Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 lands on PS4, PC and Xbox One as the biggest entry yet in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, and it mostly earns that reputation. The game packs the entire Naruto Shippuden saga into a single package, complete with a new story arc and a roster that spans nearly every major character in the series. It is a technical showcase for the genre, full of flashy moves and massive crowd-clearing combos. But beneath the spectacle, the fighting itself is only occasionally deep, and the game’s ambitions sometimes outpace its execution.
Trailer, via IGDBcom.
Story Mode
The story mode is the heart of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, and it is the strongest reason to play. The game tells the events of the Fourth Shinobi World War, the final arc of the anime, with a new framing device that adds context to the battle. It is a dense, sprawling narrative that jumps between multiple fronts and perspectives, and the writing leans heavily on the emotional beats fans expect from the series.
The pacing is uneven. Some chapters move quickly, packing in major battles and plot twists, while others drag through quiet character scenes that feel like filler. The voice acting is strong across the board, with veteran Japanese talent delivering lines with genuine weight. The cutscenes are rendered in high detail, with expressive animations and a cinematic score that matches the tone.
The story mode also includes a new prologue chapter that retells key moments from earlier in the series, giving newcomers a chance to catch up without starting over. This is a smart design choice, though it means some scenes are retold twice, which can be repetitive for longtime fans.
Combat System
The combat system in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is built around chaining combos and special moves together, and it rewards players who learn the timing and spacing. Combos are easy to start but hard to master, and the game encourages players to experiment with different characters and techniques. Each fighter has a unique set of moves, and switching between them mid-combo is a central mechanic.
The fighting feels fast and fluid when everything clicks. Moves cancel into each other smoothly, and the game responds well to input, which helps keep the action from feeling sluggish. However, the system has a few rough edges. Some moves have awkward hitboxes that make it difficult to land attacks consistently, and the game’s difficulty spikes in later stages, where enemies punish mistakes harshly.
The game also introduces a new mechanic called the “Fifth Power,” which allows players to call on a powerful ally during a fight. This adds a layer of strategy, since players need to manage their partner’s health and positioning. It is a clever addition, but it can also break immersion when a summoned ally arrives mid-battle and changes the flow of the fight.
Character Roster
The roster in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is massive, with hundreds of characters available across the game’s modes. That is a strength and a weakness at once. Having so many characters means there is always someone new to try, but it also means the game can feel overwhelming to newcomers, who might struggle to find a favorite among so many options.
Each character has a distinct playstyle, with some fighters focused on:
- Speed and agility
- Brute force
- Long-range attacks
The game’s tutorial does a good job of explaining the basics, but it does not cover every character’s unique abilities, which can leave players guessing about what works best. The roster also includes fan-favorite characters from side stories and spinoffs, which adds depth but also makes the game harder to recommend to players who only know the main series.
Presentation
The presentation in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is where the game shines brightest. The graphics are sharp and detailed, with character models that capture the distinctive styles of the anime. The environments are varied, ranging from lush forests to ruined cities, and the lighting effects add a sense of scale to the battles. The game runs at a smooth frame rate on PS4 and PC, though Xbox One owners may experience occasional dips in performance during busy scenes.
The audio design is also strong, with a score that shifts between dramatic orchestral pieces and quieter, reflective tracks. The sound effects are punchy, and the voice acting carries the emotional weight of the story. The game’s menus are clean and easy to navigate, though they can be slow to load on console versions.
Multiplayer
The multiplayer modes in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 offer a different way to enjoy the game. The online mode lets players face off against each other in ranked matches, while the arena mode allows for free-for-all battles. These modes are fun for a while, but they lack the depth of the story mode, and the matchmaking system can be finicky, leading to long waits between matches.
The game also includes a training mode for players who want to practice combos and techniques. This is a useful tool, but it is limited in scope, offering only basic drills rather than comprehensive tutorials.
Performance
Performance is a mixed bag in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. On PC, the game runs at a steady frame rate and offers a range of visual settings, making it easy to adjust for weaker hardware. On PS4, the game performs well in most situations, though busy scenes can cause frame drops. Xbox One is the weakest platform, with more noticeable performance issues during large-scale battles.
The loading times are generally quick, which is a relief given the size of the game. The game also includes a robust save system that lets players pick up where they left off, which is a convenience that older entries in the series lacked.
Final Word
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a solid, if uneven, entry in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. Its story mode is the best the series has offered, and its presentation is a technical highlight. But the combat system is only occasionally deep, and the sheer size of the roster can be overwhelming. For longtime fans, the game delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Naruto Shippuden saga. For newcomers, the learning curve is steep, and the game’s focus on spectacle over substance may be off-putting.
The game is at its best when it is telling a story, and at its worst when it is asking players to master a complex combo system. It is a game that rewards patience and dedication, but it is not a game that everyone will enjoy.
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