Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 arrives on PS3, PC and X360 with a simple promise: faster combat, bigger moves, and the final arc of the anime series. The game delivers on all three, though not without rough edges that keep it from greatness.
The game covers the Fourth Shinobi World War storyline, moving through key battles and moments from the war. This framing gives the game a sense of purpose that earlier entries lacked.
Combat in Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is faster than ever. Moves chain together with fewer pauses between hits, and the game rewards players who string attacks into combos. The system remains easy to learn but hard to master, with timing windows that punish careless button presses.
The game’s biggest addition is the “Buster” attack. These moves let players unleash large-scale effects that hit multiple enemies at once, adding spectacle to the action. They are satisfying to use, even if they occasionally break the flow of a fight.
Presentation is strong across all platforms. The game looks sharp on PS3 and X360, with detailed character models and smooth animation. PC players get a version that shares the same content as the console editions. Music matches the energy of the fights, drawing on the anime’s licensed soundtrack.
Control issues are the game’s biggest stumbling block. Some moves require precise timing that the game does not clearly communicate, leading to frustration when a combo falls apart. Enemy AI can also feel inconsistent, sometimes reacting slowly to attacks and other times retaliating too quickly.
The story mode is the strongest part of the package. It tells the war’s tale with strong pacing and emotional beats that match the source material. Side content adds replay value, though it does not match the main campaign’s quality.
Online multiplayer lets players face off against each other. It is a solid addition, though it does not change the core combat formula. Local play supports matches, giving players more ways to enjoy the roster.
What works:
- Buster attacks add spectacle to big fights
- Story mode follows the war’s arc faithfully
- Animation and presentation are polished
- Music matches the energy of the action
What falls short:
- Controls lack clear communication for combos
- Enemy AI feels inconsistent
- Multiplayer adds variety but not depth
- Side content trails the main campaign
The game’s biggest flaw is its own ambition.
That line captures the tension at the heart of Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. It wants to be the biggest, boldest entry in the series while holding onto a combat system that cannot quite support it. The result is a game that is often thrilling and occasionally frustrating.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is a worthy conclusion to the series’ fighting games. Its combat is faster, its moves are bigger, and its story delivers on the anime’s final arc. Control issues and inconsistent enemy AI hold it back, but the best moments justify the effort.
Trailer, via GameSpot.
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