The only real strategy to be found for me was how you would block or dodge an attack then finally time your attack just right. The opponents attacks usually followed a pattern and were somewhat easy to defeat. The power up meter makes it a little more challenging but nothing too complicated. After one or two rounds the more hardcore players, like myself, will possibly find them selves bored. The Naruto fans and the casual gamers will have enough here to keep them satisfied.

The issues I had with the game appeared before I even got started. Staring at the back of the box I noticed the game has a mandatory 4 gig install, not good for those of you stuck with a 20 GB PS3. After inserting the game and pressing “ok” to the install screen I found myself waiting 15 minutes while the game installs and loads the first screen. While I did noticed the load times in the game were impressively fast, it wasn't enough to make me believe the install was necessary. Instead I would of proffered the game be installed in pieces or find some way to avoid that 15 minute load time.

Another disappointing factor for me was the pure lack of cutscenes. The cutscenes were really the only thing that impressed me visually, and there were hardly any at all. The voice acting was not the greatest and the in game animations were bland. The scripting was also predictable as characters were going on about pretty much nothing at times. Overall if the game had more cutscenes it would have been a lot more interesting to finish.

Finally to end this review ill just have to say the game isn't what I thought it would be. If your a fan of the series or want a casual fighting game to keep you entertained for a while, then this game is defiantly for you. Sticking close to the Naruto fanbase, Naruto Ultimate Ninja seems like the perfect anime to video game port for any fan.   While the game does have some top notch visuals and a awesome free play mode, there just doesn't seem to be enough to surpass the basic gameplay and lack of cutscenes. I don't believe non-fans will be entirely impressed  and I can almost guarantee all hardcore gamers will be avoiding this title.

8.0 Graphics The graphics have an anime feel to them which is perfect for this type of game. However I would have to disagree with many of the enviroment decisions and some of the character designs. 7.0 Sound I don't really agree with a lot of the voice acting as it seemed kiddish and overly dramatic. The fighting sounds seemed repetitive and overall sound was not a major factor in the game. 7.0 Gameplay While many people may believe the basic mechanics of the game should be a strong point of the game, I don't believe so. The basic strategy and lack of things to do got repetitive and boring. 6.0 Replay Value The only real thing that will make players go back and do things again and again would be completing the 100 Free Play missions. There is no motivation to do so and once its done players are not really going to be returning. 7.0 Overall The game is meant for the fans or casual gamers. If your neither of those you will not enjoy this game like your supposed to be. If you want a casual fighting game or are a Naturo fan then this game is a for sure buy.