Hands on with D3 Publisher’s next Naruto games

Last week D3 Publisher threw a party where they showcased Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 for the Gamecube and Naruto: Ninja Council 2 for the GBA. Clash of Ninja 2 is a vast improvement over the first game. Finally the Clash of Ninja series introduces the rest of the genin. From the get go Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, Shikamaru, Kiba, Hinata, Ino, Lee and Gaara were ready for combat. Many more characters like Zabuza and Akamaru can be unlocked later on. Clash of Ninja 2 also brings in simultaneous 4 player gameplay. After everyone selects their ninjas for combat, players can pick teams to make a two on two battle, three on one survival match or a free for all fight. In the middle of the chaotic match players can throw kunai, utilize taijustu and use their special techniques like Sasuke’s fire ball justsu to hit multiple opponents if they are in range. To switch between targets players can press the Z button, which points the arrow in front of them in a different direction. Whatever direction the arrow points your character runs. Pressing X does a super move, but special attacks like Ino’s mind transfer jutsu can only hit one player.

Like Ninja Council, Ninja Council 2 is a 2D side scrolling action game for the GBA. The main addition in the game is the ability to switch between Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura with the push of a button. An early level had players jump up the stage from log to log while fighting other ninjas. Later on the next area had a huge snake chasing Naruto and his team coming from the left side of the screen.

At the party we asked D3 Publisher if there are any plans to bring over more Naruto titles like Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 / Clash of Ninja 3 or the Naruto RPG game for the GBA. While there was no definite answer they are going to look at the success of these two games to evaluate if there is a market for future Naruto titles. Check below for a bunch of screenshots of the games and some a picture of bike cab drivers dressed in their Leaf Ninja outfits.

To take us to the event there were designated bike cab drivers dressed with leaf ninja forehead protectors and orange Naruto shirts. The house drink at the event was “Naruto Lemonade” a cocktail made with Absolut Citron, ginger, mint, lemon sour and simple syrup.