Naruto Shippuden Kizuna Drive

Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive is an action-packed team-based game for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), released by Namco Bandai Games in 2010 (Japan) and 2011 (internationally). It offers a unique twist on the Naruto franchise, focusing on cooperative play with AI teammates or multiplayer modes. Set in the Naruto Shippuden timeline, the game revolves around Naruto and his friends battling through various missions, with a central story that expands the Naruto universe.

Key Aspects of the Game:

1. Storyline

The game features an original storyline not seen in the anime or manga. The story revolves around a village being attacked, and Naruto and his team are tasked with investigating the mysterious threat, leading to intense battles against familiar enemies and a massive foe—a rampaging, multi-tailed beast.
Players control Naruto and other iconic characters as they unravel the truth behind these attacks and confront a new antagonist.

2. Gameplay

Team-Based Combat: The game emphasizes four-person squad-based combat, where you can control one character while the AI or other players (in multiplayer mode) control the remaining three.
Chakra Abilities and Jutsu: Each character has special techniques (Jutsu) that can be performed by building up chakra. The game offers a diverse array of Jutsu that align with the characters' abilities from the anime, such as Naruto’s Rasengan and Sakura’s healing Jutsu.
Kizuna Drive: This is a special team-based mechanic where characters can coordinate powerful linked attacks, amplifying their offensive power through well-timed combo moves.
Missions: The game is mission-based, with different objectives such as defeating enemies, protecting allies, and reaching certain areas. Some missions are based on story progression, while others are side quests offering rewards like new items and abilities.

3. Characters

The game includes a wide range of characters from the Naruto Shippuden series, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke Uchiha, and other key members of Team 7, alongside supporting characters like Shikamaru, Neji, and Rock Lee.
Each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and special Jutsu, allowing players to mix and match their team for the best tactical advantage.

4. Combat Mechanics

Close Combat: Players engage in melee-focused combat, with light and heavy attacks that can be chained into combos.
Long-Range Combat: Some characters, like Shikamaru or Kakashi, have access to long-range Jutsu or tools (like shuriken) to strike from a distance.
Boss Battles: The game features large-scale boss battles, some of which require strategic coordination between team members to exploit weaknesses.

5. Multiplayer Mode

The game allows for local ad-hoc multiplayer (up to 4 players), where players can team up to take on missions together, controlling different characters from the Naruto world. This adds an element of cooperative strategy and teamwork, which is essential to winning tougher battles.
Players can also play with AI teammates if multiplayer is unavailable, and AI characters can be leveled up and customized as well.

6. Visuals and Audio

The game features cel-shaded graphics, staying true to the anime’s art style. The character models are detailed and fluid in their movements, with impressive animations for each character’s signature Jutsu.
Soundtrack and Voice Acting: The game has original music that fits well with the Naruto theme, and the voice acting is authentic, featuring the same Japanese and English voice actors from the anime.

7. Customizations

Players can earn and unlock new items and equipment to boost their characters' abilities. Characters can also be leveled up to improve their stats like attack power, defense, and chakra reserves, providing a layer of customization and strategy.

8. Challenges and Replay Value

Apart from the main story missions, there are side missions that provide additional gameplay, including challenging fights and bonus content. Completing these missions rewards players with powerful items and abilities.
The cooperative gameplay, whether with AI or in multiplayer mode, makes it replayable as you can experiment with different character combinations and strategies.

Conclusion:

Naruto Shippuden: Kizuna Drive offers a refreshing take on the Naruto series, emphasizing team dynamics and cooperative combat. While it departs from the traditional fighting game formula seen in other Naruto titles, it provides an exciting mix of action, strategy, and teamwork. Its combination of original story, mission-based gameplay, and multiplayer features make it a unique entry in the Naruto gaming universe.