Shop
Here we have all the games in the Shop Section.
Playstation
A Bit Special
A delve into coin ops of old with Galaxian, Pole Position II, Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug, Phozon and Tower of Druaga. Phozon is a bit of a bizarre and unknown action puzzler where shapes must be attached to you ship in the correct pattern whilst avoiding a big bunch of balloons.
PS2
Simulation
A turn-based combat game making great use of the fabulous characters on offer from Namco and Capcom. Its hard to choose but Valkyrie from Namco and Strider from Capcom are two fine avatars brought to life with slick animation and superb voice acting. Great to meet them all in greater depth.
Super Famicom
Sports
The triple A presentation you might expect from a Namcot sports title with twinkle eyed caddy to lead you by the hand through the club choices. The gaming engine is very smooth too making it a pleasure to stroll the fairways, almost feeling the sun on your back with the birds tweeting away.
Dreamcast
Simulation
Falling into the survival horror genre as unnerving events unfold on the small island containing the seven mansions. Unlike one of its more infamous franchises rooms can be viewed fully thanks to the various options including third person perspective. It also features a two player simultaneous mode to set it apart from the competition. Good bosses to tackle as players explore the mansions solving puzzles. Also known as Seven Mansions.
Super Famicom
Platform
Stands on a podium (probably a bamboo pole) above its many platform peers on the SFC. A kung fu style hero battles all manner of Japanese folklore with one legged umbrella and Dharma dolls rolling around. The levels are very atmospheric with a blend of Kyoto temples and urban skyscrapers with some lovely Mode 7 and parallax effects. Clever, compact programming and a host of imaginative characters and the ability to level up as players defeat enemies. Bravo!
PS2
Sports
Sydney olympic champion Ms. Naoko Takahashi brings her running attributes to the PS2 in this strangely compelling marathon game. Plenty of options to play around with including player stats and courses in what remains an under populated genre.
Dreamcast
RPG
Beautiful action RPG – think a 3D Princess Crown with an elliptical world, with fine attention to detail and platform action sections with tight jumps and steady nerves a prerequisite. Subtitled ‘Arsia in Day Dream.’
Gamecube
One on One Beat Em Up
Outstanding graphical talent must make opponents of the Naruto series despair, such is the flair which the fox spirited ninja and accomplices are realised. And the graphical flavour really excels in four player mode – if only there was more time to appreciate it. The multiplayer grapples work well with the addition of auto targeting missing from Guilty Gear and ilk that really makes it workable. The counter moves to diffuse an opposing technique also add to the tactical nous required to flourish in this ninja world. But the super specials unleash purely devastating results.
Gamecube
One on One Beat Em Up
Outstanding graphical talent must make opponents of the Naruto series despair, such is the flair which the fox spirited ninja and accomplices are realised. And the graphical flavour really excels in four player mode – if only there was more time to appreciate it. The multiplayer grapples work well with the addition of auto targeting missing from Guilty Gear and ilk that really makes it workable. The game engine has been under scrutiny too with combos more rounded and the additional ability to keep an adversary in the air with a few additional well-timed strikes. The counter moves to diffuse an opposing technique also add to the tactical nous required to flourish in this ninja world. But the super specials remain in there with devastating effect.
Gamecube
One on One Beat Em Up
Evolves the fighting engine more honing it down rather than taking a chisel and hammer to it but whilst subtle, the improvements are welcomed. Countering moves makes for some slick comebacks and the uber specials are only possible in certain circumstances such as when low on energy. A Mission mode adds welcome distraction and a challenge worthy of a ninja. Mana from heaven for Naruto fans.
Gamecube
One on One Beat Em Up
Beautiful ‘new age’ anime graphics with a cel-shaded, mean and moody look making this a must have for fans of the Naruto series. Slick presentation and seamless cut scenes as you’d expect from an anime tie in. Ginormous o.t.t. special moves and solid play mechanics mean even those not aware of the series will have plenty to get their teeth (and fists) into here.
Nintendo DS
Action
Naruto’s ninja skills are well tested in over sixty varied missions involving taking enemies down, collecting items, even acting as bodyguard. Utilises the stylus and microphone well to initialise special attacks during the heat of battles. Also allows for selectable extra moves to be added to your characters repertoire pre mission adding a tactical element. Plenty of unlockable characters hidden in there too.
Soundtracks
Soundtrack
A fine preorder gift with Killer Bee stinging us with their first single: ‘Rap Tap Out.’ Befits the series with good tempo.
GameBoy Advance
RPG
Opens up the Naruto world to explore in greater detail than the action based games on the GBA of the series. True to the anime though a bout of fisticuffs is never far away, though its tactical turn based combat with wise choices of moves a must. Scrolls need collecting and jutsus need mastering as Naruto stealths his way towards becoming a fully fledged ninja.
PS2
RPG
Any game with such a healthy dose of ninjitsu can’t be bad as Naruto lays into an array of assailants often using their ninja skills to control puppets to attack him. Action RPG with emphasis firmly on the action side with it playing out like an episode from the immense anime. And the lush cel shaded look makes this appear closer to the anime than ever before. Splendid settings from caves, villages to waterfalls but often prime locales for a ninja ambush. The Versus Mode allows keen pugilists the opportunity to take on their least favoured opponent in a visually stunning scrap.
PS2
RPG
Any game with such a healthy dose of ninjitsu can’t be bad as Naruto lays into an array of assailants often using their ninja skills to control puppets to attack him. Action RPG with emphasis firmly on the action side with it playing out like an episode from the immense anime. And the lush cel shaded look makes this appear closer to the anime than ever before. Splendid settings from caves, villages to waterfalls but often prime locales for a ninja ambush. The Versus Mode allows keen pugilists the opportunity to take on their least favoured opponent in a visually stunning scrap.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Beautiful ‘new age’ anime graphics with a cel-shaded, mean and moody look making this a must have for fans of the Naruto series. Slick presentation and seamless cut scenes as you’d expect from an anime tie in. Ginormous o.t.t. special moves and solid play mechanics mean even those not aware of the series will have plenty to get their teeth (and fists) into here.
Couple of slight disk scratches. Tiny bit of wear on manual edge.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Furious, frantic fight action as the tradition of martial arts and manga collide in a rather noisy world. The specials are truly worthy of the name and summon spirits and even pet frogs in order to overcome an opponent. The backgrounds have depth and look superb, yet alas the noodle (or ramen) shop cant be visited. Known as Naruto Ultimate Ninja in the West.
PSP
One on One Beat Em Up
Introduces mini games to the successful series as players start with an initial party of four which can be expanded to take advantage of the rich characters on offer. Beautiful ‘new age’ anime graphics with a cel-shaded, mean and moody look making this a must have for fans of the Naruto series. Looks particularly fine on the PSP’s high detailed screen. Slick presentation and seamless cut scenes as you’d expect from an anime tie in. Ginormous o.t.t. special moves and solid play mechanics mean even those not aware of the series will have plenty to get their teeth (and fists) into here. Fighters battle it out in front of traditional scenes such as Japanese houses at dusk or Ramen noodle shops and there are oodles of speed lines and manga style effects keeping it fresh and fast. Plenty of background interactions, translucently realised special moves and shouts of martial madness. Subtitled Mugenjou no Maki.
GameBoy Advance
Action
Improves on the prequel offering more ninja related high jinx with jutsu moves available when in a tight fix. Faithfully recreates the high pitched battles of the anime series and as a result is a solid action scrapper even for those without the slightest interest in passing their Chunin exams. Impressive cut scenes for the small screen and bold boss battles set to swathes of bamboo forests.
Nintendo DS
RPG
Famed anime utilises the DS stylus in fine fashion as players must pull off special moves. The platform fight action is pretty relentless and the ninja theming makes for beautiful bamboo backgrounds and some catchy chip tunes in a Japanese style. Full title Naruto Shippuden Ninja Council 4. Known in Japan as Naruto Shippuuden Saikyou Ninja Daikesshuu 5.
PS4
One on One Beat Em Up
Online battles for your team of up to four ninjas going head to head, foot to foot and fist to fist with other teams making for great tension and epic battles.
Nintendo DS
Action
Naruto charges around in his much loved way, never being far away from ninjas jumping out of the bamboo forest (at least the wolves had an excuse to be sniffing around the trees.) The combat is fast, suiting the pacing of the anime in this superb, delightfully drawn action RPG.
PS2
One on One Beat Em Up
Brings the ninja themed Naruto world to life with an explorable 3D world consisting of RPG elements. The gaming arena remains exactly the same areas as soon as a fight breaks out. And you are never far away from a battle. Also known as Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles (or Whirlpool Chronicles.)
PS2
RPG
Brings the ninja themed Naruto world to life with an explorable 3D world consisting of RPG elements. The gaming arena remains exactly the same areas as soon as a fight breaks out. And you are never far away from a battle. Also known as Naruto Uzumaki Chronicles (or Whirlpool Chronicles.)
PC Engine HU Card
Sports
Pleasant, relaxing old school 18 holer complete with paper course map. The St. Andrews of golfing games.
PC Engine HU Card
Sports
Solid little baseball title with sprites reminiscent of World Series Baseball on the C64. Recommended for those whose Engine collection lacks a baseball title.
Gamecube
Sports
The bright lights reflect on the court as the players pumps squeak away to accompany the authentic commentary and swift end to end action.
Mega Drive
Sports
Vintage digitised graphics combined with uber speedy gameplay and a generous helping of popcorny, all American razzmatazz. Players are very recognisable and there are plenty in there from the real UK NBA boom time. The graphical flame effects and the like add much to the high five good time feel of a very fine sports representation.
Mega Drive
Sports
One of the most collectable Japanese Mega Drive games and much sort after for the completist. The sound effects include the hooter, squeaking shoes and, of course, bouncing ball and the presentation is slick; making great use of the license.