A browser game, Naruto Online, is the product of Oasis Games, Bandai Namco, and CyberConnect2 studio successful and fruitful cooperation. So, without further ado, let’s dive into a detailed analysis of the different aspects of this game.
The Control Scheme
As a traditional massively multiplayer online role-playing game Naruto Online has a pretty basic control scheme. It includes using your mouse to point and click for attacks, skills activation, and others. To communicate with players or use shortcut commands, you can use your keyboard. If you have any experience in playing games of this genre, the controls won’t be a problem for you.
Visual Side
Unfortunately, it must be admitted that the visuals of Naruto Online probably are the weakest side of the game. Every aspect starting from the user interface and to the characters themselves gives you the impression of a low-key cheap game. One could have expected more from the game, approved by Shonen Jump, Bandai Namco, and TV Tokyo. Still, the backgrounds are in somewhat low resolution and are not distinct enough. The characters are based on the 3D models from the Naruto Games. Thus, each of them having as little as three to five animation frames for motion scenes. However, some may quite fairly point out that Naruto Online is just a browser game, and there is no point in requiring something huge from it. Still, it should be noted that it definitely could have reached a higher level of detail.
The story
Both scenarios and quests of the game originate from the first and the second manga and anime seasons. The character of the player comes together with the Team Kakashi and Naruto himself. Although being a part of the crew is a fun bonus, it doesn’t change the course of the game and its finale, which is quite a disappointment. Dialogue scenes are also a bit of a bummer: there is no feeling that your character’s presence is somewhat necessary. During battles, the characters have some voice acting in Japanese. The borrowed soundtrack from anime is used alongside the original tunes, which hangs together pretty well and creates a complete and enjoyable picture.
Gameplay
The game starts with you choosing one of five characters, designed for the series by the original artists. These characters are based on five elements: Lighting, Fire, Earth, Water, Wind. The Hidden Leaf Village, also known as Kohana, is where you start the game. After uniting with Team Kakashi, you start exploring the world and chatting with players. The gameplay includes combats, getting equipment, upgrading your skills. There is plenty of hints to guide you if you are not sure what to do next. The quests mainly include fighting different enemies or traveling to various locations. Still, most quests are based on the first and the second seasons of the manga/anime, which tell us about each ninja’s background.
To fight, a player needs to put together a team of as many as four ninjas. Each of them having special combos, fighters can be thoughtfully combined and assorted on a 3×3 grid before each battle starts. The fights themselves are automatic, even though you have an opportunity to make ninjas perform special combos or attack a single target. What is more, there is also an auto-battle mode, which allows the game to continue without a player’s participation. Concerning customization features, there are not so many of them. You cannot customize the looks of your ninjas, the growth of their stats, and so on.
Community
The community of Naruto Online mostly consists of devoted fans of the show, who are usually into discussions on the game or the show itself. Besides quite common friend lists and ranks, there is also the wishing tree and the ninja task room among the features of the community. The main idea behind the wishing tree is simple: you need to visit and water your cherry tree daily. The reward for logging in every day is guaranteed. You can also use your friends’ help and help them with their trees. As for the ninja task room, this is where players can give tasks to their friends. If the mission is successful, both players and their friends will get extra coins. All these features encourage players to log in and play Naruto Online daily.
Overall Verdict
Having both positive and negative aspects to it, Naruto Online is a pretty good way to spend pastime if you are a fan of the series. Let’s face it, combat experience is quite tedious, and visuals are not top-notch. However, the amount of existing content gives a good chance for the further development of both the story and the game. The Naruto series has a plethora of episodes, which can be used as a basis for future quests.
