The big knock on the "Naruto" video games has been their shallowness, as if thrown together lazily to cash in on the anime's popularity.
But aside from an annoying controller glitch, "Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution" breaks that pattern with a swift karate kick.
It's an extremely deep game that will enthrall "Naruto" followers and keep Wii fighting-game fans busy for a long time -- well, at least until Feb. 10, when "Smash Bros. Brawl" finally is released.
"Revolution" stands atop the short list of Wii fighting games because of its engaging solo and multiplayer campaigns for up to four people, as well as enjoyable minigames like the point-and-shoot Shuriken Toss. There also are new playable characters to unlock and a co-op survival mode that lets you and a friend team up to win as many consecutive fights as possible. Sadly, "Revolution" lacks online multiplayer, but the co-op supports up to four plugged-in players.
Two new wrinkles enhance the kid-friendly, bloodless gameplay: Your ninja can hide and attack from behind crates and rocks, and you can knock foes (or be knocked) into a new battle arena in the middle of a fight.
The game's biggest drawback is the controller glitch. It won't recognize the Wiimote when a GameCube controller -- a standard wired controller or a wireless Wavebird -- is connected. Until I found the solution in an online forum, I couldn't even get past the start screen.
"Revolution" can be played with Wiimote turned sideways like an NES pad, as well as with GameCube or Classic controllers. But the Wiimote-nunchuk combination is by far the most fun -- and a strenuous workout. Stringing together combos will make your biceps burn.
It's easy just to do a lot of arm-flailing and button-mashing to win fights, but that gets repetitive. I'm usually not one for tutorials, but it's a good idea to sample the training and mission modes to hone your fighting skills -- it makes the enjoyable "Revolution" more rewarding.
Additional Information:
'Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution'
Grade: B
Developer: Eighting/Raizing
Publisher: Tomy
Platform: Wii
Genre: Fighting
ESRB: Teen
Retail: $49.99
