Review: Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 (PS2)

Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is another Japanese series that has made the successful transition from print form into more visual mediums such as television and a collection of interactive games. Originally debuting on the ill-fated WonderSwan in 2003, it was several years before the franchise arrived in North American and ultimately Europe. This trail has taken the form of several releases some aimed at specific genres and Chronicles 2 being more of a gung-ho adventure.

An original tale has been created for this release where you must defend the Hidden Leaf Village and neighbouring outposts. How you or your opponents find this hidden village is never quite explained, but it is very apparent on the world map. This time you’re up against an army long thought extinct, but actually only in hibernation until the right moment. Their reappearance sparks a scramble to defend existing societies and the formation of new friendships, fighting forces and exchange of information. So Naruto with the Hidden Leaf Genin find themselves forced by circumstances to co-operate against the puppet walkers and Shirogane Clan.

Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is far removed from being the best-looking Playstation 2 release we've played in the past few years. However it would be unfair to totally ridicule it by today's standards as the game was originally released in Japan back in 2005, so the graphical barometer of the PS2 has certainly moved on in the meantime. Textures lack detail and the majority of levels are stark and repetitious; a total contrast to the distinctive main characters that inhabit such a tedious world. The in-game camera is pretty dire although you can control its outlook; this element is not up to the task of following a dynamic fighting adventure.

Despite its lacklustre visual qualities, Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 manages to capture the feel of a television show through its presentation and breakdown of missions into digestible chunks. The voice acting and cut sequences are infectious and fun, without ever demonstrating show-stopping characteristics. This entertainment factor is an element of what makes Naruto so popular and the range of options available to players caters for players of all skills.

Throughout the main adventure you can swap characters tag-team style with the simple press of a button. With each character possessing their own fighting style and signature moves it does inject some variety into what remains a dull fighting system. A friend can also join in the fun immediately by inserting a second controller. The main characters also include staple RPG elements by building up abilities through the collection of points. After the robust main story you can fight a friend, take to the survival or additional mission modes. The overall package represents good value and with plenty to do, another decent entry in an ongoing series.

Gamestyle would criticise the world map, which seems undeveloped and lacks any real freedom, but at least random encounters are limited. The missions continue this theme of restriction, being repetitive to a degree that becomes almost boring. Arguably being a fan of the series will overcome such flaws, as the combat comes thick and fast. Yet Gamestyle soon found great difficulty in trying to complete another mission – not through any skill deficiency – just a general malaise about what was being served on a consistent basis.

Ultimately Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 isn’t as bad as Gamestyle first feared. For a licensed video game it seems to capture the spirit and fun of the source material. It does lack that touch of genius that Nintendo brought to its Pokemon series, but for what the final product represents and whom it will appeal to, the match is ideal.

Rating: 6 / 10

Words by Jason Julier