Skills of a Ninja

Published Janurary 3, 2008

Everyone's favorite ramen-loving anime ninja is available now in fine style on Xbox 360®. NARUTO™: Rise of a Ninja chronicles episodes one through eighty of the hit anime television series, and just as in the show, young Naruto faces death-defying ninja-centric battles at every turn. Our guide to the skills of a ninja should get you started on the right path to Hokage status. Good luck, young ninja. Make us proud.

Jutsu time!

Ninja Skills

Sprinting through ninja races, collecting coins, and playing hide and seek provides welcome, fun-filled diversions, but it's the stellar ninja action that creates the core gameplay. It's these blazing fast, combo and jutsu-filled duels that require a few ninja-appropriate tips in order to find success.

• Sub out: Perform a Substitution block by pressing B just before an opponent's attack lands. Execute this move correctly and you'll teleport behind your enemy, in prime position to press the attack. This technique is crucial, especially in the latter stages of the game. If you're having trouble executing a Substitution correctly, try timing it for the last attack during a combination instead of the first one. Hold B to block the first few attacks, then release B at the end of one attack, and press it again before the next hit lands.
• Jutsu distance: Unleashing Naruto's devastating jutsu abilities requires time. Only attempt to activate a jutsu skill if you've sent your opponent sprawling on the ground or knocked them well clear with a powerful attack. The easiest way to gain those few precious seconds for a jutsu attack is to score a successful throw (right trigger) on your opponent.
• Blocking grab: Speaking of throws, you can set up a throw attempt by unleashing rapid fire combos, effectively forcing your opponent to hold their block to avoid taking damage. Then, interrupt your combo and pull the right trigger immediately to trigger a throw.

Nice combo.

• Combo, don't mash: Though standard attacks use only X and Y in conjunction with the left control stick, NARUTO is a game of carefully chosen combinations. Mashing on the buttons without a plan will quickly lead to frustration (especially if you compete on Xbox LIVE®). Take the time to really study every combo you've learned by accessing them through the Inventory menu (LB). Also, try a few practice matches with your trainer when you learn new combinations to help you implement the new moves into your natural repertoire.
• Juggle: While lengthy, powerful combinations are well and good, they're only truly effective when you put them to use on a helpless opponent. To this end, keep your initial attacks focused on popping your opponent into the air. Once they're airborne, unleash your heaviest combo, confident in the knowledge that every blow will connect.
• Jutsu breaker: While the Kunai (throwing daggers) may not do a great deal of damage, they can be used to interrupt an enemy's attempted jutsu ability. Avoid using the daggers for damage, and keep them in reserve to thwart your opponent's jutsu when they've knocked you across the screen.

Village Help

Scoring popularity with Leaf Village citizens offers more than just an opportunity to gauge your progress and score achievements. Ask any happy villager (look for the smiley face above their heads) for guidance when attempting to locate villagers, track down coins or other items. Trigger the dialogue by holding (not tapping) the X button.

Once you've asked a villager, a guiding arrow appears at the top of the screen, pointing you in the right direction. Note this arrow doesn't last forever. You only have a few seconds of guidance available once you've asked a villager. However, you can always ask another if you're unable to track down your target in the allotted time.

Search those rooftops.

Think Vertically

NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja operates as much along rooftops and lofty ledges as it does on ground level. This is especially true when exploring for coins in Leaf Village. More treasure can be found by gaining the high ground, and you'll have a much better field of view to spot items in the distance.

Patient Exploration

Rise of the Ninja will often tease you with coin locations that are, for the moment, inaccessible. Just because you see something doesn't mean you can reach it just yet. Don't beat your head against the wall trying to puzzle out a solution to a temporarily unsolvable problem.

Naruto unlocks various abilities over time, such as the double jump, that allows you to claim these previously unreachable items. If you can't find a path to a coin or item, relax and leave it for later. Likewise, when you learn a new ability, consider how it will help you navigate the environment and whether it will help you reach coins you've had to pass on before.

Be patient, young ninja, the path to Hokage is winding.

Stock Up

Helping villagers with side missions can be done with little preparation or as the whim strikes you. But when it comes time to embark on a primary mission, it's critical that you stock up on provisions. This means heading to each shopkeeper to load up on ramen (for health), scrolls (ability upgrades), and weapons. Make certain to visit your trainer and keep current on your combos and jutsu abilities.

No one wants to get halfway through a mission only to realize that no matter how many times they restart a battle, failure is certain because of a lack of items or abilities.

Shadow Jump

Naruto must occasionally navigate a tricky series of platforms from time to time, but fear not, there's a surefire way to correctly gauge the jump distance. Keep a sharp eye out for Naruto's shadow appearing on the destination platform. Once you see the shadow, stop pressing forward and let the ninja hero fall safely onto the desired platform.

Hmmm, there is much more to tell you, young ninja. And a long way to go before you can become a Hokage. But heed these words and they should help you in your quest.

Article by Ryan Treit