RPGamer writes: "When first looking upon Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 for the Nintendo DS, it was difficult to see this as anything more than an attempt to bring out yet another Naruto game for fans to scoop up. Putting that personal bias aside, playing this game was rather interesting, as the gameplay was surprisingly solid, though that was about it. The overall package leaves a little to be desired; Path of the Ninja 2 is a quick play with issues that could use addressing.
In Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2, the player takes the role of Naruto and his ninja companions as they attempt to save the world. In order to do so, they must retrieve five hidden mirrors and reseal an ancient evil that has been loosed upon the world. During this process, Naruto meets up with dozens of other ninja who join him on his adventure. Overall, the story is really cliché and largely unimportant, as it never really develops beyond standard "save the world" fare."
Toronto Thumbs writes: "Role playing games and I don't always get along, especially the Final Fantasy-style RPGs with the side view turn-based battles and endless levelling up. Because Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 is an RPG, I was hesitant to play it even though it involves one of my absolute favourite anime series ever.
While I didn't end up hating the experience, I found that the overall game could have used a bit more polish. The story is akin to one of the many filler arcs in the anime. A group of baddies is attempting to control a spirit creature that releases the hate in everyone. One of the villagers escapes with a component to trap the creature and your job as Naruto is to recruit a group of ninja to help seal the beast away forever."
GamerDad writes: "That superstar anime cartoon and manga comic book ninja boy Naruto is back on another video game adventure. This time, the loud-mouthed, ramen scarfing, orange clad ninja embarks on a typical turned based role-playing game.
Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 is just your typical RPG with Naruto characters, settings, and storyline. Just as in other RPGs, gather clues, items, and missions in the Hidden Leaf Village, then tromp off to forests and caves to defeat monsters, gain experience, and level up. Battles are turn-based, and while you can have only three characters and a fourth reserve in your party, up to 30 different Naruto characters can join in your adventures. Use Chakra points for special Ninjitsu magic for more powerful attacks. You can control the game with the stylus and touch screen or the D-pad and buttons. They do a good job explaining the basics of gameplay at the beginning of the game, too. By exchanging friend codes, you can even battle people online through Wi-Fi."
The truth is there are far more worthy DS RPGs available, ones that have actually embraced the DS hardware either in the control or graphics department, Something that Path of the Ninja 2 has failed at epically. More importantly, Tomy appears to have forgotten that Naruto is a global brand nowadays, and chances are that its audience in the west may not even be familiar with a game structure most likely older than they are.
Though he may be the clown prince of anime now, if he continues along this path it won't be too long before Naruto goes the way of the dodo.
