Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 review

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 review (1)

Given the quality of most modern adaptations, it’s easy to forget that most games based on manga and anime were routinely horrible. From the eight-year localization cycle delay faced by the lackluster Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22, Zatch Bell! Mamodo Fury’s monotonous fighting, and the depressing misfire known as Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire, many games failed to capture the spirit of their source material- disappointing legions of animation aficionados.

But that abruptly changed when CyberConnect2, fresh from making their faux-MMORPG, .hack, tackled Naruto, offering a respectable rendition of Masashi Kishimoto’s long-running manga. Not only did the succession of PlayStation 2-era titles recreate each character’s signature jutsu, but they were also surprisingly engaging fighters, putting participants in conflicts that aped the aesthetics of the anime. I still remember marveling at Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3, as the game had the original Japanese voice-overs and permitted players to explore a three-dimensional reproduction of Hidden Leaf Village. For anyone with even a passing knowledge of the property, Ultimate Ninja proved to be the Hokage of interactive adaptations, bolstered by a capable combination of combat and Naruto lore.

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One decade and fifteen follow-ups later, CyberConnect2 is still leading the charge. Although manga and anime-based games might have improved over the last ten years, the Fukuoka-based team remains at the forefront, delivering a visual spectacle that captures the look of Studio Pierrot’s hit series. And while hardcore purists might still scoff at Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4’s straightforward mechanics and abundance of quick-time events, both of these constituents allow the game’s target audience to summon screen-filling, retina-searing ultimate jutsu.

An obvious starting point into Ultimate Ninja Storm 4’s collection of content is the Story Campaign, which offers a twelve-hour trek through Shippuden’s concluding story arcs. Given the protracted accumulation of characters and conflicts, it would be impossible for the title to provide an unabridged overview of Naruto history. Instead, the title picks up after the events of the last game, plunging players into the fourth Great Ninja War, where the Allied Shinobi Forces battle Akatsuki. Luckily, if you’re not quite up to speed on the epic storyline, Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 provides enough flashbacks to provide context- which is imperative given the poignancy of the narrative’s finale. As such, those new to Kishimoto-san’s output would be better off tracking down the previous franchise titles.

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In execution, story mode strives for variety, mixing animated cut-scenes with static stills, more conventional fights with at least a dozen epic boss battles- and even the unexpected on-rails shooting sequence where players can take control of characters like Susanoo. Although the Story shirks the light role-playing approach used by previous titles, it also circumvents linearity. Often during the course of events, there are branching paths that not only provide two means of progress, but also extend parallel conflicts occurring across the Ninja World. For gamers with limited amount of recreational time, Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 even gives a conservative estimate how long it will take to complete each stage. Save for the tendency for AI to stay out of reach while peppering opponents with ranged attacks, this is one considerate ninja.

Beyond Story mode, players can also take on missions in Adventure Mode- in a context that’s set after the events of the main story. Naturally, the errands almost always end in showdown, which would have made the Adventure seem superfluous if it wasn’t for the recreation of classic fights and the ability to visit many of the work’s principal locations. Beyond this, Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 also extends the traditional venues, with tournament, versus, free-play, survival and practice mode vying for your recreational time. As there’s not even a digital manual, the latter is the best way to brush up on your jutsu.

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Although combat draws on the mechanics established by previous entry, there are enough additions here to make Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 feel distinct. The Leader system allows players to make the most of the game’s massive roster, allowing for the creation of three character teams where you can switch between combatants. Accessed with a flick of the right analog stick and regulated by a meter, the change allows show nuance to showdowns.  Now, when you feel that an opponent is getting the upper hand with a speedy fighter, you can swap out your heavy hitter for a nimbler ninja. Being able to run up walls seem like a minor modification, but it’s just another tool to keep rivals from predicting your next move.

Quick Time Events are often contentious, with the believe that they reduce interaction to minimum levels. Here, they permit Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 to showcase massive amount of visual spectacle without the type of finger-contorting, reflex-based demands of most fighters. Given, the source material and the quality of the eye-candy, it’s a fair trade-off, and most players will be accepting of the compromise.  To help sweeten the deal, the title Interactive Actions (IA), rate the speed and accuracy of your button presses. React quickly and you’ll earn stars which are used toward unlockables.

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As the fourth and final game in the series, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a near-requisite purchase for fans of the manga and anime. Echoing the sentiment of the concluding story arc, the game is a fitting send-off- offering an appropriately epic storyline and a massive compendium of fighters that help recreate many of the memorable battles of the source material. While the actual fighting might be a bit simple, it’s geared toward a fan-base that would most likely devote their time to watching and reading rather than rehearsing quarter-circles.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 was played on
the PlayStation 4 with review code provided by the publisher.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Platform: 
PlayStation 4 (reviewed), Xbox One, PC
Developer:
CyberConnect2
Publisher:
 Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release date: 
February 4th, 2015
Price: 
$59.99 console versions, $49.99 PC
ESRB: Teen
Languages: English and Japanese voice acting

Given the quality of most modern adaptations, it’s easy to forget that most games based on manga and anime were routinely horrible. From the eight-year localization cycle delay faced by the lackluster Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22, Zatch Bell! Mamodo Fury’s monotonous fighting, and the depressing misfire known as Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire, many games failed to capture the spirit of their source material- disappointing legions of animation aficionados. But that abruptly changed when CyberConnect2, fresh from making their faux-MMORPG, .hack, tackled Naruto, offering a respectable rendition of Masashi Kishimoto’s long-running manga. Not only did the succession of PlayStation…

Review Overview

Gameplay - 80%
Control - 75%
Aesthetics - 100%
Content - 95%
Accessibility - 55%

81%

VERY GOOD

Summary : CyberConnect2’s series has always been one of the best licensed games around, with its accessible play and dazzling delivery. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 for the PlayStation 4 ups the ante, advancing a game no Naruto fan will want to miss.

User Rating: 3.54 ( 8 votes)

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

29 comments

  1. I’ve been wanting to get back into Naruto. It’s what got me into anime. I’ll fallen out with all the fan service and just want good stories.

  2. Much better than the IGNorant review than gave the game a 5.5. They gave broken SF a 8 which means they have no credibility as a site anymore.

    • I’m amazing that IGN is still around. No one I know read them anymore. Funny thing was during the PlayStation era the site was godly.

    • I hate when a site has a reviewer that doesn’t know anything about the source material. IGN does that way too often now.

  3. I bought the game two weeks ago. It’s good, really polished and fun as hell. Well worth for any Naruto fan.

    The thing that bugs me are the still images. Why the decided to show a picture for some really emotional, important scenes instead of animation is beyond me. Kind of ruins the impact.

  4. Dont go full Narutard, Robert. Never go full Narutard.

    • I think its too late for that, the guy likes anything Japanese. Full Weeaboo.

      • I guess it’s not cool to enjoy Naruto or even anime now? I’ve never felt any pressure to appreciate what’s the latest “in” thing or felt any shame in liking “uncool” things, so something must be wrong with me. 😉

        As for Japanese games- I’m sorry, but I don’t like them all. For one, I want to like the bulk of Kojima’s work, but find him a little too long-winded. I’m sure there are great experiences to be had, but getting past some of the long-winded conversations or philological ramblings can be difficult for me. Perhaps if Kojima-san would start In medias res, I could appreciate it more.

        As for other Japanese games I’ve been indifferent toward or even disliked, can I point you toward this review: https://www.tech-gaming.com/producing-perfection-review/

        Crimson Dragon is another that came to mind. I’d grateful I didn’t review that.

        • It’s OK, Robert. All the “hip” kids like to hate on anime now. Most of them are just too resistant to liking something from another country.

          Your loss, close minded people.

        • I feel the same, there’s this notion that like if you don’t like Kojima-san, there’s something wrong with you. So I keep quiet about it.

        • Spoken like a true Naruto-loving weeb.

        • Never really liked MGS either. Seemed as if the games just got overhyped.

        • I totally agree with you. Kojima makes good games not great ones (but he is getting better).

          I tried to like each MGS games and until 4 is it was a struggle. Not just with the lore and plot but the gameplay was simple.

  5. Good review. Fuck the haters.

  6. I’d like to get the PC version and save $10. How is the port, though?

  7. Good review. Longtime Naruto fan, so I’ll probably end up buying this.

  8. I really need to catch up on the manga. I was reading for a while until work got intense.

  9. So much than the IGN review. Good work. What’s the best version.

  10. Ok, this review is what I expect. Its fair and talks about issues, but also mentions how fun the game is.

  11. Great review. Just been looking around for a sale on the game. I love the UNS games but I usually don’t pay $60 at launch.

  12. I was hoping 5hos weeks BOGO sale at Target would include this. Too bad it’s only UBIcrap.

  13. Good review, Robert. Don’t lets the jerks that don’t like J games get you down. Always like your reviews as you’re not as cynical as most of the big sites.

  14. Stay away from the PC verion. 30 fps cap. Why?

  15. Any true Naruto fan know that the series is the best anime adaptation. UNS 4 raises the bar even more. I’m loving it. The game brings back so many great moments.

  16. That’s typical for Bandai-Namco games and Koei-Tecmo, too.

    I’m glad to see Japanese developers supporting PC, but not when it’s a weaker version.

  17. Naruto got me into anime so whenever I see a new game it’s really hard to resist buying.

    Good review.

  18. Any good deals on it?