Naruto vs Ryu

The Clash of Ninja series has been running strong for nearly four years now (even more if you’ve been importing), and at this point it’s become the fighting game equivalent to Madden. Each year you get a few welcome gameplay tweaks, slightly enhanced visuals and a roster bursting with colorful new characters. This time around there are 35 playable ninjas to try, and we’ve got exclusive art for eight of ‘em, plus comparisons to their fighting game contemporaries in case you needed a refresher.

Editor’s note: The following copy was provided by TOMY, publisher of the Clash of Ninja series.

NARUTO
“The Hero”

Other famous Heroes:  Ryu (Street Fighter); Jin Kazama (Tekken); Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat)

Often the central focus of the story or actual conflict of a fighting game, the hero possesses a well-balanced set of moves to deal with all kinds of opponents. Naruto is just this kind of fighter. He has a long-range clone attack that will track opponents as well as projectiles if he needs to keep enemies away. Up close, he can be very dangerous with melee attacks and juggle combos. He also has a ground and an air special jutsu technique, as well as a transformation into his Nine-Tailed form, where he can trade health for more aggressive damage output. Not only is he a well-balance and versatile fighter, he’s also the main character of the story. The game is called “Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3,” after all.

CHOJI
“The Grappler”

Other famous Grapplers:  Zangief (Street Fighter); King (Tekken); Baki (the Grappler!)

Grapplers have one goal in life: to grab you. And that’s exactly what Choji is good at. Sure, he has decent combos and the ability to crush your guard. But those are only distractions to conceal his true intention: get his grubby little hands on you. Choji’s grapple moves are unblockable – just like any grappler worth his salt – so the best thing you can do is stay away. But don’t think you’re safe in the air either. He has a ground-to-air jump grab that will snatch you up if you get too “jump-happy” trying to play keepaway.  If you’re a touchy-feely kind of player, or you just like unblockable special attacks, Choji is for you.

KISAME
“The Beast”

Other famous Beasts:  Eyedol (Killer Instinct); Goro (Mortal Kombat); Astaroth (Soulcalibur); ManBearPig?

Do not awaken the beast. A Beast will stop at nothing to defeat you. Kisame can take damage and he can deal damage. He has a huge sword and heavy hitting combos that will drain your chakra gauge just as quickly as they will drain your life gauge. Kisame is good up close and can zone at mid-range with sword attacks. If he wants to close in on you, he will – and quickly. 

KAKASHI
“The Hybrid”

Other famous Hybrids:  Alex, Gen and E. Honda (Street Fighter); Shang Tsung (Mortal Kombat)

Hybrid characters are – you guessed it – hybrid. They have a variety of techniques which allow them to be played many different ways. Kakashi is a “copy ninja,” so what do you expect? He has all the elemental jutsu: earth, fire, wind, water and lightning, as well as his Sharingan and Mangekyo Sharingan. He has an invulnerable dash that allows him to close distance on his opponents, as well as an unblockable grab that will track opponents anywhere on the ground. His projectiles are quick and his counter moves are very effective. However you plan to use Kakashi, he’s a dangerous character.