Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
A cel-shaded fighting game based on the Naruto series.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is a 2008 fighting game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Games, based on the Naruto manga and anime. It was the first installment in the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm series and was later remastered as part of the series Trilogy in 2017, with a mobile release in 2024.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- CyberConnect2
- Publisher
- Namco Bandai Games
- Series
- Naruto: Ultimate Ninja
- Composer
- Chikayo Fukuda; Yasunori Ebina
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation 4
- Windows
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- Android
- iOS
- macOS
- tvOS
- Genre
- Fighting
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game shifts from the two-dimensional planes of earlier Ultimate Ninja titles to three-dimensional environments. A new feature is Awakening Mode, a transformation triggered when a player loses a certain amount of health; the health requirement varies per character. Once activated, the character gains new abilities, speed, and stronger attacks, with some characters receiving entirely new movesets. Players can use preset items via the d-pad to damage opponents or apply status effects, and can customize their character's jutsu and select two support characters. The jutsu clash mode returns: if both players activate a special attack simultaneously, they must press the corresponding button as fast as possible to knock the opponent away. Each character has an ultimate jutsu; if it lands, both players compete in button commands, mashing, or spinning the analogue stick. If the attacker wins, the ultimate hits, removing roughly a third to a full health bar; if the defender wins, they escape with minor damage. Each character also has an ultimate impact: holding the melee button charges a powerful strike that, on hit, zooms in on the opponent's face for a cinematic close-up. The game includes 25 playable characters, each usable as a support character. Ten additional support-only characters were released as free downloadable content over five months, along with alternative costumes and new missions.
Development
The game was first unveiled in September 2007 under the code name Naruto PS3 Project. Namco Bandai asked fans to suggest a one- or two-word suffix for the title, which was officially named Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm in April 2008. Fans also chose the final front cover from six options. The game uses cel-shaded graphics intended to blur the line between anime and gameplay. Hiroshi Matsuyama stated the staff aimed to make scenes appear as anime rather than a game. The core concept is one-on-one battle, and the storyline covers key areas from the first to the 135th episode of the anime. A playable demo featuring Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake on one stage was released on the PlayStation Network on July 17, 2008. The North American release date was confirmed in a trailer at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show.
Releases
Fans who pre-ordered the game from certain stores got a special limited edition. This package came with a steel book case featuring a unique art slip cover, two cards for the Naruto collectible card game, a soundtrack CD, and a numbered Laser Cel showing Naruto and Sasuke. The game first launched in North America on November 4, 2008, followed by Europe on November 7, 2008, and Australia on November 20, 2008. Japan saw its release on January 15, 2009. A remastered version was later included in the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on August 25, 2017, and for Nintendo Switch on April 26, 2018. A mobile version arrived on September 24, 2024.
Reception
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm received generally positive reviews on Metacritic. IGN rated it 8.4 out of 10, praising its visuals and variety of activities between missions, while noting the single-button combat might deter hardcore gamers but found the fast-paced action and chakra management redeeming. GameSpot gave it 7.5 out of 10, calling it neither bad nor great. 1UP.com awarded a B−, praising the graphics but noting issues with some game systems. As of July 2009, 83,868 units sold in Japan. It won the Excellence Prize in the Entertainment Division of the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival. By 2016, sales exceeded two million copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm available on?
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm was released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS and tvOS.
Who composed the music for Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm?
The music for Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm was composed by Chikayo Fukuda and Yasunori Ebina.
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