Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations – Review for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3
Namco and CyberConnect2 sure know how to pack a ton of excellent gameplay features and truly satisfying experience in a small package. Their latest release Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is nothing short of brilliant.
As an anime, a manga and as a video game, Naruto is often misunderstood. Frequently and unfairly dismissed as some sort of modern Dragon Ball Z full of nonsensical battles and ridiculous characters, too many assume this franchise is best left for the kids
like so many other anime shows.
As any of us who follow this epic saga know, that blind assumption is a mistake. The series, though certainly colourful on the surface, has a very strong, effective and emotional core layered with complexity and depth if you are willing to look for that.
In many ways, the same can be said about the latest game in the Naruto Ultimate Ninja series. Despite being very much a casual and colourful fighting game, Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Generations packs a ton into a small space. This game is definitely
not something to be underestimated!
Presentation
Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations breaks down most of the lengthy Naruto saga into distinct character-based threads. These individual story lines focus on certain characters and how these characters specifically interact with Naruto and his friend/rival/enemy
Sasuke Uchiha.
Playing through each narrative thread adds layers to paint a greater picture and by the time the entire single player experience is complete, a shocking moving picture is painted, one that even the manga and anime sometimes lack.
The Ninja Storm series has long been appreciated for its ability to create a near-perfect three dimensional (3D) realisation of a lively two dimensional world. The latest title in the franchise is no different. The characters, their worlds and their highly
stylised moves are all captured brilliantly and look like they were ripped straight out of their anime counterpart.
The game is also packed with a ton of content, including 70+ characters and usual assortment of modes, including tournament, survival and the ability to battle online.
Gameplay
The Ninja Storm series focuses on simple gameplay that is accessible yet addictive. The game streamlines combat functionality to very basic button commands. Despite being a fighting game, you will not need much to execute the game’s most boldest moves, which
is both a good thing and a bad thing. However, the series does not suffer for it significantly.
Generations adds a couple of significant twists to the former substitute gauge and the awakening ability. Both are reasonable ideas, forcing people to rethink previously available strategies. Substitutions will now play a different role as the players would
be forced to retreat if they want to have the powerful instant dodging ability available to them. Awakening allows players on the brink of defeat to surge back more powerful than ever.
While simplicity is not really a bad thing, the game could have used some additional options for players. The technically featuring over 70 playable characters, the roster is full of characters that are simple variations of each other. A different move here
or a slightly different costume there is all what you get to choose from. Many battles become a bit repetitive when the same ninjutsu is being executed every few seconds in a battle.
Verdict
Accounting for the double-edged sword of simplistic gameplay, Ninja Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is a great casual fighting game, one that still has a decent amount of depth packed into it. The game also does the Naruto franchise justice,
even more than the anime and manga sometimes through some incredible story telling. Tossing a ton of playable characters and a full assortment of online modes and options and you get one of the most complete Naruto games yet.
We give the game 9 out of 10, recommending it strongly to the fans of the franchise.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer’s and do not reflect bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
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