If you’re not a Naruto fan, then you’ll probably be scratching your head at this title because without the anime references, the characters and the story can be a little confusing in a weird and whacky Japanese way. But what about the gameplay? With the words Naruto and Ninja, you pretty much know that this is a fighting game and unlike Tekken, the fights are quite outrageous and fully over the top... all in a good way of course. Remember the awesome TV series called Monkey Magic? Well, that’s what the fights are similar to and some of those supernatural-esq Kung Fu movies which works quite well!

With a few different gameplay modes in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2, the main mode of play is the adventure mode which allows to follow the main characters from the Naruto series. As you fight your way through the adventure mode, there are some interesting cutscenes to progress the story and my favourite aspect of the story is that it’s quite light as opposed to the more convoluted back history of Tekken.

Fortunately the story does explain things enough that new comers to the series won’t be disadvantaged too much. The adventure mode also requires you to find tokens and every so often, you will have a boss fight that contains a fun and entertaining cinema as a reward. But you can't beat the fighting which is quite enjoyable and thankfully the controls work well.

The control system is mapped well on the DualShock controller and although a button masher, there are several techniques required to successfully play this title. For newbies, the controls are quite simplistic at the start with blocks, punches and kicks but you also have to use chakra which is basically your power-up metre which allows you to in turn create your super manoeuvres. Some of these manoeuvres are linked with quick-time events to pull off and you really have to watch what is going on as some look like a cutscene and is a little confusing at first.

When it comes to the AI, the developers have ensured that there is a common ground to the player as opposed to ridiculously over powered combatants. However as you progress, so do your opponents and if you want to liven things up even more, the game does allow for player versus player battles. These battles can be played either local or online but just be warned that the online players are generally Naruto fanatics which generally handed my lunch back to me after getting beaten time and time again.  

Graphically, the title mimics the anime series perfectly with its "colourful" colour palette, 2D/3D type animation and great cutscenes. The music is ported straight from the cartoon as are the sound effects and voice acting. Just imagine being part of an anime series and this is what Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 feels like. A special mention should be made of the special effects which look great, especially on our FULL HD TV. 

In conclusion, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 is a very fun fighting game that contains some great animation which is clean and sharp. The star of the game are the over the top characters and flawless fighting system that gives gamers a break from title such as Tekken, Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. Those who have never seen the series before may be a little disadvantaged because of their lack of back history but the developers have added enough story to let you into this universe. If you’re after a truly outrageous fighter that is fun than Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja: Storm 2 is that game!