Naruto: The Broken Bond

Release Date: November 18, 2008

Fighting, animated TV series, ninja, manga and anime, Naruto, splitscreen, Xbox exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

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A 3D action-adventure fighting game by Ubisoft and a sequel to the 2007 Xbox 260 game Naruto: Rise of a Ninja. The plot is a continuation of the story from its predecessor: when the protagonist is recognized as a splendid ninja, his best friend, Sasuke, becomes jealous. The fact is taken advantage of by the leader of the renegade ninjas, Orochimaru, who talks Sasuke into leaving his companions and joining his side.

Naruto: The Broken Bond is a direct sequel to a 2007 release Naruto: Rise of a Ninja. The sequel follows rules set by that original game, so again we get an action adventure game with fighting at its core. The Broken Bond was released exclusively on Xbox 360.

The series is based on a popular anime created by Masashi Kishimoto. The story in the new game follows threads from the first title in the series. The titular hero becomes a true ninja, which makes his best friend Sasuke jealous. Orochimaru, the leader of a rivaling village, sees it as an opportunity he intends to use. The man coaxes Sasuke into leaving his friends and joining the clan of evil ninjas. Easy to guess, Naruto sets off on a journey to find his old friend.

One of the features that differ The Broken Bond from Rise of a Ninja is the fact of controlling a group of heroes instead of one character. The player’s party consists of up to 3 characters, although only one can be directly controlled, while others get under artificial intelligence. Switching between characters not only serves as a chance for them to rest when wounded, but also lets you use their varying abilities.

Each time a new ability is used, you play a simple mini-game in which you try to balance a tower made of Naruto’s clones. Abilities are especially useful in solving puzzles and avoiding various traps. The game also contains sequences typical of a platform game, which have you reach seemingly inaccessible places.

The key element of gameplay is still combat with system resembling typical 3D brawlers. Now you have more freedom when it comes to movement around the arena. In order to defeat enemies, you have to make use not only of standard strikes, but also special attacks that require some skill. Interestingly, you can switch characters during combat. There are also group attacks that deal serious damage to opponents.

Apart from single player campaign, The Broken Bond features a full-scale multiplayer. The list of game modes includes classic duels as well as more complex online tournaments. The graphics is similar to the first part of the series. The game resembles an interactive comic book, thanks to cel-shading technique. It also offers even more non-linear gameplay. Most of the time you play in TPP, the only exception being platform sequences, where the perspective switches to first person.

Last updated on August 14, 2015

Videos and Screens

[1:42] Naruto: The Broken Bond launch movie

[1:29] Naruto: The Broken Bond GC 2008