Naruto to debut on PSP; first screens inside @ Gaming Target

Written by Matt Swider on April 11, 2007

News: Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes will be released in late summer.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes brings its fighting game experience to PSP for the first time this summer with 3-on-3 team-based gameplay, intense single-player action and wireless multiplayer for up to two users. Its debut on Sony's handheld will also feature eight interactive stages and 20 playable characters to choose from so that gamers can take the battle outside the perimeters of the home to become the ultimate Hokage.

"We are thrilled to be bringing the unique NARUTO style of fighting exclusively to the PSP system," said Makoto Iwai, Senior Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. "Fans of both the show and franchise will be able to create and play as their favorite ninja dream team, and we are excited about introducing the NARUTO brand to a whole new batch of gamers."

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes will allow gamers to create and customize their own ninja dream squads to battle opponents or trade players' profiles via wireless connectivity. To further maximize the character power-up feature, players can form different team combinations to awaken hidden skills that lie within each group. Depending on the combinations, special team-based skills can be unleashed. Gamers can also earn power-up points toward upgrading each character's attack, defense, chakra, speed, and even special abilities.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes boasts the following features:
- First 3-on-3 Naruto team-based gameplay - Players can fight alone or form their favorite Naruto ninja dream team with up to three characters. Form squad combinations from the show or create an original team to unleash special skills.

- Ad hoc multiplayer - Engage in intense wireless battles anywhere and anytime via the PSP system's ad hoc capability. Power up squad members and battle against a friend's team.

- Game sharing - Play against a friend using a single UMD.

- Upgradeable characters - Level up your ninja rank that appears in the player's profile by completing different classes of missions using your favorite character.