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Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 trailer is epic
We could go on about all of the badass ninja action going on in the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 trailer above, but we just can't get past how amazing it all looks in HD. It's like this trailer opened our skull and scooped out our brain, only to leave a drooling husk of a human being in its wake. We guess it's kinda impressive we managed to write this post. So hit the play button above and see Naruto and company throw down in splendid HD glory. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 launches this fall. [Thanks, Andre]
Lara and Naruto hit Games on Demand
It's Tuesday, which means: brand new Xbox Live Games on Demand to satisfy your very demanding gaming desires. There are two new titles this week. First up, we have Lara Croft's 2006 return to form, Tomb Raider: Legend. Next is Naruto: Rise of a Ninja, which is ... well, it's a Naruto game. Both titles run $29.99 in North America but, as usual, pricing and availability will vary by region. Xbox.com: Add Tomb Raider: Legend to your Xbox 360 download queue ($29.99) Xbox.com: Add Naruto: Rise of a Ninja to your Xbox 360 download queue ($29.99)
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 coming to North America and Europe this fall
Since its original Japanese announcement, Naruto fans have been wondering two things: When is Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 coming out? And does it still look good? Well, the answers are "this fall" and "yes." Not only is Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 the first game based on the Shippuden story arc to appear on an HD console, it's also the first multiplatform game for the franchise. Whereas the first game appeared exclusively on PS3, the sequel will grace both Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year. Thankfully, it looks as though developer CyberConnect2 isn't cutting any corners for the sequel, promising more than 40 characters, original Japanese voice overs and "bigger and more epic cinematic boss battles." Like the first Ultimate Ninja Storm, the sequel is likely to present an abridged version of the series story. However, the press release boasts that "a shocking story twist" will have "Sasuke wearing Akatsuki gear." Yeah, we can't believe it either.
Finally, a Naruto photo app for DSiWare
When you bought your DSi, you may have told people you were interested in downloadable Art Style games and augmented reality apps, but we know you were preparing yourself for the day you'd get to digitally insert your face into Naruto character portraits. Well, your dream will come true soon, when Takara Tomy releases Nari Chara Naruto Shippuden in Japan. The app seems pretty simple: choose your Naruto image with a blanked-out character face, choose (or shoot) a DSi-snapped photo, and just like that, you and Sasuke are best friends forever. You can also add effects, holiday messages, and turn your photo into a slide puzzle! [Via Siliconera]
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 revealed, goes multiplatform
Namco Bandai is unsurprisingly working on a sequel to Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm. Revealed in the latest issue of V-Jump, the sequel will take place right where the first game left off, at the beginning of the Shippuden series. Not only will the cast of characters be older in the sequel, Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is promising some big new features, primarily 4-player support and a multiplatform release. Yep, unlike the first game, Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 will be released on both PS3 and Xbox 360. Details are slim at the moment, but with a planned 2010 release in Japan, we'll undoubtedly find out more soon. So long as CyberConnect 2 can expand on the game's depth while keeping its good looks, anime fans will want to keep an eye out for this one. [Thanks Fidoboy17; Via Siliconera]%Gallery-20737%
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes gets a third game release
It seems Naruto is well on his way towards becoming a football announcer. Namco Bandai's games based on the anime franchise continue their proliferation. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 is coming to PSP and it continues Naruto's inability to save his friend Sasuke. The big new features for this third iteration of Shippuden are four-player battles, a new story mode and an expanded roster of characters (Namco Bandai is promising over 50). In addition to the usual fighting modes, a new cooperative ad-hoc feature will let three players connect with each other and play through the adventure mode. While the enhancements sound promising, we wonder if fans haven't grown tired of these annual iterations yet. %Gallery-80070%
Get a free episode of Naruto Shippuden Uncut
Time for another PlayStation Video Store freebie. You can get the first episode of Naruto Shippuden Uncut on your PS3 or PSP for zero dollars. The "Shippuden" story takes place a few years after the events of the first Naruto series, and covers the latter half of the manga's story. Note: the free episode is presented dubbed in English and presented in 4:3.
Namco Bandai appoints three new execs to North American operations
Namco Bandai knows you can only continue to flog the equine corpse of Naruto and Dragon Ball Z so many times before it gets excessive. But rather than bring in new flog-ees, it's welcomed three new floggers to help run its North American operation. The company has just added former Codie Catherin Fowler, former 2K exec Graeme Bayless and Atari honcho Robert Stevenson to executive positions between which neither you nor we appreciate the distinction. All said they looked forward to being blasted on forums as "somehow less respectful of the art of anime than 4Kids." And that's saying something.
Buy Naruto Shippuden 3, get a DVD or a thumb ring
Presumably, some people who like to play Naruto also enjoy watching Naruto. That's the idea behind the GameStop-exclusive limited edition release of Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 for Wii, which will include a DVD of Naruto Shippuden The Movie.Maybe you like to play Naruto and dress like Naruto characters, but for some reason you don't feel like watching it? GameStop and Tomy also have something lined up for your rather improbable tastes. Pre-ordering the standard edition of the game will get you an Akatsuki ring as worn by Sasori. This bundle is the only way to get an 'official' version of this ring. Which means that somebody is going to buy both of these sets!
Swag Saturday: Naruto Shippuden Ninja Destiny 2
Can you believe it?! We're giving away two copies of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 for Nintendo DS, just in time for its release on September 15. TOMY continues the Shippuden story arc in this brand new 3D fighter. In addition to a copy of the game, winners will also get a Naruto headband, so you can totally be the coolest and totally-most-original person at an anime convention ever. We swear. Leave a comment telling us who the best character in Naruto is. Try to choose someone not featured on the box art. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada, excluding Quebec. Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 1:31 pm ET on Monday, September 14. We'll randomly select two winners at that time to receive: one copy of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 and one Naruto headband (ARV $45). For a list of complete rules, click here
Namco Bandai Ship-pudens new Naruto screenshots
Another year, another Naruto game. Namco Bandai continues its sweet Dragonball-esque milking of the franchise by bringing over yet another Naruto game to the PSP, this time based on the newer Shippuden series. The combat of Akatsuki Rising will feature easier jitsu-based combat, and will also feature a heavy emphasis on story, as evidenced by these screens of the game's cutscenes.The story will take players through the Gaara Retrieval arc while the titular Akatsuki Mode will let you play as the Akatsuki organization. You can expect it on PSP this fall.%Gallery-70708%
Naruto, Tales artists create special costumes for Tekken 6
Tekken 6 continues to expand its repertoire of manga-inspired special costumes. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, is collaborating with Namco Bandai by creating an alternate outfit for Lars (seen above). This is the second costume from a famous mangaka for Tekken 6, the first being CLAMP's design for Jin.In addition to Kishimoto's outfit, Tekken 6 will also feature an alternate costume for Zafina designed by Mutsumi Inomata, character designer of Tales of Destiny and Tales of Graces (after the break). While some were afraid these costumes would remain a strictly Japan-only affair, Siliconera reports that all three of the special costumes revealed so far will be available in the US version as well when it launches on October 27th.
Joyswag: Naruto Ninja Council 4, Crimson DS Lite [update]
Update: Giveaway has come to a close, folks! Thanks for entering and be sure to keep an eye on your email!We have a nice little bit of Joyswag set to unload on a few lucky readers, courtesy of our friends at TOMY. Up for grabs is one grand prize featuring a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV) and a Crimson DS Lite ($130 ARV), and two runner-up prizes each featuring a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4. Not too shabby, eh? To enter, follow the easy steps below: Leave a comment telling us who your favorite Naruto character is You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day This entry period ends at 11:59 am ET on Monday, June 29 At that time, we'll randomly select one grand-prize winner to receive a Crimson DS Lite ($130 ARV and Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV), and two runner-ups who will each receive a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV) For a list of complete rules, click here
This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Download the Law
Do you have the day off? Why not take a quick vacation down to Miami ... Law. Miami Law. On the DS. There's a demo on the Nintendo Channel, we mean. Okay, that didn't work. We'll start again: "Oh, hey, look, there's a demo for Miami Law on the Nintendo Channel. Let's all download it."Promisingly, the demo is labeled "Vol. 1." We have yet to try the demo to see if it's a good thing, but there seems to be more coming! %Gallery-45960%
Naruto Shippuden fighter coming to PSP this Fall
It's been a while since we've seen you on PSP, Naruto -- and it looks like you've grown up. PSP will getting its own fighter based on the Naruto Shippuden series later this year, courtesy of Namco Bandai. According to IGN, Naruto Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising will feature a simplified control scheme that allows players to easily create "ultimate combos" with two support characters and easy-to-use Jutsu attacks. In addition to an Ad-Hoc versus mode, there will also be two-player co-op.The story will take players through the Gaara Retrieval arc while the titular Akatsuki Mode will let you play as the Akatsuki organization. It looks like Naruto fans will have a lot to look forward to.[Thanks, David B.!]
Ninja Heroes 2 makers put up countdown website
The makers of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Forest, CyberConnect2, are planning to unveil something soon. At the moment, we don't know what that 'something' is; however, we will know that info within the next four days when this countdown off the CyberConnect2 website runs out. It's interesting to note that since making the .hack titles for PS2, CC2 has shifted its focus onto Naruto titles for both the PS3 and PSP in 2008. The impending revelation could be related to either Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for the PS3 or Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Forest for the PSP (the only two titles from CC2 in 08'). It's possibly related to DLC for either title, or it could be something completely different. We'll keep watch. In the meantime, discuss.[Thanks erico316!]
Ultimate Ninja Storm makers put up countdown website
The makers of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, CyberConnect2, are planning to unveil something soon. At the moment, we don't know what that 'something' is; however, we will know that info within the next four days when this countdown off the CyberConnect2 website runs out. It's interesting to note that since making the .hack titles for PS2, CC2 has shifted its focus onto Naruto titles for both the PS3 and PSP in 2008. The impending revelation could be related to either Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm for the PS3 or Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Forest for the PSP (the only two titles from CC2 in 08'). It's possibly related to DLC for either title, or it could be something completely different. We'll keep watch. In the meantime, discuss.[Thanks erico316!]
How many polygons does it take to make Naruto look so good?
Chances are, if you're an anime fan, you've picked up the PS3-exclusive Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm. The most recent game by Namco Bandai has rightly deserved its fair share of attention due to the fantastic graphics crafted by the CyberConnect 2 team. The secret behind the new graphics is surprisingly simple: add more polygons.Take for example the Naruto character model. In the PS2 Naruto games, the rascally ninja contained 3,723 polygons. However, for the PS3 iteration, he's made up of 16,927. His face alone takes 4,013 polygons, making his face more complex than the entirety of the PS2 model.As hardware gets more powerful and tech gets better, we wouldn't be surprised if animation studios just used game engines to render episodes. Heck, we wouldn't mind watching real-time generated episodes of Naruto using this game engine.
Naruto: The Broken Bond demo now on Xbox Live
If there's one thing we love in our demos it's disembodied Republic Commando heads. But if there are two things, they're disembodied Republic Commando heads and bitter, cruel irony. Take, for instance, this morning's announcement of an Xbox Live demo for Naruto: The Broken Bond, which included the following line:"Not available in Asia."Really? Asia loves Naruto. Did you know that Sakura Haruno was recently elected mayor of Asia? It's true. So, denying them the demo just seems ... mean. In fact, we're not even sure the game's being released in Asia! Of course, North America never got Pepsiman, so we guess it all works out in the end.
Naruto: The Broken Bond demo breaks to the XBLM
Available for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace is a 765MB demo for Naruto: The Broken Bond. A game demo that we're sure you've been eagerly anticipating in the wake of all the blockbuster Xbox 360 titles releasing this Fall. Here's a fun fact: Did you know that The Broken Bond will support 30 different Naruto characters and be the first and only Naruto game on a gaming console to feature online multiplayer? Did you also know that we spend too much time researching The Broken Bond in an effort to lengthen this blog post? Well ... we did.[Thanks, yanya]
