Saturday, November 20, 2010
Naruto Introduction
Naruto (NARUTO - ナ ルト) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto with an anime adaptation. The main character, Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, unpredictable adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become a Hokage, the ninja in the village acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all.
Kishimoto first authored a one-shot of Naruto in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. The plot differed substantially in that Naruto was the son of the demon fox instead of being the container, and the story was placed in a more modern setting. This early version of Naruto already had the ability to transform into a sexy young woman - but when he did so, a fox tail sprouted. Kishimoto then rewrote the story to its current form, which was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine. As of volume 36, the manga has sold over 71 million copies in Japan. Viz Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump magazine. Naruto has become Viz's best-selling manga series. To date, the first 27 volumes are available. In order to catch up to the translated anime, Viz plans to release volumes 16 to 27 three at a time over the months of September to December 2007.
The first of two anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex, premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo network and the anime satellite television network Animax on October 3, 2002, and is still being aired. Viz also licensed the anime for North American production. Naruto debuted in the United States on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block on September 10, 2005, and in Canada on YTV's Bionix on September 16, 2005. Naruto began showing in the UK on Jetix on July 22, 2006. It began showing on Toasted TV on January 12, 2007 in Australia, which features the German dub opening, although it could be watched on Cartoon Network in 2006. The first series lasted nine seasons, while Naruto: Shippuuden began its first on February 15, 2007.
Setting
Naruto has a large number of characters, most of whom are ninjas. They initially study at the Ninja Academy, where the story begins, are split up into squads of three after their graduation and become Genin, rookie ninja. Each squad is assigned an experienced sensei. These core squads form a basis for the characters' interactions later in the series, where characters are chosen for missions for their team's strength and complementary skills; Naruto's squad 7 becomes the social frame where Naruto is acquainted with Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and their sensei Kakashi Hatake, forming the core of his world-in-the-making. The other three-man teams of his former classmates form another such layer, as Naruto connects with them to various degrees, learning of their motives, vulnerabilities, and aspirations. The groups of three are not limited to the comrades Naruto's age – groups in the story in general come in threes and multiples of three.
In the Naruto world, countries operate as separate political entities ruled by landlords. Within these countries are hidden villages (éš ã‚Œé‡Œ kakurezato), settlements housing ninja, warriors capable of using supernatural abilities in combat. A hidden village maintains the economy of the parent country by training ninja from a young age and using them to perform missions for other countries. The ninja of a hidden village also serve as the military force of their parent country. The leaders of the hidden villages hold equal status with the leaders of their respective countries. Five countries in the Naruto world—the Land of Earth, the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water, and the Land of Wind—are known as the "Five Great Shinobi Nations". These countries are the most powerful in the Naruto world. They are ruled by a feudal lord, and the leaders of the hidden villages in these countries hold the title of Kage. Other apparently smaller nations have been named in passing, in either the manga or anime, but are yet to be explored.
Plot
Naruto Uzumaki is a young boy who has the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within him. Twelve years before the start of the series, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox attacked the ninja village Konohagakure, slaughtering many people. In response, the leader of Konohagakure – the Fourth Hokage – sacrificed his life to seal the demon inside Naruto when he was a newborn. Konohagakure, however, regarded Naruto as if he were the demon fox itself and mistreated him throughout most of his childhood. A decree made by the Third Hokage forbade anyone mention the attack of the demon fox to anyone. Years later, Naruto was tricked by the renegade ninja Mizuki into stealing a forbidden scroll, but was stopped by his teacher, Iruka Umino. That encounter made Naruto realize he was the container of the demon fox.
The main story follows Naruto and his friends' personal growth. Naruto befriends two comrades, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, who are assigned with him to form a three-person team under an experienced sensei named Kakashi Hatake. Naruto also befriends other characters that he meets throughout the series. They learn new abilities, get to know each other and other villagers better, and experience a coming-of-age journey as Naruto dreams of becoming the Hokage of Konohagakure. At first, emphasis is placed on Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, who are the members of Team 7. Later, Orochimaru, a criminal at the top of Konohagakure's most wanted list, attacks Konoha killing the Third Hokage as an act of revenge. This causes one of the three legendary ninja, Jiraiya to search for his partner Tsunade, to become the Fifth Hokage. During that search, it is revealed that Orochimaru also desires to acquire Sasuke Uchiha due to his powerful genetic heritage. Believing Orochimaru will be able to give him the strength needed to kill his brother Itachi, who destroyed all his clan, Sasuke goes to him. Naruto does not give up on Sasuke, leaving Konoha for two-and-a-half years of training to prepare himself for the next time he meets Sasuke.
After the training period, a mysterious organization called Akatsuki attempts to capture the nine powerful tailed beasts including the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed inside of Naruto. Several ninjas from Konohagakure, including Team 7, fight against the Akatsuki members and search for their teammate Sasuke. Sasuke, in the meantime betrays Orochimaru and faces Itachi to take revenge. Although Itachi dies, Sasuke is told by the Akatsuki founder Madara Uchiha that Itachi was ordered by Konohagakure's leadership to destroy his clan. Saddened with the revelation, Sasuke joins forces with Akatsuki to destroy Konohagakure. Meanwhile, as several Akatsuki members are defeated by the Konohagakure ninja, the leader, Pain, invades the village to capture Naruto.
Kishimoto first authored a one-shot of Naruto in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. The plot differed substantially in that Naruto was the son of the demon fox instead of being the container, and the story was placed in a more modern setting. This early version of Naruto already had the ability to transform into a sexy young woman - but when he did so, a fox tail sprouted. Kishimoto then rewrote the story to its current form, which was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine. As of volume 36, the manga has sold over 71 million copies in Japan. Viz Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump magazine. Naruto has become Viz's best-selling manga series. To date, the first 27 volumes are available. In order to catch up to the translated anime, Viz plans to release volumes 16 to 27 three at a time over the months of September to December 2007.
The first of two anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex, premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo network and the anime satellite television network Animax on October 3, 2002, and is still being aired. Viz also licensed the anime for North American production. Naruto debuted in the United States on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block on September 10, 2005, and in Canada on YTV's Bionix on September 16, 2005. Naruto began showing in the UK on Jetix on July 22, 2006. It began showing on Toasted TV on January 12, 2007 in Australia, which features the German dub opening, although it could be watched on Cartoon Network in 2006. The first series lasted nine seasons, while Naruto: Shippuuden began its first on February 15, 2007.
Setting
Naruto has a large number of characters, most of whom are ninjas. They initially study at the Ninja Academy, where the story begins, are split up into squads of three after their graduation and become Genin, rookie ninja. Each squad is assigned an experienced sensei. These core squads form a basis for the characters' interactions later in the series, where characters are chosen for missions for their team's strength and complementary skills; Naruto's squad 7 becomes the social frame where Naruto is acquainted with Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and their sensei Kakashi Hatake, forming the core of his world-in-the-making. The other three-man teams of his former classmates form another such layer, as Naruto connects with them to various degrees, learning of their motives, vulnerabilities, and aspirations. The groups of three are not limited to the comrades Naruto's age – groups in the story in general come in threes and multiples of three.In the Naruto world, countries operate as separate political entities ruled by landlords. Within these countries are hidden villages (éš ã‚Œé‡Œ kakurezato), settlements housing ninja, warriors capable of using supernatural abilities in combat. A hidden village maintains the economy of the parent country by training ninja from a young age and using them to perform missions for other countries. The ninja of a hidden village also serve as the military force of their parent country. The leaders of the hidden villages hold equal status with the leaders of their respective countries. Five countries in the Naruto world—the Land of Earth, the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water, and the Land of Wind—are known as the "Five Great Shinobi Nations". These countries are the most powerful in the Naruto world. They are ruled by a feudal lord, and the leaders of the hidden villages in these countries hold the title of Kage. Other apparently smaller nations have been named in passing, in either the manga or anime, but are yet to be explored.
Plot
Naruto Uzumaki is a young boy who has the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within him. Twelve years before the start of the series, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox attacked the ninja village Konohagakure, slaughtering many people. In response, the leader of Konohagakure – the Fourth Hokage – sacrificed his life to seal the demon inside Naruto when he was a newborn. Konohagakure, however, regarded Naruto as if he were the demon fox itself and mistreated him throughout most of his childhood. A decree made by the Third Hokage forbade anyone mention the attack of the demon fox to anyone. Years later, Naruto was tricked by the renegade ninja Mizuki into stealing a forbidden scroll, but was stopped by his teacher, Iruka Umino. That encounter made Naruto realize he was the container of the demon fox.The main story follows Naruto and his friends' personal growth. Naruto befriends two comrades, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, who are assigned with him to form a three-person team under an experienced sensei named Kakashi Hatake. Naruto also befriends other characters that he meets throughout the series. They learn new abilities, get to know each other and other villagers better, and experience a coming-of-age journey as Naruto dreams of becoming the Hokage of Konohagakure. At first, emphasis is placed on Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, who are the members of Team 7. Later, Orochimaru, a criminal at the top of Konohagakure's most wanted list, attacks Konoha killing the Third Hokage as an act of revenge. This causes one of the three legendary ninja, Jiraiya to search for his partner Tsunade, to become the Fifth Hokage. During that search, it is revealed that Orochimaru also desires to acquire Sasuke Uchiha due to his powerful genetic heritage. Believing Orochimaru will be able to give him the strength needed to kill his brother Itachi, who destroyed all his clan, Sasuke goes to him. Naruto does not give up on Sasuke, leaving Konoha for two-and-a-half years of training to prepare himself for the next time he meets Sasuke.
After the training period, a mysterious organization called Akatsuki attempts to capture the nine powerful tailed beasts including the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed inside of Naruto. Several ninjas from Konohagakure, including Team 7, fight against the Akatsuki members and search for their teammate Sasuke. Sasuke, in the meantime betrays Orochimaru and faces Itachi to take revenge. Although Itachi dies, Sasuke is told by the Akatsuki founder Madara Uchiha that Itachi was ordered by Konohagakure's leadership to destroy his clan. Saddened with the revelation, Sasuke joins forces with Akatsuki to destroy Konohagakure. Meanwhile, as several Akatsuki members are defeated by the Konohagakure ninja, the leader, Pain, invades the village to capture Naruto.
About Masashi Kishimoto
Masashi Kishimoto (岸本 斉史, Kishimoto Masashi) (born 8 November, 1974) is a Japanese manga artist, well known for creating the manga series Naruto where the main character is Uzumaki Naruto. His younger twin brother, Seishi Kishimoto, is also a manga artist and creator of the manga series 666 Satan and Blazer Drive.
Works
Kishimoto's first work as a manga artist was Karakuri, which he submitted to Shueisha in 1995. This earned him the Weekly Shōnen Jump's monthly "Hop Step Award," granted to promising new manga artist. In 1999, Naruto was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Naruto is still ongoing, with more than 45 volumes and just over 44 released in English, and has sold over 71 million copies in Japan and over 93 million copies worldwide as of volume 36, also being adapted into two successful anime series. The Naruto manga series has become one of Viz Media's top properties, accounting for nearly 10% of all manga sales in 2006. The seventh volume of Viz's release became the first manga to ever win a Quill Award when it claimed the award for "Best Graphic Novel" in 2006.
In his interviews and exclusively in the Naruto manga, he commonly mentions his deceased plant, Ukki-kun. According to Kishimoto, the first time he had an office plant, due to missing the country atmosphere, he fed it undiluted plant food. He continued purchasing several other plants afterwards, but many of them perished.
Influences
When Kishimoto was originally creating the Naruto series, he looked to other shōnen manga for influences while attempting to make his characters as unique as possible. Kishimoto cites Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball series as one of these influences, noting that Son Goku, the protagonist of Dragon Ball, was a key factor when creating Naruto Uzumaki due to his energetic and mischievous personality. To complement the character Naruto, Kishimoto worked on creating a rival that was a "cool genius", as he believed this was "the archetypal rival character". After reviewing different manga for ideas, he ultimately developed Sasuke Uchiha. When creating the primary heroine, Kishimoto admitted, "I don't have a definite image of what a heroine should be". He eventually created Sakura Haruno, emphasizing "her energy and flirtatious spirit" as her primary characteristics. These three characters would be the mold for the other three main Naruto teams. For Kishimoto, Sasuke remains the most difficult character for him to draw. While drawing, errors and mishaps commonly result in Sasuke's youthful appearance being lost, a result of Kishimoto's inexperience in drawing characters mature beyond their years. Despite the time and energy Kishimoto spends drawing Sasuke, Sasuke has become his favorite character to draw.
When drawing the characters, Kishimoto follows a five-step process that he consistently follows: concept and rough sketch, drafting, inking, shading, and coloring. These steps are followed when he is drawing the actual manga and making the color illustrations that commonly adorn the cover of tankōbon, the cover of Weekly Shōnen Jump, or other media, but the toolkit he utilizes occasionally changes. For instance, he utilized an airbrush for one illustration for a Weekly Shōnen Jump cover, but decided not to use it for future drawings largely due to the cleanup required.
When Kishimoto was creating the setting of the Naruto manga, he initially concentrated on the designs for village of Konohagakure, the primary setting of the series. Kishimoto asserts that his design for Konohagakure was created "pretty spontaneously without much thought", but admits that the scenery is based on his home in Okayama Prefecture. Kishimoto created Konohagakure without specifying a specific era or location in the real world, noting that the village is "just a place in [his] head". Without a specific time period, Kishimoto included modern elements in the series such as convenience stores, but specifically excluded projectile weapons and vehicles from the storyline. For reference materials, Kishimoto performs his own research into Japanese culture and alludes to it in his work. In an interview, he commented that he "often visits Japanese gardens and [goes] to Kabuki performances" for reference material.
Kishimoto added that, as Naruto takes place in a "Japanese fantasy world," the creator has to "set certain rules, in a systematic way" so that he could easily "convey the story". Kishimoto wanted to "draw on" the Chinese zodiac tradition, which had a long-standing presence in Japan; the zodiac hand signs originate from this. Regarding technology Kishimoto said that Naruto would not have any firearms. He said he may include automobiles, aircraft, and "low-processing" computers; Kishimoto specified the computers would "maybe" be eight-bit and that they would "definitely not" be sixteen-bit.
Manga
Works
Kishimoto's first work as a manga artist was Karakuri, which he submitted to Shueisha in 1995. This earned him the Weekly Shōnen Jump's monthly "Hop Step Award," granted to promising new manga artist. In 1999, Naruto was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Naruto is still ongoing, with more than 45 volumes and just over 44 released in English, and has sold over 71 million copies in Japan and over 93 million copies worldwide as of volume 36, also being adapted into two successful anime series. The Naruto manga series has become one of Viz Media's top properties, accounting for nearly 10% of all manga sales in 2006. The seventh volume of Viz's release became the first manga to ever win a Quill Award when it claimed the award for "Best Graphic Novel" in 2006.In his interviews and exclusively in the Naruto manga, he commonly mentions his deceased plant, Ukki-kun. According to Kishimoto, the first time he had an office plant, due to missing the country atmosphere, he fed it undiluted plant food. He continued purchasing several other plants afterwards, but many of them perished.
Influences
When Kishimoto was originally creating the Naruto series, he looked to other shōnen manga for influences while attempting to make his characters as unique as possible. Kishimoto cites Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball series as one of these influences, noting that Son Goku, the protagonist of Dragon Ball, was a key factor when creating Naruto Uzumaki due to his energetic and mischievous personality. To complement the character Naruto, Kishimoto worked on creating a rival that was a "cool genius", as he believed this was "the archetypal rival character". After reviewing different manga for ideas, he ultimately developed Sasuke Uchiha. When creating the primary heroine, Kishimoto admitted, "I don't have a definite image of what a heroine should be". He eventually created Sakura Haruno, emphasizing "her energy and flirtatious spirit" as her primary characteristics. These three characters would be the mold for the other three main Naruto teams. For Kishimoto, Sasuke remains the most difficult character for him to draw. While drawing, errors and mishaps commonly result in Sasuke's youthful appearance being lost, a result of Kishimoto's inexperience in drawing characters mature beyond their years. Despite the time and energy Kishimoto spends drawing Sasuke, Sasuke has become his favorite character to draw.When drawing the characters, Kishimoto follows a five-step process that he consistently follows: concept and rough sketch, drafting, inking, shading, and coloring. These steps are followed when he is drawing the actual manga and making the color illustrations that commonly adorn the cover of tankōbon, the cover of Weekly Shōnen Jump, or other media, but the toolkit he utilizes occasionally changes. For instance, he utilized an airbrush for one illustration for a Weekly Shōnen Jump cover, but decided not to use it for future drawings largely due to the cleanup required.
When Kishimoto was creating the setting of the Naruto manga, he initially concentrated on the designs for village of Konohagakure, the primary setting of the series. Kishimoto asserts that his design for Konohagakure was created "pretty spontaneously without much thought", but admits that the scenery is based on his home in Okayama Prefecture. Kishimoto created Konohagakure without specifying a specific era or location in the real world, noting that the village is "just a place in [his] head". Without a specific time period, Kishimoto included modern elements in the series such as convenience stores, but specifically excluded projectile weapons and vehicles from the storyline. For reference materials, Kishimoto performs his own research into Japanese culture and alludes to it in his work. In an interview, he commented that he "often visits Japanese gardens and [goes] to Kabuki performances" for reference material.
Kishimoto added that, as Naruto takes place in a "Japanese fantasy world," the creator has to "set certain rules, in a systematic way" so that he could easily "convey the story". Kishimoto wanted to "draw on" the Chinese zodiac tradition, which had a long-standing presence in Japan; the zodiac hand signs originate from this. Regarding technology Kishimoto said that Naruto would not have any firearms. He said he may include automobiles, aircraft, and "low-processing" computers; Kishimoto specified the computers would "maybe" be eight-bit and that they would "definitely not" be sixteen-bit.
Manga
- Karakuri (Published in Akamaru Jump)
- Naruto Pilot (Published in Akamaru Jump)
- Naruto (Published in Weekly Shōnen Jump)
- UZUMAKI MASASHI KISHIMOTO
- First Official Data Book (秘伝·臨の書キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK, Hiden: Rin no Sho Character Official Data Book)
- Official Fan Book (秘伝·兵の書オフォシャルファンBOOK, Hiden: Hyō no Sho Official Fan Book)
- Second Official Data Book (秘伝·闘の書キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK, Hiden: Tō no Sho Character Official Data Book)
- Third Official Data Book (秘伝·者の書キャラクターオフィシャルデータBOOK, Hiden: Sha no Sho Character Official Data Book)
- PAINT JUMP: Art of Naruto
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Game Guide
| Game Guide | |
| The Naruto series has had a wide variety of video games released across multiple platforms, taking advantage of the latest consoles to be released. The titles include RPGs, platformers, action, strategy and fighting games. Due to licensing issues, some titles will probably never see release in North America. This may prompt some users to consider importing the titles. This can be done to varying degrees of ease and legality. Some consoles like the Gamecube can play imports with a simple swap disk, while others like the Playstation 2 require some degree of modding or the usage of an imported system. The titles below are in JAPANESE TITLE NAME [ENGLISH TRANSLATION] (LOCALIZED NAME) format. |
| Microsoft Xbox 360 | |
 | Naruto: Rise of a Ninja - The first "next-gen" Naruto title, this one seeing exclusive release on the Xbox 360. The title was developed for North America with no plans for a Japanese release. Free and for pay downloadable content was made available on Xbox Live for this title. This included new maps and playable characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 10/30/2007 Our Rating: 7/10 (8/10 with downloadable content installed) |
 | Naruto: The Broken Bond - The second Naruto Xbox 360 title. The title was developed for North America with no plans for a Japanese release. Downloadable content was made available on Xbox Live for this title. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 11/18/2008 Our Rating: 8/10 |
 | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 - Second in the fighting series, the first of which to see release on the Xbox 360. This fully 3D fighter takes place in the Shippuuden time frame. This release also features guest character Lars Alexandersson from the Tekken series. Original Japanese Publication Date: 10/21/2010 Original English Publication Date: 10/10/2010 Our Rating: Japanese -, English - |
| Nintendo Gameboy Advance (GBA) | |
 | Naruto: Ninjutsu Zenkai! Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu [Full On Ninjutsu! Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration] (Ninja Council) - The first in an action/platoformer series on the Gameboy Advance hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/08/2003 Original English Publication Date: 03/22/2006 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Konoha Senki [Leaf Military History] - The turn-based strategy series on the Gameboy Advance hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 09/12/2003 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu 2 [Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration] (Ninja Council 2) - The second in an action/platoformer series on the Gameboy Advance hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/29/2004 Original English Publication Date: 10/10/2006 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: RPG ~ Uketsugareshi Hi no Ishi ~ [Inherited Will of Fire] - This release is another turn-based strategy series on the Gameboy Advance hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/22/2004 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
| Nintendo DS (DS) | |
 | Naruto: Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu 3 [Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration] - The third in an action/platformer series which was moved to the DS hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/21/2005 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: RPG 2 - Sequel to the GBA RPG title, which was moved to the DS hand-held system. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/14/2005 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu 4 [Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration] (Ninja Council 3) - The fourth in the action/platformer series on the DS hand-held system. The North American release "skipped" Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu 3 in porting the game over. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/27/2006 Original English Publication Date: 05/22/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: RPG 3 (Path of the Ninja 2) - Third in the RPG series on the DS hand-held system. The title was later ported as the second in the Path of the Ninja series. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/13/2006 Original English Publication Date: 09/23/2008 Our Rating: - |
 | Jump Super Stars - Smash Brothers-esque side-scroller featuring characters from many Shonen Jump properties including Naruto. Separate licensing of the numerous properties involved will probably prevent North American localization. Original Japanese Publication Date: 08/08/2005 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Jump Ultimate Stars - Sequel to the Smash Brothers-esque side-scroller which features characters from many Shonen Jump properties including Naruto. Separate licensing of the numerous properties involved will probably prevent North American localization. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/23/2006 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Shinobi Retsuden [Shinobi Biographies] (Ninja Destiny) - The first Naruto 3D fighting game on the DS. The North American release featured some re-worked controls and gameplay to improve issues found in the original Japanese release. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/16/2006 Original English Publication Date: 02/26/2008 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu 5, Kessen! "Akatsuki" [Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration; Decisive Battle! "Akatsuki"] (Ninja Council 4) - The fifth in the action/platformer series on the DS hand-held system. This incarnation moves to the Shippuuden time frame. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/19/2007 Original English Publication Date: 06/02/2009 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Path of the Ninja - This RPG combines material from the first Naruto RPG, originally released on GBA in Japan, and its sequels released on DS. Creating an original English dub-only game. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 10/23/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Dairansen! Kage Bunshin Emaki [Great Melee! Shadow Clone Picture Scroll] - This adventure game focuses on Naruto's Shadow Clone ability. The game utilizes the ability in various ways such as battle, puzzles and opening new paths. Original Japanese Publication Date: 02/14/2008 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Shinobi Retsuden II [Shinobi Biographies II] (Ninja Destiny 2) - The second Naruto 3D fighting game on the DS. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/24/2008 Original English Publication Date: 09/15/2009 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Saikyou Ninja Daikesshu Gekitou!! Naruto VS Sasuke [Strongest Ninja, Great Concentration; Clash!! Naruto VS Sasuke] - The sixth in the action/platformer series on the DS hand-held system. This incarnation covers the second Shippuuden arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/10/2008 Original English Publication Date: 11/16/2010 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Shinobi Retsuden III [Shinobi Biographies III] - The third Naruto 3D fighting game on the DS. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/28/2009 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Ninjutsu Zenkai! Chakurasshu!! [Full Throttle Ninjutsu! Chakrash!!] (Shinobi Crash) - A new action/platformer title on the DS hand-held sysem. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/22/2010 Original English Publication Date: 03/11/2010 Our Rating: - |
| Nintendo Gamecube (GC) | |
 | Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] (Clash of the Ninja) - The first in a 3D fighting series on the Gamecube. The game features 8 playable characters with 2 alternate versions of existing characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/11/2003 Original English Publication Date: 03/07/2006 Our Rating: Japanese 6/10, English - |
 | Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] 2 (Clash of the Ninja 2) - The second in the Gamecube 3D fighting series. The game features 20 playable characters with 3 alternate versions of existing characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/04/2003 Original English Publication Date: 09/26/2006 Our Rating: Japanese 7/10, English - |
 | Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] 3 - The third in the Gamecube 3D fighting series. The game features 29 playable characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/20/2004 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: Japanese 8/10, English - |
 | Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] 4 - The fourth in the Gamecube 3D fighting series. The game features 34 playable characters with 3 alternate versions of existing characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/25/2005 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: Japanese 9/10, English - |
 | Battle Stadium D.O.N. - Cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawler utilizing characters from three Shonen Jump series: (D)ragonball, (O)ne Piece and (N)aruto. Separate licensing for these properties in the U.S. may prevent North American localization. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/20/2006 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
| Nintendo Wii (Wii) | |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] EX - The first in the 3D fighting series on the Wii. This marks the fifth Ninja Taisen game. The game features playable characters based on the Shippuuden series through the first series arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 02/22/2007 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] EX 2 - The second in the 3D fighting series on the Wii. This marks the sixth Ninja Taisen game. The game features playable characters based on the Shippuuden series through the second series arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/29/2007 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen [Fierce Fighting Great Ninja War] EX 3 - The third in the 3D fighting series on the Wii. This marks the seventh Ninja Taisen game. The game features playable characters based on the Shippuuden series through the third series arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/27/2008 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution - A English language dub release of the 3D fighting series, it replaces Clash of the Ninja 3 for Gamecube. Though it is based on the EX engine, the release keeps pace with the English dub characters and jutsu. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 10/25/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 - A English language dub release of the 3D fighting series, it replaces Clash of the Ninja 4 for Gamecube. Though is features some of the EX engine, it features new and unique characters and new storyline. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 10/21/2008 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 3 - An English language dub release of the 3D fighting series, it acts as a re-worked port of Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX for Wii. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 11/17/2009 Our Rating: English 9/10 |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Ryuujinki [Dragon Blade Chronicles] - The first in a new 3D action/adventure series on the Wii. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/26/2009 Original English Publication Date: 11/16/2010 Our Rating: - |
| Sony Playstation 1 (PS 1) | |
 | Naruto: Shinobi no Sato no Jintori Kassen [Shinobi Village Jintori Battle] - The one and only original Playstation release, the title is a strategic board game. "Jintori" is a children's game in Japan. The aim of the game is to occupy your opponent's home base. Original Japanese Publication Date: 03/26/2003 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
| Sony Playstation 2 (PS 2) | |
 | Naruto: Narutimate Hero (Ultimate Ninja) - First in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers. The original Japanese release had 12 playable characters, the English release split the upper level phases of Naruto and Sasuke into two "new" characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/16/2002 Original English Publication Date: 06/26/2006 Our Rating: Japanese 6/10, English 6/10 |
 | Naruto: Narutimate Hero 2 (Ultimate Ninja 2) - Second in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers. The original Japanese release had 33 playable characters, including one from Naruto Movie One. Original Japanese Publication Date: 09/30/2004 Original English Publication Date: 06/12/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Narutimate Hero 3 (Ultimate Ninja 3) - Third in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers. The original Japanese release had 42 playable characters. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/12/2005 Original English Publication Date: 03/25/2008 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Uzumaki Ninden (Uzumaki Chronicles) - A 3D adventure and fighting game with some RP elements. The English edition came out earlier in the English dub series run than the original Japanese, so some storylines were altered or completely dropped. Original Japanese Publication Date: 08/18/2005 Original English Publication Date: 11/16/2006 Our Rating: Japanese -, English 5/10 |
 | Battle Stadium D.O.N. - Cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawler utilizing characters from three Shonen Jump series: (D)ragonball, (O)ne Piece and (N)aruto. Separate licensing for these properties in the U.S. may prevent North American localization. Original Japanese Publication Date: 07/20/2006 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Konoha Spirits (Uzumaki Chronicles 2) - A 3D adventure and fighting game with some RP elements. Builds off many of the elements seen in Uzumaki Ninden, including a new two-player fighting mode. Original Japanese Publication Date: 11/16/2006 Original English Publication Date: 06/12/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Narutimate Accel (Ultimate Ninja 4) - Fourth in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers, this one features Naruto Shippuuden characters through the first series arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 04/05/2007 Original English Publication Date: 03/24/2009 Our Rating: Japanese 9/10, English - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Narutimate Accel 2 - Fifth in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers, this one features Naruto Shippuuden characters through the second series arc. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/20/2007 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: Japanese -, English - |
| Sony Playstation 3 (PS 3) | |
 | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm - The first in a new fighting series on the PS 3. This fully 3D fighter takes place in the original Naruto time frame. Original Japanese Publication Date: 01/15/2009 Original English Publication Date: 10/15/2008 Our Rating: Japanese -, English - |
 | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 - Second in the fighting series for the PS 3 and Xbox 360. This fully 3D fighter takes place in the Shippuuden time frame. This release also features guest character Lars Alexandersson from the Tekken series. Original Japanese Publication Date: 10/21/2010 Original English Publication Date: 10/10/2010 Our Rating: Japanese -, English - |
| Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) | |
 | Naruto: Narutimate Portable (Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2) - The hand-held version of the PS 2's cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers. The second Ultimate Ninja Heroes was more a direct port of the original Japanese Narutimate Portable. Original Japanese Publication Date: 03/30/2006 Original English Publication Date: 06/24/2008 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes - The hand-held version of the PS 2's cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers. The English language release dropped the storyline from the original title. A full port of the original title was finally released as "Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2". Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 08/28/2007 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Legends - Akatsuki Rising - An English language only action/adventure series release. Original Japanese Publication Date: - Original English Publication Date: 10/06/2009 Our Rating: - |
 | Naruto Shippuuden: Narutimate Accel 3 (Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3) - Sixth in the series of cell-shaded Smash Brothers-esque brawlers, this one moves the series from the PS 2 to the PSP. Original Japanese Publication Date: 12/10/2009 Original English Publication Date: 05/11/2010 Our Rating: Japanese -, English - |
| WonderSwan Color (WSC) | |
 | Naruto: ~ Konoha Ninpouchou ~ [Leaf Ninja Arts Story] - The one and only release for the hand-held WonderSwan Color, this was a RPG title. Because the title was released on the WonderSwan Color, it has little chance of North American localization. Original Japanese Publication Date: 03/27/2003 Original English Publication Date: - Our Rating: - |
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