21.7 hours played
Written 19 days ago
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4, developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is a visually explosive and emotionally satisfying culmination of the long-running Naruto fighting game series. Released in 2016, this entry marks the final installment in the Ultimate Ninja STORM saga, adapting the dramatic conclusion of the Naruto Shippuden anime and manga with style, polish, and a deep love for the source material. It is a bold, cinematic experience that expertly balances flashy, over-the-top battles with heartfelt storytelling, making it both a tribute to long-time fans and an impressive standalone fighting game.
From a gameplay perspective, STORM 4 continues the franchise’s tradition of fast-paced, arena-based 3D combat. Players choose a team of up to three characters and fight in large, open arenas that allow for free movement, mid-air juggles, and chakra-powered techniques. The game’s core mechanics—combos, substitutions, chakra management, and ninjutsu—are easy to grasp but offer layers of depth for competitive play. New to STORM 4 is the ability to switch characters mid-battle, adding a welcome layer of strategy to team composition and opening up combo possibilities that make battles more fluid and dynamic. The responsiveness of controls, combined with the spectacle of visual effects, makes every skirmish feel like a scene pulled directly from the anime.
One of the game’s biggest strengths lies in its narrative mode, which covers the final arcs of the Naruto Shippuden story—including the Fourth Great Ninja War, the climactic confrontations with Madara Uchiha and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, and the final, emotional showdown between Naruto and Sasuke. CyberConnect2’s cinematic presentation is unparalleled, with jaw-dropping cutscenes, meticulously recreated battles, and dramatic quick-time events that enhance rather than interrupt the flow of the story. These sequences blur the line between anime and game, offering a level of immersion that makes even familiar plotlines feel powerful and immediate.
In terms of visuals, STORM 4 is a technical marvel within its genre. The game uses a highly stylized cel-shaded art style that mirrors the anime's look with uncanny precision. Character models are detailed and expressive, while effects like elemental jutsus, explosions, and transformation sequences are rendered with vibrant flair. The fluidity of animation during battles and cutscenes is stunning, capturing the kinetic energy and bombast that defines the series. Whether you're performing a simple combo or summoning a massive tailed beast, every move feels impactful and visually satisfying.
Content-wise, STORM 4 is generous. The roster includes over 100 characters, featuring multiple versions of key fighters across different timelines, as well as DLC characters from The Last: Naruto the Movie and Boruto. Each character has distinct fighting styles, ultimate jutsus, and interactions, which provides excellent replay value and a wealth of matchups to explore. The Adventure Mode, which takes place after the main story, offers a more relaxed experience with side missions, item collection, and fanservice-filled character interactions. There’s also an online mode with ranked matches, tournaments, and casual lobbies, although its competitiveness is limited by occasional connectivity issues and a community more focused on casual fun than hardcore eSports.
Despite all its strengths, STORM 4 has a few notable drawbacks. The camera, while serviceable in most situations, can occasionally be unwieldy during large-scale battles or when fighting near stage edges. The balance between characters is not always perfect—some fighters clearly have superior move sets or unfair range advantages—though this is not uncommon in large-roster anime fighters. Additionally, while the quick-time events are visually engaging, they can sometimes interrupt the flow of gameplay or feel repetitive on replays. Finally, the story mode assumes a degree of familiarity with the Naruto narrative, making it less accessible for complete newcomers who haven’t followed the series.
The game’s soundtrack and voice acting, however, further reinforce its quality. Featuring both Japanese and English voice tracks, the performances are faithful to the anime, adding weight to key moments. The original score, mixed with tracks from the anime, maintains the emotional and dramatic tone throughout, from quieter story scenes to epic boss battles.
In conclusion, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 is a thrilling, high-energy celebration of the Naruto franchise that excels in delivering cinematic storytelling and engaging, visually explosive combat. Its combination of an expansive character roster, faithful adaptation of key story arcs, and polished gameplay mechanics makes it a must-play for fans of the series and a standout anime fighter in its own right. Though it has some minor blemishes in terms of balance and camera control, the overall experience is an unforgettable ride through the conclusion of one of anime’s most iconic sagas. Whether you’re reliving Naruto’s journey or diving into the battlefield for chaotic ninja duels, STORM 4 delivers a powerful finale packed with heart, action, and nostalgia.
Rating: 9/10
