Either by hitting a prompted string of buttons, spinning the analog stick, or rapid tapping, there’s more than one way to deliver the pain, and defend against damage, in these tweaked and twitchy battles. Have a look at the new ninjutsus to see just what we're babbling about.

But it’s the Ultimate Road mode that’ll give Naruto devotees reason to rejoice. Here, the nine-tailed fox struts around his Leaf village overworld, interacting with the show's cast and triggering plot-driven brawls. Even if the added minigames aren’t your thing, this is where the revered storyline unfolds, plus you’ll get to familiarize yourself with UM2 ’s robust line-up by playing as multiple characters through the game’s 60 or so missions. You’re given different criteria for winning fights - maintain health, surviving for time, defeat so-and-so using a level 3 Chakra move - and it adds a layer of challenge beyond simply landing hits.

Progression will unlock new characters in the two player Vs. Duel mode, and you can now upgrade character's stats in the manner of your choosing. Uber fans will also dig the money you can put towards purchasing an assortment of goodies, like figurines, videos and music - all viweable within the comfortable confines of Naruto’s house.

However immersive the side games and fetch quests may be to the Naruto experience, they’re hardly the thing that’ll have you and your buddies talking. Once again, it’s the game’s core fighting system that'll prove most memorable, even if it’s been largely unchanged since the first game. The frantic combo melee is as comfortable as ever, but damn, the loud and repetitive soundbites will annoy the uninitiated, punish parents, and possibly send the most devout fan to the nearest mute button.