Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 Review for Nintendo Wii

Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 box art

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: 8ing/Raizing	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Tomy	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Nov. 12, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

However, though the visuals are poor and the battle system is simple, there is one aspect of the game that sets it apart from all the other Naruto games released this year (and apart from its prior entries): online play. Though an online mode seems like a no-brainer for a fighting game, the Clash of Ninja series has been devoid of any online mode thus far, and the addition of online play is especially significant considering the Wii-exclusivity of the franchise. But of course, as any fighting fan will tell you, just tacking on online multiplayer does not make a good fighting game. Fortunately, this is one area where Clash of Ninja Revolution gets it right.

Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 screenshot

The online mode allows you to participate in either one-on-one or two-on-two matches against human opponents in either a ranked, unranked, rival, or friend match. There are plenty of options for online players that will allow them to tweak their experience to their liking. The game uses a ninja card system to keep track of your online stats (much like the system in Naruto: The Broken Bond), and there are plenty of possibilities when it comes to match types. Matchmaking can be a little sluggish at times, but the good news is that there is no lag. I know this is shocking, especially for a fighter on the Wii, but I played several matches online, and I never experienced any lag time at all. Trust me, I was amazed. I have to give Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 some serious respect for getting the online aspects right, and it is honestly the most impressive facet of the game. If you only own a Wii and are looking for a solid (though admittedly shallow) fighting experience, you can't do better than Clash of Ninja Revolution 3.

Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 is not a perfect game. It has plenty of issues when it comes to graphics and simplistic gameplay. However, it still manages to be a great fighter on the Wii. The online capabilities are what really boost this title past the competition. If you love Naruto or are looking for a decent fighter on the Wii, Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 will probably be your best bet. It's definitely not the head ninja in the wide world of Naruto fighting games, but I think the series has finally reached the level of Jonin. If you've been disappointed with the Clash of Ninja Revolution series before, you should definitely give its third offering a spin.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.6

Graphics
There are plenty of jagged lines, and animations are not as crisp as they could have been

3.4

Control
Of the four different control schemes, the simplest is the best. Classic Controller and GameCube Controller seem sluggish and using the Nunchuk is pointless. Wii-Mote alone though is perfect.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
English voiceovers can be grating, but at least they are recognizable. Music is also familiar.

3.9

Play Value
There are plenty of characters to unlock, and the online mode is a lot of fun once you've beaten the game's story mode.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Features 35+ characters, many upgraded with a new Shippuden look, new animations, and new unique abilities.

Follows the new Shippuden storyline from the hit animated show.

The best fighter on Wii is also the only Naruto console game shipping this fall.

Now with Wi-Fi multiplayer support!

The hit Clash of Ninja series delivers a quality experience again with tons of new gameplay mechanics and all-new modes and options for everyone from the hardcore Naruto fan to the serious fighting game aficionado.