Naruto: Ninja Council

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: D3
  • Release Date: Mar 7, 2006
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 4 out of 12
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  1. IGN
    65
    Naruto is simple yet fun, entertaining and true to the franchise but ultimately still just a "good" game.
  2. Gamer 2.0
    64
    The game can be beaten in one sitting if you're that kind of player, but is that enough to warrant a purchase at full price? Not really, but it surely is worth playing.
  3. Worth Playing
    63
    It manages to fit some of the series' feel into one of the most generic genres ever. Unfortunately, severe play issues limit its playability, and very few gamers of any age will get to enjoy some of the extras that Tomy took the time to add in.
  5. GameBrink
    63
    It's much too easy, the gameplay is much too basic, and the graphics are just bad. Also it has pretty crummy unlockables for the most part, unless having a sound test feature that takes a bit of effort to get makes you happy.
  6. GamerFeed
    60
    It's a good reminder of everything that once was in terms of the smacking-around-everyone-and-staying-alive gameplay, but the fact is, the gameplay hasn't really aged well itself.
  7. GameZone
    56
    This game was fun for a couple hours, lasted only a few, and left me wanting to go back to watching the anime series.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2006
15
#15 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. TheQuietGamer
    Aug 11, 2016
    7
    A rather short, breezy experience. One that's simplicity and graphics make it feel like an old school NES game. That's actually one of it'sA rather short, breezy experience. One that's simplicity and graphics make it feel like an old school NES game. That's actually one of it's strengths. The kind of retro appeal to it's design and looks make it all the more charming and almost nostalgic.

    It's all pretty straightforward. You just make your way through the levels punching everyone who gets in your way and then fight a boss. The levels are short and few so it goes by in no time. It's also pretty easy. You path to the bosses is met with almost no resistance. Regular enemies pose no threat. The bosses themselves aren't difficult either with the exception of the final boss, which is an awkwardly huge leap in difficulty. There's also no penalty for death. Even if you do run out of lives Iruka pops up with infinite continues. Those looking for a challenge should look elsewhere.

    The game has no real story. It just pulls characters good and bad from across the early arcs of the series and puts you up against them. There are some bits of dialog that change based on which character you play as, but hardly anything resembling an actual plot. At least we get to see some familiar faces.

    As for the characters you can play as, you start off with only Naruto or Sasuke. Kakashi is the only unlockable character. Outside of different jutsu there's no real difference between the characters. Only that the few bits of text the game uses changes slightly for the "story."

    The gameplay itself is pretty solid. The boss battles are the highlight, but the levels leading up to them are pretty satisfying as well. There are some decent level designs and secrets hidden inside. The controls do have you gliding around a lot, but that's not really an issue. The only thing I had a problem with gameplay wise was how using jutsu is handled.

    You just hold the B button until your chakra builds up to the jutsu you want. You don't really need jutsu at all in the regular levels. The only time you might actually need them is for the boss battles, and really not even then. A good thing to, because they can be kind of a pain to pull off.

    Overall it's a short and easy diversion for Naruto fans. One probably best experienced as a rental or very cheap purchase. There are some unlockables to keep you coming back for a little while longer that you can get by collecting all the leaf symbols in the game, but there's no hiding the fact that many are going to be better off going with the infinitely superior sequel "Ninja Council 2."

    Still, it's not a bad game. Just one lacking in challenge and staying power. For hardcore Naruto fans or even those who want an NES styled game with modern refinement it's still worth a look. An all around solid game, Naruto or not.

    7.5/10    … Full Review »
  2. Yomamma
    Aug 5, 2006
    5
    It was not that good but all in all good graphics for a gameboy advanced game.
  3. Bc
    Aug 5, 2006
    8
    A great game if your into naruto but the story was too quick. not that many charactors ,but it was a awsome game non the less i promise if u A great game if your into naruto but the story was too quick. not that many charactors ,but it was a awsome game non the less i promise if u think your a narutro fan you will buy this game trust me i liked it.… Full Review »
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