No real visual issues, but nothing that's really outstanding either. Sound is also pretty good, with no real complaints, but nothing really outstanding either.

Fans of the Naruto English dub will be happy to know that most of the voice actors from the TV show reprise their roles for the game. Perhaps throw in some RPG elements like River City Ransom, or maybe take a page out of Shaman King’s book and explore the Metroid route with the various ninja powers opening up new areas? There’s certainly untapped potential with the license, unfortunately Naruto: Ninja Council doesn’t have what it takes to release it.And for the most part they get the job done. While I understand the game is aiming for a target audience who may care more about seeing their favorite characters rather than new gameplay, you would hope that the license would offer more possibilities.

In the end, Naruto: Ninja Council feels like a series of poor design choices lumped together. You’re also invincible when readying a special move, adding to the ease in difficulty. About the only aspect that requires much thought beyond pressing a button are special moves and all you have to do there is make sure you’re facing in the direction of your enemy and that you release the button at the right time. Other than that, there’s nothing overly complex or daunting about the scheme. One button attacks, another jumps and another throws projectile weapons. It shouldn’t take anyone more than a minute to figure out Naruto: Ninja Council’s control scheme. You’ll also run across rival students who show up as boss fights. Most are hidden and just waiting to heal you or give you an extra life. Considering the quality of the sound, this isn’t much of a reward.Īs you progress through levels, you’ll run into characters from the show, though their presence really has no point. Rather than unlocking something worthwhile, collecting all 100 leaf symbols nets you a sound test. In fact, the collection of leaf symbols turned out to be one of the bigger collect-a-thon disappointments I’ve come across. Paths are linear, though some side paths are hidden however, most of these lead to power-ups and leaf symbols, both of which have little effect on how the game plays out. The game is split up into seven worlds, each with filled with a same cast of enemies and power-ups. Familiarity with the show’s plot or characters really isn’t necessary since the game really doesn’t stick to much of one anyway, though fans will more than likely be able to piece together some sort of narrative based on their knowledge. Rather than develop a game based around the Naruto license, it instead takes the same side-scrolling beat ‘em up we’ve all played and plugs in characters and locations from the show.

Naruto: Ninja Council takes the path of least resistance when it comes to design.

Naruto ninja council 3 sprites