Not only do the graphics of
Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles make it stand apart from other
Naruto games, but the gameplay isn't just another anime-based fighter.
Taking place outside of the events of the show, The Third Hokage has summoned our brash, knuckle-headed Genin and several of his friends to tell them that they will be working higher-ranked missions for the time being. Because of the high demand of work that is being presented to the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Choji and Neji will be allowed to work B and A ranked missions, a dream come true for Naruto.
Missions consist of a series of map points where you will have to face waves of enemies in an opened, but none-to-big "arena". These arenas are typically clearings in woods, fields and ruins, you know, flat areas were there aren't a lot of obstacles. As you clear out a map point, you will be give the option to move to another point. The mission is considered complete once you have achieved a particular goal. Sometimes these missions require you to collect certain objects which are obtained after beating enemies in certain map points and getting those items back to the village. Most missions allow you to bring a companion and will typically end in a battle against some character from the show.
As you destroy enemies, you collect orbs called Virtues. These orbs can be used as currency to buy chips. Chips come in several colors and shapes and will have effects ranging from health boosts to perfect strikes and more powerful jutsu moves. These chips fit into skill plates and the abilities only come about when you have completed the pattern outlined on the plate with various chips. This was an interesting aspect of the game because it forced you to balance out your various chip abilities based on the various skill plates you have collected along the way.
