Naruto: Ultimate Ninja

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. GameShark
    91
    A fresh and inspired fighting game.
  2. Play Magazine
    90
    The game is juts totally multidimensional; easily the freshest fighting game to come along since "Powerstone". [july 2006, p.71]
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Quite simply, if you are a Naruto fan, you're going to get a lot of entertainment value out of Ultimate Ninja.
  5. GamerFeed
    90
    One of those rare, fabled games that appeal far beyond the fanbase of its license. The controls are easy to learn, but thanks to the fast-paced action, the gameplay is difficult to master.
  6. Console Gameworld
    83
    Battles are fast paced and can get extremely intense; simplistic controls that are easy to learn but tricky to master; Captures the look and feel of Naruto perfectly.
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Really, if Naruto's your thing, then this game is right up your alley--but even the most hardcore fighting-game fanatics will get a kick out of it as well. [July 2006, p.75]
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  8. GamePro
    80
    If you're a fan of Naruto and his bizarre allies and enemies, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja will make you happy -- very happy. Besides finally making a debut on the PS2, this installment in the Naruto series offers up an enjoyable time whether you're playing by yourself or with someone else (the game supports two-players).
  9. PSM Magazine
    80
    The cel-shaded graphics and signature special techniques feel just like the anime, and anyone who hasn't seen the series will still find a fun fighting game that is easy to learn, but hard to master. [Aug 2006, p.78]
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  10. 1UP
    80
    And even if you're bored with beating your friends, there's a vast array of unlockables to collect, which will surely delight your inner obsessive compulsive.
  11. eToychest
    80
    Naruto is an unapologetic button masher, but its single-minded combat is a perfect compliment to the game’s always comical, sometimes hilarious wit.
  12. Gaming Horizon
    80
    Ultimate Ninja transcends the Naruto fandom; those who had fun playing Smash Bros. or even the little known Power Stone could easily find themselves having a blast here.
  13. Game Chronicles
    78
    A very simple and enjoyable fighting game, that would be every bit as cool with or without the television show license tie-in. We need more games like this.
  14. GameZone
    77
    An addictive, slash-heavy (but not button-mash-heavy) fighting game that builds depth from an unfamiliar place: simplicity.
  15. Games Master UK
    77
    It has its flaws, but it makes up for them with surprising gusto. Highly enjoyable. [Feb 2007, p.77]
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  16. GamerNode
    77
    Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is a surprisingly refreshing approach to the world of fighting games with lightning quick action, lots of power-ups, good anime cut scenes, a respectable fighting system and a gameplay that will appeal to die hard fighting fans as well as to the general gamer.
  17. PSM3 Magazine UK
    77
    Pure, brilliant fan service - and if you've never sampled the delights of Naruto, this game might even get you into it. A must for fans. [Mar 2007, p.78]
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  18. IGN
    75
    Ultimate Ninja packs more than enough style and quirky fight mechanics to keep things interesting. Having said that, it lacks some of the depth that serious fans of the genre may want in a fighter.
  19. TotalPlayStation
    75
    Well well well, a licensed game that's actually worth the plastic it's burned onto. Hell, it's actually a decent fighting game. Shallow, perhaps, but still a great party game and solid enough that you want to explore the different modes.
  20. GameSpot
    75
    Ultimate Ninja capably captures the spirit of Naruto, delivering a stylish fighting experience that's both easy to pick up and easy on the eyes.
  21. Gaming Age
    75
    The gameplay and style will feel familiar to anyone who's picked up a Dragonball Z Budokai game, but to everyone else it most likely won't cut muster.
  22. GamingTrend
    75
    The fighting game is fairly solid with several elements that, while not completely unique to the fighting genre, mix together for a unique experience. It takes the source material and does it justice.
  23. PALGN
    75
    A must for Naruto fans everywhere. Worth checking out if you’re into fighting games as well.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS2 Game of 2006
59
#59 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 60
  3. Negative: 6 out of 60
  1. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 7, 2011
    4
    I am a huge Naruto fan, and a huge fan of fighting games, but this didn't hold my attention, the crappy story mode, the limited amount ofI am a huge Naruto fan, and a huge fan of fighting games, but this didn't hold my attention, the crappy story mode, the limited amount of characters, and boring versus and mission modes, hold this game back from being fun.… Full Review »
  2. Killerpummkin
    Aug 10, 2023
    8
    It's safe to say that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is a great surprise. Beyond its core audience, this game also appeals to fighting game lovers inIt's safe to say that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja is a great surprise. Beyond its core audience, this game also appeals to fighting game lovers in general. Even if it might not be for everyone, it's certainly a memorable experience.… Full Review »
  3. aaronnmp96
    Jan 31, 2023
    7
    It was my first game of this style, I liked it and it still attracts me, simple and fun mechanics, good animations.
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