Dorkgasm Gonzo Is God

Naruto: Path Of The Ninja A Review by Kenneth Holm Dorkgasm Senior Staff Writer             In the crash, boom, bang world of the ninja, one role-playing game stands out for the Nintendo DS. Naruto: Path Of The Ninja is currently the only RPG in America featuring the pubescent, yellow haired ninja for any video game system, and it feels like a Game Boy Advance retread. There is, of course, a good reason for that. This game was originally released as Naruto RPG: Uketsugareshi Hi no Ishi for the GBA over in Japan. When the DS came along, they repackaged it for American DS consumers in order to capitalize on the current popularity of Naruto here.             In bringing the game to US shores, several characters and missions had to be excised because we were not up to that point in the anime. What we are left with is an RPG that will take approximately 10-15 hours to complete. Not too terribly long, but good enough for a cross-country ride in the car. The game starts with the introduction of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura to their new teacher, Kakashi. The game then puts you into the shoes of each team member as they strive to retrieve a bell from Kakashi. After you fight your way through this trial, you officially become a genin, or ninja in training. This is where the real game starts.             After a couple bullshit missions, you are charged with guarding an elderly bridge builder, which fans will remember as Tazuna. Once you begin your mission, you meet up with the nefarious Demon Brothers and the unstoppable force that is Zabuza Mimochi. Once you destroy Zabuza and his youthful apprentice Haku, it’s on to the Chunin Exams. While there, you will meet several characters from the show and engage in a variety of battles. Included here is the first task, which takes the form on a complex series of directional inputs and screen rubbing. Also present is the battle in the Forest Of Death, during which you meet up with dubious Leaf Village ninja Kabuto. The third task takes place over a preliminary qualifying battle and a more focused series of battles later. During this third task, everything goes to hell, and Sasuke is forced to take off after Gaara and his Sand cronies. Naruto and another team give chase and soon become embroiled in several high-profile battles that will test your aptitude and patience.             The whole game sticks very close to the established storyline, which is why I can only recommend this game to Naruto aficionados. The game ends after the final battle with Gaara Of The Sand, but it’s not completely over. There is a smattering of items that can be unlocked, such as the Fourth Hokage’s sword, a powerful fan for use as a weapon, and pervy sage Jiriya as a playable character. All in all, this game is a wonderful entry level RPG for the young Naruto fan that you know and love. It can also act as a perfect introduction if you have not watched the series at all. However, if you, like me, have watched every current episode and have already gotten into the Naruto Shippuden series, it will leave you wanting more. Tomy has plans of bring the next of the Ninja Council series and another RPG out some time in 2008, so the rest of us will just have to wait with baited breath until we can get another fix.