NDS Game Review and Overview
Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Rumble for the Nintendo DS is a pocket-sized brawler that lets fans of the Naruto series duke it out with their favorite shinobi in fast-paced, action-packed battles. Released in 2011, this game captures the spirit of Naruto with an impressive roster of characters, flashy ninja moves, and a gameplay loop that’s simple enough for casual fans but deep enough to keep die-hard shinobi coming back for more.
At its heart, Shinobi Rumble is all about head-to-head battles. The game features a generous selection of characters from the Naruto Shippuden universe, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. Whether you’re dishing out Rasengans with Naruto, pulling off graceful strikes with Sakura, or using the Sharingan to dominate with Sasuke, the combat feels satisfying and true to the anime. Plus, the game’s stylized 2D graphics and vibrant effects make every battle feel like a mini-episode of the show.
The gameplay is fast and frenetic, with a mix of ground-based combos, aerial juggles, and chakra-powered specials. Controls are intuitive, making it easy to jump in and start pulling off flashy attacks, but there’s enough nuance in timing and character matchups to keep things interesting for seasoned players. The battles are quick, chaotic, and perfect for handheld gaming – ideal for those moments when you’ve got a few minutes to spare but still want to feel like a ninja badass.
Shinobi Rumble offers a variety of modes to keep you entertained. Story Mode takes you through character-driven narratives, adding a bit of context to the battles while staying true to the anime’s arcs. There’s also Free Battle mode for those who just want to throw down without the fluff, and multiplayer options let you test your skills against friends. While the single-player experience is enjoyable, it’s the multiplayer where the game truly shines, as you trade kunai and jutsu with human opponents.
Visually, the game is a treat for DS standards. The sprites are well-animated, and the stages are filled with colorful, dynamic backgrounds that feel ripped straight out of the Naruto world. The sound design complements the action, with satisfying attack effects and a high-energy soundtrack that keeps the adrenaline pumping. The voice clips for characters add a nice touch, even if they can get a little repetitive during extended play sessions.
That said, Shinobi Rumble isn’t without its drawbacks. The AI in single-player modes can feel uneven—alternating between brainless and absurdly tough. Some players might also find the roster a bit limited compared to other fighting games, especially given the expansive Naruto universe. And while the combat is fun, it doesn’t quite have the depth of larger console fighters, which might leave more competitive players wanting more.
Overall, Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Rumble is a solid addition to the DS library and a must-play for fans of the series. It’s fast, flashy, and full of ninja action, making it a great way to take the Naruto experience on the go. It may not revolutionize the fighting game genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: fun, frenetic battles in the world of Naruto Shippuden. Believe it!
Nintendo DS Cheats and Hints
Unlockable Characters:
Unlock the following characters by performing the corresponding tasks:
CHARACTER – HOW TO UNLOCK
Deidara – Complete Arcade Mode as Itachi.
Fukusaku and Shima – Complete Arcade Mode as all characters.
Itachi – Complete Story Mode.
Jiraiya – Complete Arcade Mode as Naruto.
Jugo – Complete Arcade Mode as Karin.
Karin – Complete Arcade Mode as Suigetsu.
Konan – Complete Arcade Mode as Jiraiya.
Orochimaru – Complete Arcade Mode as Jugo.
Pain – Complete Arcade Mode as Konan.
Suigetsu – Complete Arcade Mode as Sasuke.
Additional jutsus hint:
Completed missions in Mission mode get between one to three marks for that character’s “bingo” grid. When a row, column, or diagonal has been completed, a new jutsu is unlocked for that character. Note: A character’s ability set can be edited after selecting the character in Battle, Arcade, or Mission mode.