Santa Clara, Calif., (November 4, 2008) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today shipped NARUTO™: Ultimate Ninja® STORM to retailers across North America exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Based on the popular NARUTO™ animated series from VIZ Media, the game delivers the definitive ninja action experience as players square off in one-on-one 3D battles in huge arenas and roam freely through the Hidden Leaf Village. Highlighted by incredible HD graphics, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM brings the world of Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi to life like never before.
Bringing the gameplay of the critically-acclaimed Ultimate Ninja franchise into full 3D, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM introduces epic ninja clashes packed with acrobatic moves and over-the-top attacks in huge arenas modeled after the most memorable locations from the animated series. Featuring 25 playable characters, players can call upon support allies for help in battle, use a selection of customizable equipment and even fight on walls as they take on their opponent. Each character has a variety of close-combat and ranged attacks at their disposal, and can also take on new and powerful forms when low on health, giving players a last chance for victory when the outlook is bleak. Translating the incredible action of the animated series to video game form, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM takes advantage of the PLAYSTATION 3 system hardware to produce fluid animations, incredible visual detail and an advanced facial expression system.
Following the storyline of more than 130 episodes from the hit animated series, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM lets players roam freely through the Hidden Leaf Village. Dedicated fans will be able to spot famous landmarks from the show and shop for new moves and equipment as they effortlessly leap from rooftop to rooftop. As they go about their journey, players can speak with villagers and other ninja to take on more than 100 unique missions. Unlockable skills allow them to quickly navigate the village and access hard to reach places for even more acrobatic exploration.
“The Ultimate Ninja series is recognized by Naruto fans and gamers alike as the video game franchise that best captures the high-energy ninja action of the hit animated series,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations at Namco Bandai Games America, Inc. “NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM represents an incredible leap forward for the franchise as we make our debut on the PLAYSTATION 3 system with an all-new battle system, free-roaming gameplay and undeniably stunning graphics.”
Developed by CyberConnect2, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $59.99. A Limited Edition version of the game featuring a full game soundtrack, an animation cel and trading cards in an exclusive SteelBook case is also available for a suggested retail price of $69.99. For more information on the game, please visit www.ultimateninjastorm.com and www.hokagesroom.com. For more information on NARUTO, please visit www.naruto.com.
# # #
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™ and Tekken® brands. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., and our products log onto http://www.namcobandaigames.com/.
NARUTO™: Ultimate Ninja®: STORM software © 2004-2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. All Rights Reserved. NAMCO BANDAI Games logo is a trademark of NAMCO BANDAI. NARUTO artwork and elements © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO. All Rights Reserved. SHONEN JUMP and NARUTO are trademarks of Shueisha, Inc., in the U.S. and/or other countries. This product is manufactured, distributed and sold in North, South and Central American territories under license from VIZ Media, LLC.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Press Release © 2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Contacts:
Kit Ellis
Namco Bandai Games America
(408) 235-2131
kellis@namcobandaigames.com
Julia Layman
Weber Shandwick
(310) 854-8259
jlayman@webershandwick.com
