If you're looking for one of the most popular manga/anime series today, then you'll probably look no further that Naruto. Inspiring countless otaku to cosplay as their favorite character at conventions, its own collectible card game, and several different videogames, Naruto has proven to be a fan favorite. Soon, Nintendo DS users are about to get their next Naruto fix in the way of Naruto: Ninja Council 3, and we got to ask Laura Yoshioka, Senior Marketing Manager for TOMY, some questions about the upcoming game and what we can expect.

1. For Naruto: Ninja Council 3, which stories from the series will be covered in the game?

Ninja Council 3 differs from previous Ninja Council games in that it doesn’t follow a linear storyline but you’ll see characters and recognize the missions from episodes of the TV show up to and beyond the Chunin Exams – actually right where the TV show is at now!

2. How long is the game expected to be?

Well there are more than 42 missions, and each one can be replayed until you get the highest grades. There’s also a 1-4 wireless multiplayer mode so there’s also a lot of replayability.

3. Beyond Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the series also has a lot of other favorite characters. Who are all the characters you'll get to play as, and how many of them are instantly useable as opposed to acquiring later in the game? If they aren't all available right away, how do you go about acquiring the others?

You’ll play as Naruto at first, but once you complete the first mission you’ll unlock all the genin characters; Neji, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Hinata and more. So after completing just 1 mission, you’ll have 12 characters to go at. The missions are ranked with varying difficulty D (easiest) to S (super hard!) so as you progress through the game you’ll unlock more and more characters - 27+!

4. What is the general style of gameplay like in regards to style (sidescroller, platformer, etc.) and combat as well?

General gameplay is similar to Ninja Council 2, vertical and horizontal scrolling ninja action. The big difference is the activation of the special jutsu. Once you’ve built up enough chakra, you can use the touch screen to initiate the special jutsu. Once it’s activated, you’ll need to use the touch screen again to ensure the most powerful delivery of the attack. So for example, for Naruto’s Summoning jutsu, you’ll need to select the correct zodiac symbols from the rotating circle, then sweep your thumb across the screen to summon Gamabunta – just like in the show! That’s just one example, there’s lots of ways that the characters launch their special attacks.

5. What is the control scheme for the combat of the game and how it will beused?

+Control Pad – movement (run)
A Button – Jump
X Button – throw equipped weapon
X Button & +Control Pad – throw enemy
Y Button – Attack (press multiple times to launch combo attacks).
L Button – Teleport behind the enemy
R Button - Block

6. During the course of the game, what enemy types will players run across and what are some of their attack characteristics?

Enemies or opponents in missions will range from head to head battles between the genin characters, to battles between genin and some of the big enemies from the show like Orochimaru. Once you know the characters from the show, you’ll know what to expect in the game!

7. Are there any boss fights throughout the game, and if so, how do they differ from your battles with the other enemies throughout the game?

As it’s not a linear game, there aren’t really big boss battles in the same way as a more traditional action game, but you will have plenty of action and more challenging enemies as the mission grades get more difficult. Especially once you reach the S rank missions.

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