or multiplayer mission mode.

People are already excited about the game.

Take FVHS junior Charlie Castillo, for example, who couldn't wait another three years for the game's release in the United States. Castillo bought an imported version of the Clash of Ninja 4, as well as an additional “Freeloader” disk to play imported games.

But is the hype over the game or the pricey software justified?

If you're in for the "ultimate fighting experience" with an endless gamut of executable combos, Clash is the game for you. Combinations of the A, B, and X buttons perform various moves, as well as the special attacks seen in the hit Cartoon Network show. The 3D battle scenes also give variety to the gaming experience; use the L and R buttons to dodge attacks.

Similar to other battle video games, like Tekken and Super Smash Brothers Melee, it's easy to familiarize yourself with the interface of Crash, but the game requires a higher degree of skill and timing to become pro.

Take my word: don't hesitate to play this intensely fascinating game.