Review: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 The Phantom Fortress

I am the ninja gamer destined to bring you needed knowledge. With my abilities, you shall stay informed. This is my nindo, my ninja way! The next installment of Naruto is finally here for the PSP. Yes, Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 has finally summoned itself here. Believe It!

The original Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes was the first to come out on the PSP in Japan. However, I am glad Namco Bandai saved the best part for the sequel, the Tower. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 has an original story, exclusively for the PSP. Considering that Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 is just a filler, I am deeply impressed. With an interesting combat mechanic and funny characters, Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 brings a new look, ninja, fighting style into the arena.

Naruto Uzamaki has a dream to be the next Hokage of Konoha. However, his journey comes with many trials and death-drying situations. This time, Orochimaru re-surfaces for another plot of destroying the hidden Leaf village with the Phantom Fortress. So far, the hidden Leaf village has been sucking the life force out of all the villagers. You better believe that Naruto, Sakura and the rest of the ninjas will not let anything happen to their beloved village. Also, notice the voice acting and animation in the sequel. These features add to the story in Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2. Switching between Japanese or English voices is a very nice addition. For those who do get annoyed with the in English voices, you still have the option to switch to the Japanese voice actors.

Dealing with the main story is important. However, even after being done with Naruto's story, you will be treated to an invitation to play as Jiraya, and go through the basement of the castle. Moreover, there are additional modes to indulge in, such as Phantom Castle mode, Vs. Cpu, Hero Mode, Wireless Mode, Ninja Road and Naruto's house. Namco Bandai also kept the infamous "Heroes Mode" in the sequel. As I have already explained in an earlier review, in “Heroes Mode,” you pick a team that is customized by you. If you pick the right team-ups, you will unlock a special feature. You will get to unlock other characters especially favorites like Kakashi, Itachi, Orochimaru, and the 3rd Hokage.

Video Provided by Gametrailers.com

Overall, the sequel’s gameplay is still, pretty much, the same as the original’s. The fighting mechanics are very fluid and allows you to freely maneuver through the stage and perform ninja tactics. This strategy of evasion will give you a better advantage, while also allowing you to strike a close attack or a special move. Also, the graphics are not bad at all. Unfortunately, however, the game does contain some flaws. The sequel is missing some features that made the original great. Missing are the "Parameter Power-Up" which helped you upgrade each character and the "Promotion Test" that gave you the opportunity to rank as a Hokage. I am also frustrated with the inability to choose different moves and finishers. In the original, the characters were capable of performing a variety of moves. However, the characters in the sequel only have two specials and one finisher. This can get old after a while. A bit more variety with finishing moves is also needed in this sequel.

More importantly, the game is really designed to be a multiplayer game. This may be a flaw for those who tend to play alone. While there is a lot of re-play value involved in playing alone, you will eventually want human combatants. When there are none, however, the game is done. The Japanese re-make, imported for English friendly purposes, works pretty well. Having the phantom castle and the task involved for quest story mode is much more difficult than the Japanese version. All and all, Namco Bandai improved the story mode. At the same time, the developers kind of dumbed it down in certain areas. I will give Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 Three out of Five. I hope this did not give away too much information about the hidden villages. Anyway, stay frosty, gamers!

Edits Done by Linda Chen, Thanks Boss!