Since some of you are Naruto fans I thought I would get some more information on D3 Publisher’s upcoming Naruto DS game, Naruto: Ninja Council 3 for you. Yoshinobu ‘Nobby’ Matsuo, the producer of the game, explains what made the cut in the game and it’s more than you probably expected.
Siliconera: So let’s clarify something where does Naruto: Ninja Council 3 fit in the "Saikyou Ninja Daikesshuu" video game series?
Yoshinobu ‘Nobby’ Matsuo (producer): The basis of the game is SND 4 in Japan.
The gameplay in Ninja Council 3 is quite different than the previous Ninja Council games. How would you describe it?
A: The previous NC games were both linear, story-based side-scrollers. NC3 is mission-based – you have a bunch of missions you can select from so you don’t necessarily have to do the missions in any particular order.
How did you change or not change the kanji wheel that spins when you start a jutsu?
A: The kanji characters and mechanic were left as is as they’re actually used in the US TV show too. Then, we changed the timing to make it a little easier for the user. It’s still pretty tough in the beginning, but with practice, it gets easier.
Can you tell us a little about the story of the game and how it’s set in the timeline of the anime?
A: The mission mode takes events from various parts of the storyline from the TV show but in no particular order. However, if you’re curious how far we take the story for the missions, we go all up to the introduction of Tsunade.
What characters are we going to see in the game? I see that Tsunade is in the upper left hand corner of the cover art…
A: All the genin from the Leaf Village will be available in addition to a handful of bad guys. And yes, I mentioned that Tsunade is introduced, so she will be unlockable – there’s more than 25 characters in all.
A lot of fans are wondering about Naruto’s rasengan is it in the game?
A: Yes, it’s in the game.
When is Naruto: Ninja Council 3 going to be on the shelves?
A: You’ll see it in stores late May.
Lastly, are there any plans to bring over other Naruto games like Shinobi Retsudan or the Naruto RPG series?
A: It’s safe to assume that there are other Naruto projects in the works!
More Naruto projects in the works? Hmm… which DS games are Tomy and D3 Publisher currently working on? Your guess is as good as mine, so post them here.
