GameTap writes: "Even if you don't know much about Naruto, you've heard of Naruto. He might be the most recognizable ninja in America, thanks to the media blitz that includes translations of the original Japanese manga and anime, a comic series in Shonen Jump magazine, and a popular Cartoon Network TV show. He's also been the focus of so many video games that it's getting a little hard to keep them all straight, but Naruto Ninja Destiny is the first 3D fighting game for the DS.
Ninja Destiny has a bit of DNA from Naruto: Clash of Ninja for the GameCube. The 3D gameplay and graphics style is similar, and some of the special attacks are the same. For the DS, Dream Factory took over developer duties from 8ing and plays it safe by producing a straightforward fighter that focuses on the basics and pretty much nails them.
Taking first things first, Ninja Destiny does Naruto very well. The cool cel-shaded graphics don't miss a beat, matching the TV show's visual style perfectly."
Ninja Destiny takes the first stab at providing a quality 3D fighter for the DS, but is mechanical machismo enough to deliver a solid fighting experience?
Game Revolution reports:
''Naruto: Ninja Destiny, the latest offering in the endless Naruto game series seems like nothing more than an attempt to exploit people's love for the anime. All you otaku out there that must have every product related to your most beloved cartoons are nothing but prey to big companies who peddle their wares to you at whatever price they see fit, and this is no exception.
I grew up in an era where the only anime one could procure was of a certain quality. Before Pokemon opened up the eyes of corporations to fact that there is a shit-ton of cash waiting to be made off licensed products, the only Japanese animation most Americans were aware of was Akira or Robotech. And it was great. Over a decade later shows like Pokemon, Dragon Ball and Naruto have flooded the market with every product you can imagine in an attempt gain control over an army of otakus.''
PALGN writes: "There have been a mixed bag of Naruto titles over the last few years. While they have ranged from good to downright poor, one particular series that has always stood out was Naruto: Clash of Ninja, which is considered by most fans to be the best of the Naruto fighters. Naruto: Ninja Destiny attempts to take the Clash of Ninja formula and put it into a handheld game, but the end result is basic fighter with minimal replay value.
Ninja Destiny's story takes place during the final stages of the Chunin Exams, and has players take part in all the battles that occur in the TV series right up until the point where Tsunade accepts the title of Fifth Hokage. The game tells the story painfully through slabs of text, which not only contain occasional grammar errors, but also do a rough job of describing the actions and motives of characters. For example, Naruto seeks revenge against Neji for the way he taunted and ultimately defeated Hinata during the preliminary exams, but the game more or less skips this point and has the pair bait each other before their fight. It just doesn't capture the strong points of the show, and will leave fans with a bitter taste in their mouth."
