Awesome Music / Naruto: Clash of Ninja

Some people deem this soundtrack to be on par with several other forms of Naruto-based media, mainly due to how much it stands out on its own from the rest. It helps in that Shinji Hosoe himself (with SuperSweep co.) composed the whole series' soundtrack, even for the US-exclusive Revolution sub-series.

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• First off, the intro themes.
  • Via the Part 1 portion, skipping the small and not-as-impressive first game's opening theme (since it's mainly just a bit of a short intro to Naruto's birth), here is the theme for the second game's opening, which is hardcore rock at its finest, just like its character select and Versus screen themes.
  • The song for the third game's intro, reused in Clash of Ninja Revolution as seen here with alterations to the beginning portions; this theme in particular is more upbeat but still as intense. A fun fact for this particular opening: you can see the names of several of the super jutsu in the game in their kanji form during the start of the cutscene.
  • The fourth game's opening theme, with a bit of sorrow and intensity in the air. Though unlike Revolution 1, Revolution 2 uses its own original opening, with a bit of mysteriousness, original animation, and the introduction to the new characters.
  • For the Shippuuden EX games:
    • Here's the first game's opening, some hardcore battle rock.
    • The theme for EX 2 sounds a bit more epic and heroic compared to the first EX game.
    • The opening for EX 3 gives off evil vibes, likely due to a total of six Akatsuki members being playable so far.
• The character select themes:
  • The one from the first game is slow and full of bass-heavy rhythm. The second game's character select theme is more intense via the aforementioned hard rock style used.
  • The one in the third game (reused in the US-released Clash of Ninja Revolution) is a bit clear and decisive, and no doubt one of the best.
  • The one in the fourth game is rather intense, but without much detail needed to express that compared to the other ones. While not reused in Revolution 2, said game gets a new theme instead, which is not half bad with the instrumentals.
  • As an intro to the time-skip, then comes the one in Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX and Revolution 3. Definitely hype.
• Even the VS. SCREENS are awesome; many people seem find Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4's Vs. Screen theme to be the best (reused in both Revolution 2 and 3 to drive that point home).
• Time for the actual in-game themes! The Hokage's Monument ever since the first game is a classic in its own right, especially with that awesome beat sound to get the fight going as it's full of hip-hop and contemporary 2000s-era sounds mixed in with classic Japanese-era song cries. Even though it didn't return in the EX games, it made a triumphant return in both Revolution 3 and Special; the former on the Shirato Street stage, while the latter flips the new Hokage's Monument theme (a more lush and less hip-hop take) and the original one around, putting the former theme back in its rightful place.
• The second game often introduces alternate versions of stages during certain times of the day: here's the monument in the first four games with a thundering cloudy sky where it forgoes the hip-hop beats for something involving flutes/horns and percussion in tune with the thunder.
• The badass Academy Training Schoolyard theme since the first game, which as of the second one is the sunset version. The beat around 1:24 is top notch with hard intense rock. Here's the daytime version as of the second game, which presents more of a happy-go-daytime-vibe.
• For a theme first introduced in the EX games, here's the pleasant Third Training Grounds theme, which even carries over to the pre-timeskip Revolution games (1 and 2) in the US.
• Konoha no Yoru (Tree Leaf's Night), the theme that plays during the nighttime when brawling it out in front of Ramen Ichiraku, complete with a familiar beat at around 40 seconds (which also makes a grand return in Revolution 2). The second, third and fourth games during the sunset have this relaxing theme instead, full of lush emotion and some daily life (almost as if you're chilling around watching people brawl it out).
• The theme outside the Hidden Leaf's gates in the daytime since the first game is a peaceful greeting melody. Here's the nighttime version as of the second game with some extra hype going on in the beat with the flutes. Sadly, while the two themes don't return in the first Revolution game, the first theme makes a grand return in Revolution 2 and 3, as well as Special.
• The Great Naruto Bridge theme, cloudy version is basically Haku's theme with more mysteriousness and cool going on. Sadly does not return in the Wii sub-series. Via the first of the "alternate stage" themes, here's the misty bridge version that's Zabuza's theme, packed with more use of guitar and faster tempo.
• The eerie Practice Area 44 theme, especially in the darkest of nights with a giant snake in the background of the stage. However, the mainstay daytime version of this setting for the Forest of Death, full of mystery and rhythm, has been around since the second game.
• The Chuunin Exam Qualifiers theme that doesn't return in the Wii sub-series is pure kickass with Japanese instruments, guitar, and chants.
• While it doesn't return in the Wii games, the Hot Springs stage theme in both Gekitou Ninja Taisen 3 and 4 is not as hot-blooded and more relaxed.
• An exclusive so far to 4 is the theme to the Hidden Leaf Village's local temple. Aside from being one of the smallest stages in the series, this not-as-battle-intense theme boasts more traditional sound design.
• Via another mainstay since the second game: Honsen (Final Selection), the theme for the finale of the Chuunin Exams. Rather decisive in tone in the daytime, and it also has returned in both the Revolution series and in Special; but in terms of the darkened sky version on the rooftops (used as an alternate stage transition in the Wii games), it's got no competition for the need of an intense battle.
• While it doesn't return in the Wii sub-series, the third game introduced the Enclosed Upheaval theme, the setting for Orochimaru vs. the Third Hokage (separate from the prior Chuunin exam rooftop stage). It gives off an intense life-or-death battle setting, along with the sounds of horror that fits Orochimaru's motif quite well.
• The theme for Tanzaku Castle since 3 features flutes and other instruments to make it both lively and battle-ready via the festival-town-styled setting; also returns in the Revolution games and in Special.
• Sansukumi (Three-Way Deadlock), the theme for when the Sannin Jiraiya, Orochimaru and Tsunade reunite only to face off in 2 vs 1 with heavy guitar and Japanese instruments. In the Wii games, you can even do a stage transition to the top of Manda's head (and it also acts as the Final Valley theme by default in Special).
• The hospital rooftop, where Naruto and Sasuke have their one fated fight before everything falls apart for Team 7. Intensity here is quite high with a huge intent to let out grudges in the context of Naruto vs. Sasuke.
• The Uchiha Police Department theme, introduced in Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4. A very smooth beat which, despite its dark history, is quite funky under the bright blue sky.
• For another Uchiha-related theme and for something else also quiet and eerie, the Uchiha Abandoned district theme takes place during the foggy dusk despite never having a fight occur there in the story mode.
• Amid Toads, the theme for the Gamabunta's Bath stage in the original Gamecube games only. The second game introduced the alternate theme. The hard rocking guitar with the Japanese instruments stands out in both versions.
• The original Hidden Sand Village theme, taking place in the middle of a blue and dark night in front of the Kazekage's monument (though the Wii version instead has the monument area as a transition point with the starting point being on top of an unrelated building). Has some "secret agent" vibe at the former half with latter half of the theme going into a bit of a strong melody before resetting into its desert vibe.
• In the Shippuuden games, here's the entrance and Kazekage Monument themes, respectively (the latter shares a similar vibe with the original Hidden Sand Village theme while taking place on top of the monument itself). The latter theme conveys a sense of dealing with something unexpected and silent (mainly in the context of Gaara dealing with Deidara's surprise attack on him).
• Orochimaru's Lair in Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4, then the theme for it in EX 2. Both suit the atmosphere for Orochimaru's overall machinations quite well with the organ, despite not being involved in the story mode at all in the former case.
• Snow Valley, another awesome theme in Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4, which goes into the usual snowy ambivalence before busting out into some hard rock.
• Sand Shambled Plains, the battlefield for Lee and Gaara's battle vs. Kimimaro already covered in the massive sand field created by Gaara; uphill battle vibes ahoy with some notable rock to add to the Naruto-battle styled feel to make it right at home.
• The theme for the Nine-Tailed Fox's room adds the dark-sewer feel with mere jingles and harp sounds. The Wii games have the stage start out in the initial hallway with the many entrances, while the transition portion and original Gamecube version of the stage is right in front of Kurama's cell.
• For the EX and Shippuuden-series games in general, we have the silent shrine theme, which fits its ambiguity quite well with the flutes and not as emphasized intense instruments.
• Warehouse Road is ideal for a scuffle by warehouse areas in general. Most likely the location where Naruto, Shikamaru and Chouji first encounter Sai.
• The Akatsuki Hideout is a more lively leitmotif than expected.
• Danzou's Hideout, has a very mysterious feel to it, and fits Danzou's character all too well despite him not being playable. Oddly replaces the original Tenchi/Heaven & Earth Bridge theme (introduced in EX 2) in Special, which is a theme of silent intensity.
• Revolution 2 introduces SEVERAL new themes to the series that carry over to Revolution 3; Japan then gets in on the masterpieces in Special:
  • Forest Hideout, which many people find to be a favorite due to its flutes, percussion and tempo.
  • Forest at Night also gives off a nice beat with flutes and heavy instruments.
  • Riverside theme is the theme for the location where Kurenai, Asuma, Kakashi and Guy confront Itachi and Kisame, even if it never occurred in Revolution 2 and Revolution 3's story modes. The theme itself is rife with the feeling of outright making the first move before anything else (especially in regards to the Akatsuki being your opponent).
  • This theme is an alternate version for the original "Konoha no Yoru" theme for the Ramen Ichiraku stage at night (at a far away alternate pillar chamber section of the village at night). Mysterious, ancient, dark at night while being groovy at the same time. Fans who hear Hosoe's other works can easily hear some touches of Street Fighter EX at 1:17.
  • The Pillar Chamber theme in the daytime is mysterious and intense, albeit a bit more exposed.
  • Kagura vs. Tsunade. Never has an original character gained such a rep with this kind of rivalry theme.
• Even the story mode themes have great atmosphere set up by Hosoe and co.'s compositions:
  • Story Event A is peaceful and a bit silly when nothing too bad is happening via the daily life of one such as Naruto.
  • Story Event B, where something decisive yet exciting is happening.
  • Story Event C is used for very mysterious and sinister events. This usually occurs with individuals such as Orochimaru and the Akatsuki whenever they're plotting something or interacting with the main hero cast.
  • Story Event D is used when something intense is going down between the characters, and even extends to moments of in-fighting.
  • Story Event E is intense, and full of resolve unlike the others.
  • Story Event E Alternate Version (which so far has played in the Naruto-selected ending in 4) occurs when something intense has already happened (via Sasuke escaping Naruto's grasp from the Final Valley; Sasuke's ending plays the Uchiha District theme instead), along with Naruto being disappointed but ready to move on to get stronger for next time.
  • Story Theme A is mainly a chill-yet-heavy-beats leitmotif for moments where the main heroes are chilling, and throw random banter across each other. May or may not erupt into a mere light-hearted fight out of silly provocation.
  • Story Theme B is usually more serious, and also may play during in-fighting or a serious showdown of some sort.
  • Story Theme C is reserved for more life-or-death situations, especially when one side is cornered by the other.
• Now, for the grand finale that's praised by many. Even though the theme has not appeared in the EX games while being replaced by a somewhat subpar one, it made a return in Revolution 3 and Special when you pit Naruto^note (normal Naruto only, not the Sage Mode version in Special) and Sasuke against each other on the stage; behold, Gekitou Ninja Taisen 4 and Revolution 2's Final Valley theme, Shuumatsu (Closing); Japanese instruments with Hosoe's musical style form one of the best emotional rivalry themes in a fighting game ever.