«Legendary ninjas gather in the next exciting installment of the STORM series!». We’ll see what it’s about.
Story and Gameplay:
For Naruto fans, the Ultimate Ninja Storm series has been a cornerstone of experiencing the world of Konohagakure in video game form. This game promises to be the ultimate culmination of that experience, bringing together the stories and characters of both Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Does it deliver on this ambitious goal? Let’s delve into the hidden scrolls and find out.
Connections offers two primary story modes: Story and Special Story Mode. The first one (Story) aims to condense the expansive narratives of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden into a single, streamlined experience. This mode ignores filler arcs and focuses on key plot points. Fans familiar with the story (and old storm games) will find themselves revisiting iconic moments like the Chunin Exams, Sasuke’s betrayal, and the Fourth Great Ninja War. Our criticism of this mode is that it removes some important battles from past games and transforms others into normal battles, without quick time events, which in our opinion is something that should have been included.
On the other hand, the Special Story mode is simply fantastic, introducing new original characters (like Nanashi and Merz) in a quite interesting plot. The most notable thing about this mode (without spoilers) is the chemistry between some characters and the improved graphics compared to the first story mode. Additionally, many of the fights with quick time events are quite entertaining.
We also have the classic Free Battle mode in which we can fight against CPU or friends, choosing a huge roster, which includes characters from all previous storms and totally new DLCs. In this mode we also have the option to play tournaments, survival, league, practice and even customize our character. Without a doubt, this is a must-have game mode for any fan of the saga (especially if you want to play with friends). Finally we have Online Combat, where we can carry out battles against users from all over the world (competitive, casual or even personalized games, with weekly challenges to meet in exchange for ryos (in-game currency). Without a doubt, a great mode (as always) for those fans of online gaming.
For it´s part, the core gameplay of this game remains familiar to veterans of the series. It’s an arena fighter with a focus on flashy combos, special jutsu attacks, and character-specific ultimate techniques. The combat is fast-paced and visually appealing, with characters replicating their signature moves from the anime with stunning fidelity. Newcomers will find the controls accessible, with a simple button layout for basic attacks, throws, and jutsu activation. For returning players, however, the core gameplay loop might feel a bit stale and redundant. The combat system hasn’t seen significant innovation since previous entries. While there are new characters and jutsu to master, the overall flow of battles remains sadly largely unchanged.
Also, we have the Link System that allows players to tag in a support character during combos. This adds a layer of strategic depth, letting players chain together powerful attacks from different characters. However, the AI for support characters can be inconsistent, sometimes failing to activate their abilities at opportune moments, no matter how many buttons we touch. Finally we have the awakenings, where we will see our favorite characters transform into a more powerful (or definitive) version. This mode is activated by losing a life bar and charging chakra after that.
Graphics and Sound:
One area where this game truly shines is it´s presentation. The game builds upon the same impressive visuals of past entries, bringing the world of Naruto and Boruto to life with vibrant colors and detailed character models. Locations like the Hidden Leaf Village and the Valley of the End are meticulously recreated, capturing the essence of the anime. The cel-shaded art style perfectly complements the source material, making the special jutsu attacks and character expressions pop on screen. The animation during battles is fluid and dynamic, accurately replicating the action-packed fights from the series. What is criticizable is that there is not a great graphical improvement compared to the previous game. It feels more like a recycling of the previous ones with small improvements, sadly.
The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring an energetic blend of rock and traditional Japanese music. The iconic themes from the anime are present, perfectly setting the mood for each encounter. Voice acting remains faithful to the original Japanese cast, ensuring a truly immersive experience for fans.
Conclusions:
NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS is a double-edged sword for Naruto fans. Story Mode offers a streamlined experience for newcomers but feels shallow for veterans, lacking some iconic moments and quick time events. However, the Special Story Mode redeems itself with fresh characters and an engaging plot.
The core gameplay remains familiar and accessible, with flashy combos and character-specific techniques. While new characters and jutsu add variety, the lack of significant innovation in the combat system might disappoint returning players. The Link System offers strategic depth, but inconsistent AI support can be frustrating sometimes.
Like we said, where this game truly shines is it´s presentation. Building on past entries, the game boasts stunning visuals, faithfully recreated locations, and a vibrant cel-shaded art style that brings the Naruto and Boruto worlds to life. The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a perfect blend of rock and traditional Japanese music that complements the action.
In summary, for those seeking a deep story experience, this game might fall short. However, for fans looking for a visually stunning arena fighter with a massive roster, online battles, and a fun Special Story Mode, this game delivers. It’s a solid entry in the series, but not necessarily the ultimate culmination fans might have been expecting.
My Score is 8.0
Hen Games 