Ask any anime fan what they'd imagine when they hear "ninja" and it's likely going to be Naruto. In fact, the orange-clad protagonist of the Naruto franchise created quite an indelible mark in both anime and mainstream media. Aside from the meme-worthy "Naruto run" and the series' impressive storyline, fans also remember Naruto for its slate of action-packed games.

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Moreover, Naruto games eventually grew alongside the franchise. For instance, some hit Naruto titles followed notable arcs when the series was ongoing. As such, Naruto has more than 50 titles across different game series! However, just which Naruto games dominate the rest? Most importantly, which titles should Naruto fans definitely try?

Updated on October 24, 2023, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Boruto: Two Blue Vortex giving a glimpse of Boruto’s new life in his story’s timeskip era, fans of the Naruto franchise may be interested in a blast to the past to compare Naruto’s journey in his mid-teens compared to his son’s. Thankfully, many of the Naruto games offer story modes that recap the current story of the Hokage hopeful up to that time, with recent entries in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series improving their retelling of the entirety of Naruto’s journey. For hardcore fans who want to experience Naruto’s story in the best way possible, they may want to know the advantages and disadvantages that the series’ various games can offer, especially for older titles that at the time have been trying to grasp what formula they want a Naruto game to have.

20 Naruto: Ninja Council 3 (2006)

Ninja Council 3
  • Available for: Nintendo DS

PROS

CONS

  • Arena brawler gameplay lets Naruto fans emulate Super Smash Bros. with signature techniques
  • Immense multiplayer appeal for Naruto fans who want to play together
  • Lackluster single-player mode isn’t as engaging as players would hope
  • Simple controls lack the depth that the series showcases in the anime

While many of the games in the Naruto series offer a deeper look into Naruto’s long journey to becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto: Ninja Council 3 takes a familiar route with its parent series of games and focuses on high-octane ninja battles. Featuring a cast of almost 30 characters from the first part of the Naruto anime, Ninja Council 3 gives players an arena platformer fighter similar to the Super Smash Bros. franchise, allowing the likes of Naruto to team up or even fight against other popular characters in the Naruto franchise.

Similar to other games in Ninja Council, the third installment uses much of the same sprites but updates mechanics using the Nintendo DS’s touch mechanics. This time around, certain techniques have to be tapped via the second screen or even completed via extremely short mini-games, adding a level of suspense when doing this in mid-combat.

Notable for: Players often criticize its lack of a story mode and rather repetitive missions, but its multiplayer mode is worth a shot for those who want to accomplish various objectives as a team or duke it out against each other. While not necessarily an acclaimed title, fans of the franchise who want to get a taste of what Naruto in the DS was like should at least try Ninja Council 3 for the change of pace in gameplay.

19 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (2003)

Naruto Ultimate Ninja
  • Available for: PlayStation 2

PROS

CONS

  • Straightforward mechanics create an accessible fighting game experience
  • Scenario, Free Battle, and Mission Modes provide different levels of gameplay
  • Anime-esque special attack sequences can appeal to fans
  • Simple gameplay lacks technical depth for a fighting game
  • Scenario Mode stories aren’t worth investing in

When players look for a Naruto game, they often encounter Ultimate Ninja Storm. However, before the 3D arena fighter took the world by storm (no pun intended), this iconic series of games within the Naruto franchise had humble beginnings with Naruto: Ultimate Ninja. Given its early 2000s release, Ultimate Ninja covers the introductory saga of the Naruto story up until Orochimaru’s invasion of the Hidden Leaf, ending in Naruto and Sasuke’s first fateful encounter atop the Valley of the End.

What’s interesting about the title is specifically its approach to the story, as its retelling of the rather short Naruto arcs is supplemented with perspectives of other characters. On top of this focus on character stories, the combat mechanics are repetitive but equally enjoyable, giving players straightforward basic and special attacks that they combine with the D-Pad to launch unique techniques.

Notable for: This PlayStation 2 title is the first in the franchise to have Naruto and his friends in full-3D battles, and is also the first entry that would eventually branch into the more popular Storm sub-series of Naruto games. This is also the first game to utilize accessible mechanics that make the game easier to pick up and play, making this an ideal introduction for fans of the franchise.

18 Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 (2008)

Ninja Destiny 2
  • Available for: Nintendo DS

PROS

CONS

  • Better visuals with smoother graphics can make for a sleeker experience compared to its predecessor
  • Simple mechanics encourage button-mashing experiences
  • 40-character roster is large for its system
  • Mechanics barely changed from its predecessor
  • Quest Mode isn’t as appealing as fans had anticipated

Fans of the Naruto franchise looking for a decent brawler after the abysmal experience with Ninja Council 3 can still enjoy playing with their Nintendo DS courtesy of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2. This 2008 release is a decent button masher that rightfully demonstrates the visual splendor of the Naruto series in a portable console, offering a focus on one-on-one battles instead of its short but rather dull story mode.

Thankfully, the game does offer a more fun Naruto experience for the Nintendo DS. Sans the tendency of the touch controls to be unresponsive at times, being able to access a myriad of jutsu with just a touch of a button can make Ninja Destiny 2 a game that fully uses the DS’s hardware system. Despite the basic button-mashing mechanics, the fluidity of the animation can almost excuse the repetitive attacking motions.

Notable for: Although not necessarily aimed toward fighting game purists, Ninja Destiny 2 is a solid experience for fans of the franchise who just want a portable brawler for their Nintendo DS. Being able to access around 20+ characters with unique techniques plus a Survival Mode that pits them against an endless assault of characters can lead to hours’ worth of button-mashing satisfaction.

17 Naruto: Clash Of Ninja Revolution 3 (2009)

Naruto Clash of Revolution 3
  • Available for: Nintendo Wii

PROS

CONS

  • Straightforward mechanics can make playing as each character enjoyable
  • Simple controls can make weaving combos more fulfilling for technical players
  • Simple mechanics make the game somewhat lackluster for a fighting game
  • Unbalanced Story Mode can make the game much harder for players
  • Multiplayer can get laggy and discourage players from participating

It’s not often that a Naruto game is balanced, especially with the emphasis on button mashing courtesy of its straightforward mechanics. However, Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 shines with its nature as a decently balanced fighter not just in general but especially for the oftentimes-criticized Wii. Key to the appeal of Revolution 3 mechanics is the emphasis on precision, with combos requiring specific timing to execute as enemies as well as players can butt in with a perfectly-timed counter or dodge.

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While the game simply tells the rather short Shippuden introductory arc up until the Kazekage Retrieval Arc, it’s the versus mode that pits Naruto characters against each other where players can have a great time. Being able to use around 40 characters with unique but accessible techniques makes Revolution 3 one of the best-developed Naruto games of the time.

Notable for: Considered the fifth entry of the Clash of Ninja series, the game offers 40 playable stages alongside 40 playable characters that have their skill sets overhauled due to the Shippuden time skip. Moreover, the game features a rather comprehensive set of quality-of-life changes that make it more defense-leaning compared to the traditionally aggressive button-mashing nature of the franchise. It is also the first game in the series to offer Wi-Fi connectivity for online battles.

16 Shippuden 3D: The New Era

Shippudden 3D The New Era
  • Available for: Nintendo 3DS

PROS

CONS

  • Surprise QTEs can spice things up in combat
  • Short story makes for a quick playthrough
  • Poor use of backgrounds does little to boost the visual appeal of the game
  • Platformer gameplay mechanics are too simple
  • Mechanics don’t capitalize on the 3DS’s capabilities

Fans of the Naruto series might be surprised to try out Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era for the Nintendo 3DS. In essence, the game tries to return to the era of 2D side-scrolling adventures. Unfortunately, despite its decent story, the title's overall approach to gameplay seems lackluster and rather so-so for a 2011 title.

For instance, the game takes place in various Naruto landmarks with various platforming elements. Moreover, Naruto can perform various attacks and even Jutsu that transitions into a 3D cutscene. Unfortunately, fans who played other immersive Naruto fighting games won't find this title endearing at all.

Notable for: One of the very few Naruto platformers out there, the game does explore the potential of the series in the context of a 2D title. Its prioritization of platforming instead of outright combat adds depth to exploration and more unique ways of using their abilities.

15 Dragon Blade Chronicles

Dragon Blade Chronicles
  • Available for: Nintendo Wii

PROS

CONS

  • Beat-em-up mechanics can make the game easy to get into for fighting game newcomers
  • Story Mode is a long but worthwhile experience, even for a spinoff
  • Repetitive gameplay can make the game tedious
  • Backgrounds can get dull and ruin any potential for visual flair

Interestingly, Naruto actually has a game entry for the Wii. Unlike other titles, Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles tries to add RPG elements to the Naruto concept. As a result, the 2010 title features a new story with elements from the franchise. In essence, the game takes place in a loose version of the Itachi Pursuit Mission. Unique to the game is the antagonist Kuroma Tatsushiro, who plans on using the power of the Genryu (five eternal dragons) for his evil schemes.

As a result, Dragon Blade Chronicles feels more like an action-adventure game with Naruto elements. Instead of hand-to-hand combat, Naruto (now adorned in traditional Feudal Japanese armor) uses swords to fight various monsters. Aside from aesthetics, there's not much that makes this game a "genuine" Naruto experience.

Notable for: Despite criticisms, the game does make an excellent demonstration of what Naruto could become in the context of a fantasy RPG. There’s certainly merit in the way the game meshed the series’ signature combat techniques into having different approaches and uses in a fantasy setting.

14 Ninja Village Jintori Battle

Jintori Battle - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: PS1

PROS

CONS

  • Graphics and visuals can be appealing to classic Naruto fans
  • Board game mechanics are a welcome change of pace to the franchise
  • Casual game that only demands some degree of strategy
  • Board game mechanics is an odd take for an action-packed shonen franchise
  • Lack of active components in facilitating techniques can make the game feel unentertaining

Those who want a more strategic take on the Naruto universe would probably want to check out Naruto: Shinobi no Sato no Jintori Kassen, loosely translated as Naruto: Ninja Village Jintori Battle. Essentially, the game mixes elements of strategy with light combat.

The main goal is to occupy the home base of the enemy. Much of the game takes place during the first few episodes of Naruto, particularly when Team 7 has to face the likes of Haku and Zabuza.

Notable for: Aside from its limited scope, Ninja Village Jintori Battle doesn't boast much in terms of mechanics. The board game aspect doesn't immediately fit the Naruto setting, at least not one so restricted. If it were to involve the other nations and Hidden Villages during the Fourth Shinobi World War, then perhaps such a concept would show promise.

13 Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising

Akatsuki Rising - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: PSP

PROS

CONS

  • Musou-esque beat-em-up combat is a breath of fresh air for PSP gameplay
  • Straightforward combat mechanics can make progressing through the game easier
  • Limited story arc makes for an extremely short game
  • Simple mechanics leave much to be desired in terms of combat

Fans of the series with their PlayStation Portables intact would likely get intrigued by Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising. After all, not only does the game boast full 3D combat, but it also serves as a great introduction to Part II of the series - especially to major villains known as the Akatsuki.

Sadly, this is as far as the game goes in terms of its flair, as it’s not fun to play in terms of combat. At its core, Akatsuki Rising has Naruto explore different zones and eliminate enemies, similar to a Musou game.

Notable for: Battles take place in semi-large environments, but combos are easy to spam and pull off. Moreover, given that the story only takes place from the beginning of Part II until the Kazekage Rescue Mission, there are only 17 playable characters. All-in-all, Akatsuki Rising offers a somewhat suboptimal experience.

12 Naruto: Path Of The Ninja

Path of the Ninja - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance

PROS

CONS

  • Traditional RPG format is a new take on the Naruto franchise
  • Familiar RPG elements can make playing the game much easier
  • Repetitive gameplay can make the game tedious rather quickly
  • Graphics and audio are underwhelming, considering its nature as a GBA game ported into the DS

People who want to try Naruto as a full-blown turn-based RPG might be tempted to try out Naruto: Path of the Ninja. This Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS title takes place at the beginning of Part I and runs until the end of the Chuunin Exams, where Naruto faces off against Shukaku. Unlike other Naruto titles, this RPG takes a turn-based approach to combat. As such, teams of three (Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for the most part) need to carefully coordinate attacks and jutsu in order to take down a number of foes.

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Naruto: Path of the Ninja has a small roster of playable characters – including Shikamaru Nara, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Jiraiya – with a whole host of NPCs and opponents. Sadly, the RPG component does get rid of the fast-paced action component the franchise is known for. Path of the Ninja isn't a recommended way to re-experience Part I’s events, considering how other games accomplish the same with more engaging combat.

Notable for: Integrating RPG graphics into the Naruto universe is something Path Of The Ninja demonstrates, and it’s certainly quite interesting to see a strategic “conversion” of fast-paced attacks into specially-timed jutsus. Unfortunately, the limited scope of the story does mean there’s a hindrance to the full extent of the RPG title’s potential.

11 Ultimate Ninja Impact

Ultimate Ninja Impact
  • Available for: PSP

PROS

CONS

  • Mowing down enemies with combos is satisfying with the game’s musou mechanics
  • Attacks and techniques look impressive for the PSP
  • Card collection mechanics to improve stats can encourage longer gameplay sessions
  • Repetitive objectives do little to spice up standard musou gameplay
  • Lack of challenge can make the game boring for some players

With Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact, Naruto fans get a taste of Shippuden if it were a Musou title. As such, fans would immediately notice the similarities between Ultimate Ninja Impact and titles such as Dynasty Warriors. After all, it's not common that a Naruto game would feature Naruto and his friends facing hundreds upon hundreds of enemies. However, these immense battles remain impressive for a PlayStation Portable title.

This 2011 title also tackles Shippuden's Kazekage Retrieval Mission until the Five Kage Summit, which tackles more than half of the anime's storyline. Unfortunately, the musou format made Ultimate Ninja Impact's gameplay extremely repetitive and uninspired. As such, it lacks the fast-paced and tactical "flair" Naruto fans enjoy in other games.

Notable for: Although not as flashy as other titles, Ultimate Ninja Impact is a great demonstration of what Naruto could be like as a Musou title. It feels delightful to use the “Naruto run” in wide areas to chase down enemies and at the same time make extremely straightforward attacks.

10 Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2

Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2
  • Available for: PSP

PROS

CONS

  • Simple mechanics can lead to fun combos and techniques
  • Mugenjo Mode adds a straightforward story to the game
  • Multi-room gimmicks in Mugenjo Mode give players mini-games on top of combat
  • Mugenjo Mode can get tedious quickly given its 99-floor format
  • Mugenjo Mode’s story, when laid out fully, is only around 15 minutes long

Fans would consider the PSP's Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 as a dividing title. After all, the game is essentially Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes with three new characters and a new story mode. However, in this title, players now have access to the Mugen Castle Arc. This arc takes them within the Mugen Castle, a haunted castle with randomly generated floors with its own story.

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Unlike technical fighting games, Heroes 2 relies on fast-paced combat. Moreover, most of its 23 characters have special modes that make battles more diverse and unpredictable. Unfortunately, game collectors might wonder why even get Ninja Heroes 2 if all they get are three new characters and an entirely-skippable Mugen Castle Arc. In turn, they may as well get the first Ultimate Ninja Heroes game for a more compact experience.

Notable for: Although possessing a limited number of characters due to the limitation with regards to the story, Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 is a great demonstration of the potential of Naruto as a fighting game title at the time, especially with its simple yet flashy slate of combos.

9 Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage

Ninja Voltage - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: Android, iOS

PROS

CONS

  • Newcomer-friendly, as it gives players access to almost all characters in the story
  • Being able to customize the movements of each character lets players personalize their favorite characters
  • Auto-battle can make missions much easier to finish
  • Gacha element on Jutsus can be off-putting to players
  • Lack of more intense action sequences can make the game a typical mobile RPG

Franchise fans who want to bring the excitement of Naruto to their mobile phones can play Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage on iOS and Android. This action-strategy RPG combines MOBA-style action with minor base-building components. Players can organize their “dream team” composed of four characters from both Naruto and Boruto to take on various missions and challenges.

Unlike usual turn-based or tap-action mobile games, Ninja Voltage has a more active approach to gameplay. Players control their leader character while the rest of their team follows and supports them. Moreover, players can dish out powerful combos and attacks that feature signature moves such as the Rasengan and the Chidori. Fans who want a compact experience close to the Ultimate Ninja Storm series could find almost the exact gameplay style in Ninja Voltage.

Notable for: Despite its rather lukewarm reception, Ninja Voltage is arguably one of the more extensive gacha games out there. While it gives players early access to a lot of popular Naruto characters on the get-go, it’s up to players to collect special Ninja Cards that allow them to equip these characters with exclusive attacks. This adds a lot of flexibility with regard to how a single shinobi character is built, making each iteration of a character unique.

8 Jump Force

Jump Force - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC

PROS

CONS

  • Unique art style and setting is a change of pace from the other games
  • Being a crossover game, fans can have a platform to pin the likes of Naruto against Ichigo
  • Lack of exclusive Naruto characters can make the game unappealing to hardcore franchise fans
  • Balancing concerns means Naruto and Sasuke can’t go all-out against other foes with signature techniques

Albeit not necessarily an exclusive Naruto game, Jump Force does answer a lot of fan questions regarding an important aspect of powerful fighters. If Naruto and Sasuke could defeat most of the ninjas in their world, how would they fare against the likes of Ichigo, Goku, or even Yami Yugi?

In this game, players take on the roles of some of the most prominent characters in Shonen Jump. Of course, given the vast scope of Jump's manga selections, the game offers quite a lot of interesting match-ups. For instance, who could have thought that Light Yagami and his Death Note could face the likes of Naruto and Sasuke? Thanks to this game, players can finally see for themselves how the two shinobi's abilities would fare against some of the most popular manga characters around.

Notable for: While there’s not a lot of visible Naruto presence in the game, the fact that players can use Naruto to fight some of the most popular Shonen Jump characters makes this game a dream come true for fan artists and the like. Power-scalers and theorists will appreciate the arena brawler for its unique application of signature movies within the franchise.

7 Ultimate Ninja Storm

Ultimate Ninja Storm - Best Worst Naruto Games
  • Available for: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, PC

PROS

CONS

  • Fast-paced gameplay blends well with the game’s visuals
  • Having a Hidden Leaf Village replica for Naruto to explore can let players experience Konoha from Naruto’s POV
  • Simple mechanics have a lot of room for technical mastery
  • Mini-games don’t offer a lot of variety
  • Casual fighting game mechanics leave much to be desired on a technical level

It could be argued that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm gave a preview of the series’s true potential in terms of fast-paced ninja action. In terms of story, the first Ultimate Ninja Storm game covers the events of Part I until Episode 135.

As such, players can get a more dynamic take on events that thrust Naruto into his journey toward being the Hokage. However, for now, he has to become a Chuunin and help save Sasuke from the impending threat of Orochimaru.

Notable for: While retaining the same combo-focused mechanics of the Ultimate Ninja series, Ultimate Ninja Storm enables players to move in fully 3D environments. As a result, the game offers more dynamic use of Ninja Move dodges, wall-fighting, and different ninja tools, while players can even request help from support ninjas. These mechanics will slowly see improvements and changes throughout the course of the landmark Ultimate Ninja Storm series.

6 Rise Of A Ninja

Rise Of A Ninja
  • Available for: Xbox 360

PROS

CONS

  • Anime-accurate Story Mode is a lore treat for both Naruto vets and newcomers
  • Challenging fights can test a player’s mastery of the game’s simple mechanics
  • Casting Jutsu via thumbstick movement is a throwback to hand signs made popular by the anime
  • Lack of combat depth can make the game lose its steam quickly
  • Quests can get rather repetitive, especially in the first hours of the game
  • Story Mode pacing ramps up rather quickly

Fans of classic Naruto would love 2007's Naruto: Rise of a Ninja – a title that serves as a hallmark title for pre-Shippuden days. After all, the Xbox 360 title explores the first 80 episodes of the series in a fully-open Konoha.

Moreover, the main storyline comes with cutscenes interspersed with actual footage from the anime. Additionally, the game slowly teaches players everything Naruto learns in the original story - from using chakra to walk on walls and water (that also opens up the environment) to learning powerful Jutsu they can use in fights. Fans with the Xbox 360 should try this title, as it's one of the first Naruto games to fully realize an open-world environment.

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Notable for: An open-world Konoha is quite an interesting place to explore, especially how it’s been depicted as a lively environment to live in. The component of seeing civilians firsthand and being able to jump around a huge ninja village makes the stakes much higher by the time the likes of Orochimaru have posed a threat to the village.

5 Ultimate Ninja 5

Ultimate Ninja 5
  • Available for: PS2

PROS

CONS

  • Story-accurate take on the first few Naruto Shippuden arcs can appeal to lore fans
  • Beat-em-up mechanics become quite appealing with more colorful PS2 visuals
  • 3D environments reused from Ultimate Ninja 4 are devoid of life, making them bland
  • Lack of certain combat features makes it seem clunky

Fans of PSP's Ultimate Ninja Heroes series would feel right at home with the PS2's Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 5. Due to its ties with the Shippuden anime, the game's story follows eight chapters related to the Kazekage Retrieval Arc and the reunion with Orochimaru and Sasuke. Interestingly, the game also features most characters with their Naruto and Shippuden costumes as well as alternate modes that grant new abilities. Moreover, the game introduces Assist Characters which players can call for aid for extra damage or powerful linked attacks.

This title easily becomes a must-play for fans who want a portable Naruto game that packs a lot of content and features. Moreover, it's one of the last 2.5D Naruto fighting games prior to its transition to full-blown 3D fights.

Notable for: Although similar to Ultimate Ninja Heroes in the context that it’s a 2.5D title, Ultimate Ninja 5 excels in how it demonstrates the potential of Shippuden-level characters in this kind of setup. Lacking as it may be in flashier attacks in more open environments, the more confined spaces of the 2.5D landscape make the game feel more tactical and have higher stakes.

4 Shinobi Striker

Shinobi Striker
  • Available for: PS4, Xbox One, PC

PROS

CONS

  • Creating one’s own character is a dream come true for Naruto fans
  • Fully open environments can simulate the feeling of matches in the anime
  • Streamlined controls allow players to get creative in combat
  • Balancing issues can hurt the overall appeal of the game’s combat
  • Straightforward combat mechanics may not appeal to fighting game fans

Fans of Naruto will finally get their personalized Konoha experience with Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. In this 2018 title, fans can explore the first few arcs of the Boruto anime – this time with a fully customized avatar. Moreover, the game now features the cast of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which includes Boruto Uzumaki (Naruto's son) and his friends.

Interestingly, the game boasts a fairly open environment where players can embark on various quests. Moreover, multiplayer matches come in various modes. Additionally, player avatars can possess unique abilities – some of which are signature moves from the original cast. Unfortunately, a lot of gamers don't appreciate Shinobi Striker for its repetitive gameplay and lackluster combat mechanics.

Notable for: Immense customization is the name of the game for Shinobi Striker, allowing players to finally be able to meet, team up, and even fight some of the most popular members of the cast. The open-world setting and the vast environments give players a lot of room to experiment with their newfound abilities, making the game quite engaging.

3 Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
  • Available for: PS3, Xbox 360

PROS

CONS

  • Standalone chapters serve as “bridges” to more prominent storylines, making the overarching Story Mode feel more consistent
  • Balancing changes (a Substitution meter, Awakening Mode) make fights more challenging for players
  • Simplified gameplay can invite both button-mashers and fighting game enthusiasts
  • Straightforward but easy controls leave much to be desired for fighting game fans
  • Lack of a hub world could make players miss being able to explore small sections of Konoha

Fans looking for the ultimate Ultimate Ninja Storm experience would appreciate Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations for the PS3 and Xbox 360. This 2012 title retains the new 3D-based fights of the original Ninja Storm title. However, this game cranks everything up to 11 thanks to its fast-paced battles and stories fully covering the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime.

Moreover, fans would love Generations for its high-octane action. For instance, the game now features attack cancels, vertical mid-air dodges, and other cancellations to further diversify the game's approach to combat. Additionally, Generations uses Naruto's original story to branch out into other side stories. In turn, Generations gleams insights into other characters such as Itachi Uchiha and Minato Namikaze's lives.

Notable for: This serves as a more “complete” Naruto experience in the context of the story, especially since it begins anew with Naruto’s childhood until the middle arc of Naruto Shippuden. This story route, alongside new attack additions such as cancellations and the like, can make players feel more engaged in the adventures of Naruto and his friends.

2 Ultimate Ninja Storm 3

Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
  • Available for: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, PC, Xbox 360

PROS

CONS

  • Jumping from one battle to the next as different characters leaves little room for players to get bored
  • Legend and Hero paths offer exclusive cutscenes, incentivizing at least two playthroughs
  • Lack of challenging fights may make the game lose its charm for fighting game fans
  • Non-canon ending may be put to scrutiny by hardcore fans
  • Limited Story Mode exploration can make cutscenes a bit boring

Fans looking for a more modern experience would appreciate Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. This 2013 entry fully realizes the potential of modern systems, thanks to its availability for the PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, and even the Switch. Interestingly, the game now features a story featuring the Five Kage Summit that leads into the climactic Fourth Shinobi World War. Moreover, fans would appreciate the ability to "deviate" from the course of events with certain decisions throughout the game's story.

However, what makes this game a must-try is its "evolved" combat system. For instance, the game boasts a more controller-friendly and responsive approach to combos, dodges, and flips. Moreover, the game adds a ring-out system in addition to improvements with its Team Attack System and various support character options.

Notable for: Players a bit overwhelmed with the number of players in Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 can find themselves a bit more comfortable with Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. While the game contains a lot of the major mechanics in the recent titles, it stands out for its rather more simplistic approach to gameplay, which in a way also gives players a lot of creative freedom with their combos and attack strategies.

1 Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
  • Available for: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

PROS

CONS

  • Easy Active/Support character subs pave the way for extremely fast-paced combat
  • Adventure Mode explores scenarios earlier in the series, appealing to nostalgia
  • Enemy AI doesn’t offer as much challenge
  • Storytelling is a mix between slideshows and cutscenes, making visuals seem rather inconsistent

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 serves as the pinnacle of Naruto games. This fully 3D title fully realizes the climactic Fourth Shinobi World War in game form. Moreover, the game has over 100 playable characters. In turn, players can go bananas constructing the best three-man team for their battles. In terms of story, the game tackles both Naruto's and Sasuke's perspectives that lead up to their eventual team-up near the manga's conclusion.

Additionally, the title boasts new and improved features to make its battles more dynamic. For instance, battles can take place on walls, and characters can tap into Ultimate Jutsu and Awakening modes to dish out powerful attacks. Moreover, players can switch characters to further diversify battles. Lastly, the game one-ups other games' aesthetics with destructible battlefields and even damaged clothing.

Notable for: Perhaps the most versatile of all Ultimate Ninja Storm entries, it’s Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 that has the most diverse and expansive set of characters. Carrying over younger versions of the characters across the franchise, UNS4 is a culmination of the series that allows players to go crazy with their team-building.

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