Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2

'Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2' is another byproduct of a franchise that releases video games arguably far too often. Yes, the series is popular - but is there really a need to deliver these games one, maybe twice a year? The offerings have become notorious for offering similar style games with varying stories. Considering the popularity of Naruto, though - they can get away with it.

So here we have the next chapter to its predecessor in Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2. Will this expansion on the action RPG niche inject some new flair into the franchise? Or maybe will it just be an extra piece to an already fleshed-out puzzle? Time to get stuck into the battle and discover that for ourselves.

Master of Puppets

The first noticeable trait about Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is that it doesn't adopt the same gameplay style as its predecessor. The game is not mission-based, but rather story-based - where there's a bit more liberty into how players approach the game. Unfortunately, that presents the foundations for a total grind as you attempt to level up your characters.

Players will have a host of different Naruto characters to choose from - including Naruto himself, Sakura, and Neji. Though the idea behind the diversity means nothing in terms of combat approach - it's basically the same. Hours will be spent in the levels mundanely brawling with similar, passionless enemies - slowly contributing to your stats to take on more mindless foes.

What can be said about the game is there has been effort put into the visuals and story. Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 does write in a decent narrative against the world it's set in - where our heroes must save the world from an army of puppets. The models and color schemes are faithful to the series, with good-looking environments to have your fights.

With all it's pretty picturing - Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is just a bore. The dialogue doesn't help make the enemy grind any more intriguing, and players won't feel rewarded for putting hours of their lives into the game. It feels like a button mash right up until the very end - and those who aren't too aligned with the Naruto series won't take much away from it.

Stick with the Clan

There's no better way to summarize Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 other than - if you're a fan, you'll just have to play it. Anybody other than a devout to the cult of Naruto will find this game a frustrating action RPG. You'll never feel like there's any point to it - and you'll cringe at the decent story being destroyed by the poor execution of gameplay.

Pros:

• Decent story ideas with complementing visuals
• Epic soundtrack

Cons:

• Repetitive combat that dons the entire game
• Uninspired enemies and challenges
• The big picture of the game is poorly executed