Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles Review for Nintendo Wii (Wii)

Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles Box Art

System: Wii
Dev: Takara Tomy
Pub: Atlus
Release: November 16, 2010
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p	Cartoon Violence and Language

If you were holding out hope that perhaps the story would be a redeeming factor here, you can quash that thought. While the story isn't terribly offensive, it is basically a filler arc about a mud monster threat that Naruto will have to dispatch. The game does introduce some new characters, but they are largely forgettable and one-note. The best part of the game's story is seeing familiar characters in semi-new situations. But because of the bland over-arching story and the poor quality of the visuals, even these enjoyable moments seem all the more fleeting.

Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles Screenshot

I didn't get any enjoyment from playing through the single-player mode, and unfortunately, this extends to the multiplayer mode as well. Many of the same issues that hamper the single-player mode limit the two-player mode as well, and the poor controls and visuals don't really set the versus mode off on the right foot. Although there are some unlocakable characters and options, the poor execution really makes this mode as much of a chore to play through as the single player mode, and I can't imagine spending more than a few minutes playing the multiplayer mode with a friend before the game's persistent flaws got the better of me.

While the Naruto Ultimate Ninja series continues to develop and get better on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it looks like Naruto on the Wii is getting worse. I had high hopes for this title, as the new battle elements looked like they could have shaken off the past few underwhelming releases from the Naruto franchise for the Nintendo Wii. However, I could not have been more disappointed in this title. Nearly every facet of the game is broken, from the visuals to the gameplay. Even the story fails to impress! No matter whether you are a fan of the Naruto franchise or just want to check out a fighting game for the Wii, make sure you stay far away from this game. Far away.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

1.0

Graphics
Graphics are last-gen at best. Blocky character models, repetitive enemies, and a horrible camera system work together to make this one of the worst looking Wii titles I've ever seen.

2.1

Control
Control with the Wii-Mote alone is horrible, but the Classic/GameCube setup works well enough, even if the core combat system suffers from poor mechanics.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The voiceover is nice, but the background music is horribly repetitive.

1.5

Play Value
The story mode is pointless and the two-player mode is bare-bones. There is almost nothing worthwhile to do in this game.

2.0

Overall Rating - Poor
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Face off against colossal Elemental Dragons! The world is in danger and only the power of the legendary Dragon Blade and rare elemental orbs hidden across the land can save it. Discover a completely original Naruto adventure starring all your favorite characters.

Master the power of the legendary Dragon Blade. The key to preventing the world's destruction, the Dragon Blade can be enhanced with elemental powers using special orbs collected from powerful Elemental Dragons. Grow in strength and unlock new elemental abilities on your perilous quest!

Equip Ninja Scrolls to learn new special moves Acquire new skills by finding and equipping dozens of different Ninja Scrolls hidden throughout the world. Fool your enemies with Shadow Clone, wreak havoc with Fire Ball, and improve your defense with Mud Wall. Each skill is unique - collect them all!