Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja, exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, has released and will be arriving on North American store shelves this week. The NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja video game is based on VIZ Media’s hugely popular NARUTO animation series which airs on Cartoon Network.

"Not only is NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja the first original NARUTO video game developed for North America, it melds an open-world action-adventure with a cutting-edge fight game,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "It remains true to the NARUTO universe that will make fans proud, as well as provides a full and action-packed experience to new recruits.”

In NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja, players will experience NARUTO starting from the series’ beginning, and will be able to relive the hit animation and manga and experience Naruto’s transformation from noisy ninja-academy failure to respected ninja.  

Key features of NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja include:
•       Experience Growing Up As Naruto:  The only game that allows you to step into Naruto’s shoes from the series’ beginning. Complete authentic missions and relive the NARUTO manga and animation experience.

•       Immerse Yourself in the NARUTO Universe: Roam freely and discover authentic environments.  Explore the Leaf Village and its surroundings.  Interact with Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and members from the NARUTO cast.

•       Unparalleled Depth and Variety of Gameplay:  The first NARUTO game to combine action adventure gameplay, classic platforming battles, head-to-head fighting and in-depth character development.

•       Build Your Fighting Techniques to Defeat Deadly Enemies in Fast-Paced Combat: Define your own way of the ninja as you learn to better control your chakra, improve your techniques, master new taijutsus and ninjutsus, and command more powerful ninja weapons. Train with Kakashi-Sensei and learn to execute hand signs with your controller’s sticks.

•       Play With Friends: Select your favorite NARUTO character and challenge a friend.  Customize your character and pick your own battle field. Or challenge the world’s best on the Xbox LIVE online gaming system.

NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja ships with an ESRB rating of "T” (Teen), and a manufacturer suggested retail price of $59.99.

For more information on NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja and NARUTO, please visit the game’s official website at: www.NarutoXbox360Game.com and www.viz.naruto.com.