RELATED: Pokemon Sword & Shield: Methods To Farm TRs
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 July 10, 2022, by Rhenn Taguiam: With the current Boruto story in 2022 having the enigmatic foes Eida and Code infiltrating Konoha itself, fans of the Naruto franchise may be itching for more updates considering the monthly nature of the series sequel. Thankfully enough, there are more than enough games in the years of the franchise to allow Naruto fans to spend more time with almost all characters of the series - allowing them to experience their full power at their prime and have a better grasp of their capabilities. This is especially when current events in Boruto may force the series’ most competent ninjas to rise up and defend Konoha.
16 Dragon Blade Chronicles
Available for: Nintendo Wii
Interestingly, Naruto actually has a game entry for the Wii. Unlike other titles, Naruto Shippudden: 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 of 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.
15 Ninja Village Jintori Battle
Available for: PS1
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 had 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.
14 Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising
Available for: PSP
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.
13 Naruto: Path Of The Ninja
Available for: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance
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 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.
RELATED: Naruto: The Strongest Jutsu In The Series, Ranked
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.
12 Shippudden 3D: The New Era
Available for: Nintendo 3DS
Fans of the Naruto series might be surprised to try out Naruto Shippudden 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.
11 Ultimate Ninja Impact
Available for: PSP
With Naruto Shippudden: Ultimate Ninja Impact, Naruto fans get a taste of Shippudden 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 all the time 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 Shippudden’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
Available for: PSP
Fans would consider the PSP’s Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 as a dividing title. After all, the game is just 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.
RELATED: Pokemon: Anime-Exclusive Areas We’d Love To See In The Games
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
Available for: Android, iOS
Franchise fans who want to bring the excitement of Naruto to their mobile phones can play Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage for 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 regards to how a single shinobi character is built, making each iteration of a character unique.
8 Jump Force
Available for: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC
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 up 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
Available for: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, PC
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 towards 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
Available for: Xbox 360
Fans of classic Naruto would love 2007’s Naruto: Rise of a Ninja – a title that serves as a hallmark title for pre-Shippudden 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.
RELATED: Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Strangest Video Game Spin-Offs, Ranked
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
Available for: PS2
Fans of PSP’s Ultimate Ninja Heroes series would feel right at home with the PS2’s Naruto Shippudden: Ultimate Ninja 5. Due to its ties with the Shippudden 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 Shippudden 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 Shipudden-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 higher-stakes.
4 Shinobi Striker
Available for: PS4, Xbox One, PC
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 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
Available for: PS3, Xbox 360
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 Shippudden 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
Available for: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, PC, Xbox 360
Fans looking for a more modern experience would appreciate Naruto Shippudden: 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
Available for: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC
As of writing, Naruto Shippudden: 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 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.
MORE: Games To Play While You Wait For Final Fantasy XVI
