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Preview: Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2

For a game with literal single-attack-button-combat, the original Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm was a fun little game. It gathered a bit of a following, selling 852,263 units in the first 20 weeks and receiving a surprisingly decent average score of 75 on Metacritic. The original was a visual masterpiece with graphics rivaling that of the anime; in fact, the only major complaint against it was the lack of online multiplayer. The sequel will fix that issue and more when it releases this fall for the PS3 and, for the first time, the Xbox 360. Yesterday, a demo for the sequel hit Japanese PSN and XBLA, showcasing some of the new gameplay and  sharper graphics.

Both games are free-roaming 3D fighters, much like the DragonBall Raging Blast games or Zone of the Enders. You have a single attack button (circle) which has branching combos that you can alternate by moving the control stick. So O-O-O-O is a different attack combo than tilting the stick forward and doing the same. The X button is your jump button, and a double tap causes you to dash to your foe. The Triangle button is used to charge your energy (called chakra) while Square throws shuriken, mainly used to interrupt your opponent. The L1/R1 calls in an assist from a teammate while L2/R2 are your block. You can also set items to help you in battle to the four directions of the directional pad.