Fans of the popular Naruto anime have a treat in store, as TOMY and D3Publisher of America have announced the upcoming release of Naruto: Path of the Ninja. The RPG title is being released exclusively for the Nintendo DS and is anticipated to ship later this year.

"The Naruto RPG games have proven to be very popular in Japan," said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. "The upcoming RPG title for North America will bring a completely new style of gameplay to Naruto games, and the fans will love it!"

Naruto: Path of the Ninja will be the first Naruto RPG title to be released in North America and will include all new content. Players will be able to choose from six playable characters to explore the world of Naruto and the Village Hidden in the Leaves, encountering creatures aplenty on the way. Players must use their special techniques in battle, taking advantage of the game's unique time-based combat system.

"We are really looking forward to bringing Naruto: Path of the Ninja to North America," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "Some of the best elements from all the Japanese Naruto RPG releases will be utilized to create an exclusive and unique game that no one has ever seen!"

An official release date has yet to be announced, but the game is expected in fall of 2007. Check back with RPGamer for more updates on this title when they become available.