Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
62

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
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  1. GameBrink
    75
    All this Action and RPG goodness doesn’t take place in a cell shaded world though as developer Cavia decided that realistic graphics were appropriate this time around. Fans of the series might be put off by this at first but after a while it’s easy to get used to. [JPN Import]
  2. Play Magazine
    75
    Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles is a game that tried very hard to do something different for the franchise, but falls a bit short in a few key areas. [Dec. 2006, p.84]
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  3. Gaming Age
    75
    Cavia makes leaps and bounds towards making a legitimately good anime licensed title.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2006
38
#38 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 36
  3. Negative: 4 out of 36
  1. TheQuietGamer
    Nov 24, 2016
    7
    Fans of the series can take pleasure in the fact that this is one of those rare home console Naruto games that isn't a fighter. Instead whatFans of the series can take pleasure in the fact that this is one of those rare home console Naruto games that isn't a fighter. Instead what we get is a decent 3D brawler with an emphasis on different kinds of missions. However even the most hardcore of fans may find themselves wanting a little bit more. The combat in Uzumaki Chronicles is quite simplistic.

    When it comes to fanservice, the game doesn't disappoint. All the voice actors from the show reprise their roles here and the game is packed with familiar faces. It even features it's own original stories. The main plot takes a while to rear it's head. The early missions of the game take on little side-stories on their own. Unfortunately, they make most of the anime's filler look amazing by comparison. We get to suffer through a lot of Naruto's banal observations (I almost forgot what an idiot the kid could be). The main plot itself is better, but has no discernible place in the show's timeline, so it's safe to say these events are non-canon. At least we aren't reliving the same stories from the show that have been told to death in Naruto video games by this point.

    The gameplay side of things is pretty solid, but has issues of it's own. The game is set up where you accept missions like the characters do in the show. Much like early Final Fantasy games, you'll be slowed down by random encounters while automatically traversing the game's map. These minor annoyances mainly serve as a way to get more "Virtue," droppable experience needed to level up Naruto.

    The level up system and skill equipping system that has you mapping abilities down on limited holders add a little more depth to the experience. They don't elevate the game's combat to anything more than just a button-masher, but they at least allow you to feel like you're getting more powerful.

    The game's biggest problem is in the combat. While it's nice to get a break from the one-on-one fights we're so used to experiencing in Naruto games, eventually the simplicity and lack of enemy variety do start to wane on things. The real life comes from the boss battles, some of which can be a decent challenge.

    Another issue the game has is with it's defense missions. Every now and then you'll be tasked with defending a cart of escort a prisoner while being subjected to multiple enemy attacks. An easy task at first that quickly becomes frustrating as the game progresses. It's hard for just one ninja to protect his objective when being subjected to attacks from all sides. Shadow Clone justu or not, you can't exactly be everywhere at once.

    Uzumaki Chronicles is a solid, if simplistic game for Naruto fans. Particularly those who are dying to see something else from this series than just another fighting game. For non-fans it will prove too dull to entertain. So for those of you know your Uchihas from their Hugas, give it a shot. However if a trip to Konohagakure has never been you're thing (or if you think I'm just making up words at this point) then this is probably better off as a pass. Only fans need apply.    … Full Review »
  2. Sasukah
    Apr 19, 2015
    9
    This game, Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles is one of the best Naruto games I've played and probably the first 3D Naruto game to hit the PlaystationThis game, Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles is one of the best Naruto games I've played and probably the first 3D Naruto game to hit the Playstation console. The story in this game is superb and quite honestly teach you the mechanics of the game in such a unique way. What really caught me off guard is the level up progression. Rather than having your character automatically become stronger at a certain point, you can decide when and how your character progresses in terms of strength. Without going into much detail, it's a jigsaw puzzle of how you level up (so cool). Other than that, great replayability, great plot development and great... well... everything!… Full Review »
  3. Chirritox
    Nov 29, 2022
    7
    Juego entretenido la historia es relleno como siempre en naruto pero tiene buen fan service jugar con naruto es divertido y sus compañerosJuego entretenido la historia es relleno como siempre en naruto pero tiene buen fan service jugar con naruto es divertido y sus compañeros son bien útiles (exceptuando shikamru es el una mier2382) la música es muy agradable y esta buena el unico problema son las misiones de escolta es una basura y es frustrante pero el resto esta bien
    no supera para nada al naruto ultimate ninja storm o los de ps2 de pelea pero esta bien
    recomendado si te gusta demasiado naruto    … Full Review »
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