Parents' Guide to Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Rumble

Game Nintendo DS 2011
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Common Sense Media Review

Mark Raby By Mark Raby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Easy combat game where player takes the role of hero.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's It About?

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: SHINOBI RUMBLE puts players in anime character Naruto's shoes. As a hero in a world filled with enemies, Naruto constantly finds himself in situations where he has to defend himself and defeat his adversaries in order to continue on his journey. That is the backdrop for this fighting game, in which players tackle one adversary after the other. Players can punch and kick their opponents, but the more useful attacks are the ones that are more fantastical -- fireballs, explosions, and anything else that results in bright bursts of color. The fights are presented as battles of skill more than relentless beating and bashing, and with the context of hero versus enemy, the impact is lessened. However, players cannot escape the message that violence is an acceptable form of behavior for Naruto, the hero.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Rumble is more accessible than most fighting games, many of which continue to be more and more complex. Players can easily pick it up and start playing, and with 16 characters to choose from, fans of the Naruto franchise should appreciate seeing all of their favorites as selectable combatants. There is an underlying story as players progress through each battle in single-player mode, which adds some cohesion to an otherwise jumble of random confrontations. Like many other Naruto fighting games, this one is true to the series and should not disappoint anyone who appreciates the long-running anime series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Parents can talk about why this game is different than real life. Why is it best to avoid violence whenever possible?

  • What are other ways to solve problems?

  • How can you defend yourself without resorting to violence?

Game Details

  • Platform : Nintendo DS
  • Pricing structure :
  • Available online? : Not available online
  • Publisher : Atlus
  • Release date : February 8, 2011
  • Genre : Fighting
  • ESRB rating : T for Cartoon Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
  • Last updated : February 15, 2023

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