Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2..........best in the series? Heck Yes!!!
First I'll start by saying that since I've bought the game (Day-1 Purchase!!), I have NOT put another game into my PS3 since then. If that doesn't sum it up for you then I'll continue my review below XD:
Story Mode:
Those who aren't familiar with the Naruto Shippuden plot line may be a little lost, but within no time the story manages to clarify things and sweep you into the wonderful world of ninjas with the brilliant narrative.
The main story mode is probably where you'd spend most of your time in the beginning, simply because free battle (I'll get onto that later....) hasn't got many characters unlocked.
But no fear!!!! The main story mode is just as exciting and enticing that you won't mind at all and will probably enjoy it!
The layout of the story mode is similar to that of old-school Rpg's. You run around on a 2D plain with your awesome 3D self and can interact with NPC's, as well as your fellow ninjas, and the environment.
Of course, those who had played the 1st Ninja Storm would be a bit shocked to see that the free-roam 3D world was taken out for this instead (even I was a bit dis-heartened at first...) but it seems that there is even more exploration as you're not restricted to just the Hidden Leaf Village.
The graphics are definitely up to par with its predecessor (if not surpassed it) and the environments are pinned down to the most minuscule detail.
Tuning in to the gameplay aspects, it is quite identical to Ninja Storm 2 in that it has a pretty simplistic button layout, at first glance.
Circle is used to attack, and by pushing the analog stick in various directions, you can change the course of the combo. Square are used to through shurikens or whatever ninja weapon the character has up their sleeve, while X is used to jump or dash. By combining the triangle button with any of these buttons, it is possible to improve the nature of the attacks by strength and speed.
Pressing the triangle button twice in succession, will result in a chakra load and a further input of the circle button will allow you to pull off a dangerous ultimate jutsu.
In contrast to the earlier game which allowed the chance at redemption if you got caught in the enemy's ultimate jutsu, Ninja Storm 2 negates that factor but this time, it doesn't take so much energy.....so in the end it's still balanced.
Featuring in Ninja Storm 2 is a new and improved support system where characters, after a successful build-up of the team gauge, will come in automatically to protect you while you build up your chakra, assist you while preforming a combo or even take the brunt of the enemy's ultimate jutsu for you. (Awwww!!!)
Of course, added to the game (never before seen in the series) is the addition of online! Here you can participate against fellow ninja around the world in ranked or unranked battles as well as take a look at the leaderboard. Interesting Stuff....
While a lot of the characters will probably be unlocked in the main story mode, there is also the option of ignoring that all together (but I don't see why you would...) in favour of just playing free battles or online battles.
The game has somewhat of a play-reward system where you earn Storm Points (SP) at the end of every battle. May successfully earning enough Storm Points you can unlock characters that way, although I still recommend the main story mode at it is a lot of fun.
Overall, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is definitely the best in the series so far, due to an improved support character system, larger character roster and of course, online access.
There is so much more I could say about the game, but I'd probably be here all day, and you'd probably get bored....so I'll just leave it at: it's definitely worth a place in your Xbox 360 or PS3 collection, and at full price too! XD