Introduction
I still remember the first time I got my hands on Naruto: Ninja Council 2 for the Game Boy Advance. I was sitting in the backseat of a car on a long summer trip, hunched over my tiny GBA SP screen, squinting at the bright sun reflecting off it. My batteries were running low (because, of course, I forgot the charger), and I had just reached Orochimaru’s boss fight. If you’ve been there, you know the pain — that mix of excitement, frustration, and the please don’t die on me now moment every handheld gamer has faced.
This wasn’t just another anime tie-in game. For fans of Naruto in Europe, Ninja Council 2 was a big deal. It wasn’t the flashiest title on the Game Boy Advance, but it brought the spirit of ninjas, jutsu, and friendship right into the palms of our hands. At the time, anime-based games were hit or miss. Some were shallow cash grabs. Others — like this one — actually managed to capture the feel of the source material while giving us a solid action-platformer experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything about Naruto: Ninja Council 2 : from the story and gameplay mechanics to strategies, differences between versions, and even where you might still find a copy today. If you’re a retro gamer, a Naruto fan, or just curious about how handheld ninja adventures played out in the 2000s, stick with me — we’re diving deep.
Understanding Naruto: Ninja Council 2
At its core, Naruto: Ninja Council 2 is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer released for the Game Boy Advance. The title itself says a lot:
- Naruto: The star of the show — our loud, determined ninja from Konohagakure.
- Ninja: The central theme, with shuriken, jutsu, and stealth-inspired combat.
- Council: Referring to the leadership structure in the Hidden Leaf Village.
- 2: The sequel, improving upon the original Ninja Council
- A localization tailored specifically for European players.
While most people in North America got their version in 2006, the European edition had slight adjustments in localization, text, and packaging. Subtle? Yes. But important for collectors and fans who notice the differences.
The Naruto Video Game Franchise
To put this game into context, you have to look at the Naruto video game franchise as a whole. Naruto, being one of Shonen Jump’s biggest hits, was adapted into countless anime-based video games — from RPGs to fighters to mobile spin-offs.
The Ninja Council series specifically carved out its place in the Game Boy Advance library, standing alongside other anime handheld titles like Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors and One Piece. For a time, these adaptations were part of Nintendo handheld gaming history, fueling the 2000s craze of anime on the go.
In the bigger picture, Ninja Council 2 wasn’t just a game. It was part of the global Naruto fandom culture, giving kids (and adults) in Europe a way to interact with their favorite ninjas outside of manga and anime episodes.
Naruto: Ninja Council 2 – Game Requirement Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Game Boy Advance (GBA) |
| Release Year | 2006 (North America), 2006 (Europe – localized edition) |
| Publisher | Tomy (Japan), D3 Publisher (North America & Europe) |
| Developer | Aspect Co. Ltd. |
| Genre | 2D Side-scrolling Action-Platformer |
| Game Modes | Single-player, Multiplayer Co-op (via GBA Link Cable) |
| Playable Characters | Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno (with unlockable characters) |
| Key Features | – Side-scrolling combat – Platforming & wall jumps – Special jutsu moves – Shuriken attacks – Collectible scrolls & power-ups – Boss battles |
| Multiplayer | 2-player co-op using GBA Link Cable |
| Region Differences | European edition had localization changes (languages, packaging, minor terminology tweaks). Gameplay largely identical to U.S. version. |
| Save System | Battery-backed save (progress & unlocks retained) |
| Age Rating | PEGI 7 (Europe), ESRB E10+ (North America) |
| Notable Bosses | Sasuke (rival), Orochimaru, various Chunin Exam opponents |
| Special Abilities | – Naruto: Shadow Clone Jutsu, Rasengan – Sasuke: Chidori – Sakura: Healing |
| Collectibles | Scrolls, health items, power-ups hidden in levels |
| Hardware Requirements | – Game Boy Advance, GBA SP, or compatible hardware – GBA Link Cable (for multiplayer) |
| Modern Play Options | Emulators (PC/mobile), Analogue Pocket, or original GBA hardware |
Storyline and Anime Adaptation
What made Naruto: Ninja Council 2 feel authentic was its connection to the anime storyline. The game loosely followed arcs from the Chunin Exams and beyond, pulling players straight into the Konohagakure ninja village and the conflicts that shaped Naruto’s early adventures.
You could play as narutosenkiapk.net, Sasuke, and Sakura, each bringing different skills to the table. Missions often mirrored moments from the anime: rival battles, stealthy platforming sections, and big encounters with bosses like Orochimaru.
Sure, it wasn’t a one-to-one retelling (handheld hardware had its limits), but it managed to capture the essence of the show: teamwork, jutsu clashes, and that never-give-up ninja spirit.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
This is where Ninja Council 2 shines as a Game Boy Advance action game. At a time when most portable titles kept things simple, this game gave you layers to work with:
- Side-scrolling ninja combat: Run, jump, and slash your way through enemies.
- Platforming mechanics: Wall jumps, hidden paths, and precision movement.
- Special jutsu attacks: Naruto’s Shadow Clone Jutsu, Sasuke’s Chidori, Sakura’s healing.
- Shuriken throwing: The bread-and-butter ranged attack.
- Collectible scrolls and power-ups: Hidden in levels, rewarding exploration.
- Boss battles: Larger-than-life fights that required more than button-mashing.
What I loved most was the multiplayer co-op missions. Linking up with a friend through a GBA cable made the game so much more exciting. (Honestly, fighting through waves of enemies side by side was worth the tangle of link cables.)
Character Roster and Abilities
While the roster was smaller compared to console Naruto games, it still felt special:
- Naruto Uzumaki – Rasengan and Shadow Clones, chaotic but fun.
- Sasuke Uchiha – Precision attacks and Chidori, perfect for skilled players.
- Sakura Haruno – Healing and support abilities, underrated but clutch.
There were also unlockable characters and abilities that rewarded dedicated players. Each ninja’s move set gave the game replay value, letting you tackle stages in different ways depending on who you chose.
Europe vs U.S. Version
Now, here’s the big question: Is Ninja Council 2 different in Europe?
Yes — though not in massive ways. The mostly featured localization differences:
- Text translations for different languages.
- Packaging and box art tailored to European markets.
- Occasionally, small tweaks in difficulty or terminology (to align with regional rating systems)
It wasn’t dramatically different gameplay-wise, but for collectors, the European edition is rarer and often fetches higher prices today.
Boss Battles and Strategy Guide
Boss fights in Ninja Council 2 weren’t just button-mashing fests. Each had patterns, weaknesses, and strategies:
- Sasuke Rival Battle – Quick reflexes needed, avoid Chidori bursts.
- Orochimaru – Toughest fight; required scroll management and precise dodging.
- Other rivals – Each tested different aspects of your platforming and combat skills.
Pro tip? Don’t waste jutsu too early. Save your power-ups for the last stretch — Orochimaru will eat through careless players like candy.
Multiplayer Co-op Missions
If you had a GBA link cable and a buddy, you were in for a treat. Co-op missions turned Ninja Council 2 into a whole new game:
- Coordinated attacks made boss fights smoother.
- You could cover each other’s weaknesses.
- Replayability skyrocketed.
For me, co-op was the highlight. Single-player was fun, but nothing beat teaming up with a friend to tackle missions together.
How to Play Naruto: Ninja Council 2
Getting Started on Game Boy Advance
Plug in the cartridge, power on your GBA (or emulator if you’re playing modern), and get ready for ninja action.
Basic Controls and Moveset
Run, jump, slash, and throw shuriken. Simple, but surprisingly deep once jutsu mechanics kick in.
Using Jutsu and Power-Ups Effectively
Don’t spam — conserve energy for boss fights. Naruto’s Shadow Clones can clear groups, but Sasuke’s Chidori is better for single enemies.
Strategies for Platforming and Exploration
Check every corner. Hidden scrolls and extra lives are tucked away in sneaky spots.
Winning Boss Fights and Unlocking Characters
Patience is key. Learn patterns, dodge wisely, and use abilities at the right time.
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Naruto Ninja Council 2 in the Context of 2000s Gaming
Back in the mid-2000s, anime handhelds were everywhere. Games like Naruto Ninja Council 2 weren’t just cash-ins — they were part of the Shonen Jump anime adaptation era, where fans got to experience their favorite stories in interactive form.
In Europe especially, it became a gateway into the Naruto universe, letting kids connect with the series in a whole new way. For many, it was their first introduction to anime gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Naruto Ninja Council 2 European edition today?
Retro game shops, eBay, or collector forums are your best bet.
Is the rare?
Yes, it’s harder to find than the U.S. release, especially complete with box and manual.
What cheat codes exist for the GBA version?
Action Replay and GameShark codes allowed things like infinite health and scrolls.
Does it follow Naruto Shippuden?
No, it’s based on the early Naruto arcs, before the Shippuden timeline.
Can you still play multiplayer in 2025?
Yes, but only on original hardware with a link cable — or via certain emulators with netplay features.
Conclusion
Naruto: Ninja Council 2 might not have been the flashiest or deepest game of its time, but it holds a special place in both Naruto fandom and Game Boy Advance history. For European fans, it was a localized gateway into the ninja world. For collectors, it’s now a piece of anime gaming nostalgia worth revisiting.
Whether you’re dusting off your GBA or firing up an emulator, diving back into Ninja Council 2 reminds us of a simpler time — when handheld screens, link cables, and endless attempts at beating Orochimaru defined our gaming adventures.
