"The NH games get Better AND BETTER!!!!!!!"
RPG Mode - 8/10
This mode has just been a nuisance to many people in the previous two games but has drastically changed. It has become more of a combination of Story mode and Free Roam Mode. In the beginning you go through a slightly boring, completely made up, part basically portraying what is happening in one point of Naruto's training with Jiraiya. This is the only thing that I can really say brought down my score. It's just a filler and wasn't really needed in the game. It picks up drastically though as we get to the rescue Garaa arc. You also get cut scenes that are pretty cool during this part of the game. Collecting little orbs called MF's are also important during this time of the game. These little guys unlock levels in Hero mode which you need to do to get all the characters. Overall, RPG mode has gotten a lot better but is still a bit annoying.
Graphics - 10/10
The game looks sooooooo good!!! I find the looks to be similar to Ninja Taisen except 20x better. The Cell Shading has to be the best I've ever seen. Much better than the previous NH installments. In those games, the shading gave the characters the impression that they were dirty or made colors look darker than they really were. Dark Hair (like Neji's or Haku's) made their hair look greasy and unwashed. There's more realism to the game as well. Little things like clashes between Fire and Water, where the fire turns into mist. Overall the game looks so similar to the show that you may think you're playing the anime. That's how good it looks.
Gameplay - 10/10
The game has become slightly more sophisticated since NH3. Fighting is slightly faster paced and matches can last for minutes or seconds depending on how skilled a player is. Camera Angle has gotten slightly better. Fighting is as simple yet complicated as ever. There's the simplicity of circle to attack, square to use items, X to jump, and Triangle then circle to use specials. Then the complications of timing, of combos, teching, canceling, and knowledge of the characters you use most often (mains). The game is so simple that a 7 yrs old can understand to play within a couple of hours, yet complicated enough for tournaments and experienced players to have fun. Sound - 8/10
I like the music but I'm getting a little tired of all Japanese music. Something a little more upbeat and some of that Japanese rock music (like in Deidara's 2nd ougi) would be awesome. The Music isn't really something to complain about but it's definitely something to improve on.
Characters - 9/10
Not much of a change. 14 extra characters, including TS (Time Skip) Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Kakashi, Might Guy, TenTen, Rock Lee, Neji, Garaa, Temari, Kankuro, Chiyo, Deidara, and Sasori. These characters plus all the characters in NH3. There are changes to all the characters but, character selection wise, the game is pretty much an upgraded version of NH3.
Hopefully, in NHA2 they remove all pre-time skip characters (except Haku, Zabuza, and the sound five). It's probably a good thing that they kept NH3 characters so there's more of a selection. Hopefully still; especially if they keep Haku, and Zabuza; they give everyone brand new and longer ougi's.
Summary - 9/10 This game is a wonderful game that I never get tired of playing. If you're a Naruto Fan in any way. Buy this game!!! It's definitely worth the money. If you're not a fan...........find a friend who is and has the game. Try playing it and most likely you'll agree it's a great game to play. Naruto is the Best Dattebayo!!!!!!!!