Namco Bandai sends word that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 has officially gone gold for the PlayStation 2 and is off to manufacturing.

Featuring an original story set within the popular Naruto universe, Ultimate Ninja 3 is a cel-shaded one on one 3D fighter that may not be as deep gameplay-wise as, say, Soul Calibur, but is certain to satisfy fans of the Naruto anime series. Featuring over 40 playable characters from the series, players can duke it out across 20 different stages and unlock hidden music, movies, and virtual trading cards.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is scheduled to hit retailers on March 25.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES’ NARUTO™: ULTIMATE NINJA® 3 HAS GONE GOLD FOR THE PLAYSTATION®2 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

Popular Ninja Strikes with New Innovations and Features

Santa Clara, Calif., (March 6, 2008) – Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., announced today that NARUTO™: Ultimate Ninja® 3 has gone gold for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Based on the popular NARUTO™ animated series, from VIZ Media, this fighter steps it up a notch and delivers new innovative features, enhancements and customizations. Battle through 20 stages with over 40 popular NARUTO characters in the fiercest battles the series has ever seen when it is released on March 25.

The most feature-rich game in the Ultimate Ninja franchise to date, NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 will not disappoint as it offers up a host of firsts for the series. Diligent fans can re-live all their favorite battles that made up Story Arc 1 in Hero’s History mode. Ninja-in-training can upgrade their strength, agility, defense, chakra and other special abilities to customize their characters to their liking. Turn characters into giant ninjas of unprecedented size, or summon large beasts to help turn the tide in Summoning Mode. Also for the first time, North American fans can listen to both English and Japanese voiceovers.

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 will also include a brand new original story, which will have players exploring the Hidden Leaf Village and participating in battle royale matches in over 55 scenarios. The fun doesn’t stop there, as tons of unlockable items such as movies, music and cards are hidden away offering loads of replay value to the game.

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 is rated “T” for teen by the ESRB and carries an MSRP of $39.99. For more information please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com or www.naruto.com.

Follow this author on Twitter.