Gaming News - March 2006

Los Angeles, CA (March 7, 2006) - D3Publisher of America (D3PA) and TOMY Corporation today announced the release of Shonen Jump’s Naruto: Clash of Ninja for the Nintendo GameCube and Naruto: Ninja Council for Game Boy Advance.

From D3PA:

These titles represent the first video games based on VIZ Media's hit anime series Shonen Jump’s Naruto to be released in North America. D3PA and TOMY will release two additional Naruto games, one for Nintendo GameCube and another for Game Boy Advance in the second half of 2006.

“I have watched Shonen Jump’s Naruto become a phenomenon in Japan over the past few years and we are very proud to be able to finally bring these video games to the millions of fans in North America," commented Yoji Takenaka, executive vice president and COO for D3PA. “Naruto has been compared to Harry Potter, in both the storyline and its popularity, and we think the Naruto fever is just beginning in North America.”

“We have very high expectations for the success of Naruto in North America and are pleased to bring these exciting games to both long-time Naruto fans and those that have recently discovered these amazing adventures,” said Isamu Takahashi, chairman of TOMY Corporation. “TOMY has had the honor of working with VIZ Media from the beginning on the Naruto video game series and we have no doubt now that our relationship with D3Publisher of America will result in further success in North America.”

A smash-hit when originally released in Japan, Naruto: Clash of Ninja (Gekito Ninja Taisen) for the Nintendo GameCube and Naruto: Ninja Council (Saikyo Ninja Daikesshu) for Game Boy Advance follow the storyline of the popular graphic novels. In a world where ninja hold the ultimate power, Naruto Uzumaki is infused with the spirit of a once fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox and is a ninja-in-training who is learning the art of Ninjutsu with his classmates Sakura and Sasuke. The trio studies under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi, who helps the group face dangerous and daunting tests and challenges. Through their adventures, the young ninjas learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong.

Naruto: Clash of Ninja for the Nintendo GameCube is a fighting game for 1-2 players where gamers may choose to play as one of eight different Naruto characters. Using special character-specific moves, players take on challengers in one-on-one fights to determine who is the greatest ninja. Developed by 8ing, Naruto: Clash of Ninja for the Nintendo GameCube is available with a MSRP of $39.99 and an ESRB rating of “T” for cartoon violence.

Featuring seven levels of side-scrolling action, Naruto: Ninja Council for Game Boy Advance allows gamers to play as either the unpredictable Naruto or the steady Sasuke. All the favorite characters from Naruto are in the game, each with specific ninja moves fans will recognize from the series. Developed by ARC Systems, Naruto: Ninja Council for Game Boy Advance is available with a MSRP of $29.99 and an ESRB rating of “E10+ “ for cartoon violence and mild suggestive themes.