Naruto: Ulimate Ninja Heroes goes gold

Press release -

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (August 8, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes, the first NARUTO title for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, has received gold status. Based on the popular animated TV series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™, from VIZ Media, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes offers a furious fighting game experience with up to 3-on-3 team-based gameplay, intense single player action and a wireless multiplayer versus mode for up to two users. Developed exclusively for North America and Europe, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes will be available on August 28 and carry a “T” rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Ninja fans know no boundaries thanks to the portability of the latest iteration to the NARUTO universe. Heroes can battle anywhere, at anytime in both intense single and multiplayer team based fighting. Also for the first time in the series, gamers will have the ability to create and customize their own ninja dream squads to battle opponents or trade player’s profiles via wireless connectivity. Choose from 20 playable characters and soar through the ninja ranks to become the ultimate Hokage in eight interactive stages.

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes boasts the following features:

· First 3-on-3 Naruto team-based gameplay – Players can fight alone or form their favorite NarNarutonja dream team with up to three characters. Form squad combinations from the show or create an original team to unleash special skills

· Discover unique skills in the team based skill system - Try a wide variety of different team combinations to awaken the hidden skills that lie within each character

· Power-up your favorite character! Power-up your favorite character to give yourself an edge in battle. Earn Parameter Power-up Points toward upgrading each character’s attack, defense, chakra, speed and even special abilities.

· Ad hoc multiplayer – Engage in intense wireless battles anywhere and anytime via the PSP system’s ad hoc capability. Power-up squad members and battle against a friend’s team

· Game Sharing - Play against a friend using a single UMD

· Upgradeable player profile – Level up your ninja rank that appears in the player’s profile by completing different classes of missions using your favorite character

· Become the ultimate Hokage - Put your ever-growing skills to the test on rewarding missions and rise up through seven ninja ranks to become the ultimate Hokage!