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Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Portable Ninjas Return!

One of the things I applaud most about the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series is its ability to grow and evolve, despite the entire series being based on the exact same material. The changes made between the first Ultimate Ninja and its successor were drastic, and the changes between the second and the third were even more remarkable. Although the material may have started feeling a little stale, these games spiced things up with new moves, modes, and of course, fighters. The original Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes was a direct spin-off from the series and featured essentially the same combat mechanics but with enough unique twists on the gameplay to make it feel distinctive.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress screenshot

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  • 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
  • Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
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  • Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
  • Library of over 500 titles
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So, after playing through all the Ultimate Ninja titles (and yes, I do mean all), I was considerably excited for the follow-up to last years’ portable title. I expected it to take all the Ninja goodness of the first title and add to it like the console sequels had done. However, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress, despite being an excellent standalone title, feels a little too close to its predecessor and a little stalled in the ingenuity department.

The format of Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 is essentially the same as the original Ninja Heroes. There are two main single-player combat modes: a team battle mode and a story mode. The story mode this time around is completely new and revolves around a mysterious tower that manipulates people’s memories and zaps the life-force of any town in which it appears. Although some people may balk at the fact that the story is created specifically for the game, I actually find it rather refreshing. Considering nine out of ten Naruto titles take place during the Chuunin exam or Sasuke retrieval arcs, I was very pleased I didn’t have to slog through the same old situations.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress screenshot

The story mode is very interesting because it has a different structure than you might expect. The bulk of the story takes place in a very unstable tower with very dangerous rooms. So naturally, the Naruto gang must summon safer rooms to pass through. There are six types of rooms you can summon, each with a corresponding mini-game. These mini-games vary widely and include tree climbing, clone identifying, shadow mimicking, answering Naruto trivia, and friendly battles with familiar characters. Oh, and there’s also a slot machine mini-game, but we won’t dwell on that one. All the mini-games are executed very well, and I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. However, sometimes the mini-games get a little repetitive, especially the trivia one, and the story mode is definitely not conducive to marathon play. But since this title is intended for quick, on-the-go play sessions, it isn’t too big of an issue.

Meta Quest 3 128GB - Asgard’s Wrath 2 Bundle
  • 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
  • Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
  • 4K+ Infinite display
  • 3D audio with enhanced clarity and bass
  • Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
  • Library of over 500 titles
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The second mode of play is the team battle mode. This mode is essentially identical to the team battle mode in the first Ultimate Ninja Heroes, but it is still quite fun to play and is my favorite mode. Team battle mode allows you to utilize one of the ninja teams featured in the Naruto series or assemble your own “dream team” and duke it out in several mini-tournaments, which are unlocked by rank. At first, the tournaments are relatively easy and consist of only five bouts. However, as you progress, the tournaments will get more intense, and you’ll find yourself constantly stretching your three-ninja team to its limits.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress screenshot

In addition to these two modes, there is also multiplayer, which allows you to play with another person via local wireless connection. This is a pretty cool feature, but I was really hoping there would be some type of online features included this time around.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress screenshot

Controls and graphics in this title are essentially on-par with the previous Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes title. The visuals, once again, sport the series’ trademark cel-shaded style and have beautiful character animation as well as detailed battle stages. Controls are almost identical to the first Ultimate Ninja Heroes and are essentially a pared-down version of the console Ultimate Ninja titles. You’ll use the circle button to attack, the triangle button for chakra attacks, the square button for long-range shuriken/item attacks, and the directional buttons will generally determine the type and magnitude of these attacks.

Sound in this title is very good and features some excellent and thorough voiceovers from both the English and Japanese voice actors. All dialogue is spoken, and it is great to have a handheld title that doesn’t have such a heavy reliance on scrolling text for dialogue delivery. The music that accompanies the gameplay is very spunky and samples some of the tunes heard in the series. It is very nice to listen to, and if you really enjoy it, you can unlock all the songs in the bonus mode and listen to them whenever you want.

Although Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress is a really fun title to play, those who played the first Ultimate Ninja Heroes might feel the gameplay is starting to get a little stale, as this title doesn’t really expand upon the gameplay in the same way as its console cousins have, and veteran players will probably be a little let down by how similar this title feels to its predecessor. Nevertheless, it is still quite fun and newcomers will get some definite enjoyment from this one. However, I would advise series veterans to check out a friend’s copy or rent this one first. Even though everyone enjoys stability, Naruto has always been the number one ninja at surprising people, and it would be a shame to see that quality disappear.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.0 Graphics
Graphics maintain the Ultimate Ninja look on the PSP and feature fluid animations and the now standard cel-shading. 3.5 Control
Controls remain largely the same as all the other Ultimate Ninja titles and are fairly easy to pick up for newcomers. 4.1 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Both English and Japanese voiceovers sound great, and the music is full of energy. 3.7 Play Value
The game is great by itself and shines as a brilliant example of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja series. But, if you are a fan who plays every iteration of the series, then you might be disappointed by this title’s lack of new content. 3.9 Overall Rating – Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Discover a massive, brand new storyline: Interactively experience an extensive, compelling storyline created exclusively for the game.
  • Explore the Phantom Fortress full of new gameplay: Explore over 100 different floors of the Phantom Castle full of dramatic events, full-blown battles, exciting quiz, and mini-games.
  • Control over 20 characters with unique special techniques and brand new jutsu! Battle the best in the world of Naruto with over 20 characters equipped with brand new jutsu and animations on 12 unique stages.
  • Battle your foes wirelessly with a single UMD! Engage in six types of intense two-player battles in different team combinations such as 1 Vs.1, 1 Vs. 2, 1 Vs. 3, 2 Vs. 2, 2 Vs. 3, 3 Vs. 3 wirelessly via ad-hoc connection. Game sharing is also available!
  • Power-up your favorite character! Choose your favorite characters and power them up to give yourself an edge in battle!

  • Meta Quest 3 128GB - Asgard’s Wrath 2 Bundle
    • 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
    • Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
    • 4K+ Infinite display
    • 3D audio with enhanced clarity and bass
    • Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
    • Library of over 500 titles
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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