Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3

Like most tie-ins to anime franchises, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 should only be considered by fans of the series - and those who have delved deep into Naruto lore will marvel at the fan service and attention to detail lavished upon this most recent release from Namco Bandai.

Ultimate Ninja 3 is undoubtedly the best in the series. There are many ways to play this title, and it is the most complete of all the other Ultimate Ninja games.

If you want my advice, think of Ultimate Contest as a bandage and tear it off as quickly as possible. Underneath it is a martial-arts fighter of epic proportions sure to satisfy fans and newcomers alike.

It's decent fun, but this Ninja needs to learn some new tricks.

Naruto-philes will love the new features and authenticity, but it probably doesn’t pose enough of a challenge to keep fighting game fans enthralled for long.

Regardless of its flaws, the depth of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 gives fans good reason to dust off their PS2s and jump around.

A great addition to the Naruto series if not so much the world of games. [Nov 2008, p.84]

Though this wimpy fighter still doesn't pack enough punch, it has all the heart and charm of your favorite spiky-haired ninja hero.

The crazy, flashy fights are still as addictive as ever, and all of the little changes and improvements do ultimately render the previous installment obsolete by comparison.

The fighting system may still need a few more lessons in the dojo, but when it comes to flashy visuals, an expansive single-player element, and a robust cast of combatants, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is no doubt the ultimate choice in giving fans of the series what they want.

Interestingly enough, the game adds new and downright entertaining game modes making this one of the most complete Naruto games on the PS2.

There is a new 55 mission storyline that is exclusive to the game and gives Naruto fans a whole new reason to make this a must have title.

The way the story of the Ninja Naruto develops seems to be very appealing and sophisticated. Suitable for both, Naruto-veterans and –newbies!

I think the Ultimate Contest is a step forward for the value of this PS2 franchise, but the blandness of the town, simplicity of missions and annoying camera hold it back from being anything special.

Another Naruto game brings us the possibility to enjoy a title launched on Japan a few years before. Without arriving to the Shippudden new Storyline, it packs 40 fighters in the well known 1vs1 combat, similar to its predecessors. Not a lot of surprises for Naruto fans, but a title that can enterteain either newbies or experts on the ninja franchise. Give it a try if you show a minimum interest for the Masashi Kishimoto character.

I'm not going to say that Ultimate Ninja 3 has the best gameplay of any of the Naruto games. But what I will say is that Ultimate Ninja 3 is the best all around Naruto game to date.

Despite the sad excuse for a sandbox mode, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is the best Naruto game on PlayStation 2; this installment refines the series further with flashier visuals and mini-games.

It's certainly one of the better Naruto games for any of Sony's consoles. [Issue#172, p.89]

All in all, UN3 seems fairly ultimate by most ninja standards, at least until number four comes out. [May 2008, p.80]

Naruto is essentially fun, manages to offer some fulfillment, but there is little else to keep players interested after a few hours.

If you're looking for a new Naruto game to sharpen your kunai on then Ultimate Ninja 3 is definitely worth a spin. The gameplay may be the same as ever but slight improvements in just about every department help flesh out the experience.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is a really fun fighting game when it actually allows you to fight.