Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Review

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Namco/Bandai Games
CyberConnect2
Naruto

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is a 3D fighting game from CyberConnect2 who have been developing titles in the Ultimate Ninja series, based on the long running anime series Naruto, since 2002. Their latest entry in the series, as the name suggests, brings together multiple eras of the shows storyline. This can be seen most evidently in the games character roster which brings together fan favourite characters from throughout the shows vast timeline to do battle in this chaotic 3D fighter.

There is an extensive character roster to choose from with characters appearing from all corners of the Naruto universe. There are 72 playable characters in total and although some are duplicated, with multiple versions of Naruto, Sasuke and such representing their different ages and abilities going through the timeline, there is a healthy selection and most fans will be able to fight as their favourites. Most of the games characters are locked away at the start of the game and need to be unlocked by playing through the story mode.

The games story mode is broken down into several separate stories following some of the series' prominent characters, although each of them revolve around their connection with Naruto Uzamaki rather than their own back stories. It is essentially an arcade mode with cut-scenes as you fight one enemy after another to progress though each characters story line. Each opponent you fight is stronger than the last and it can get extremely tough. Even at times it can feel slightly unfair as your opponents receive stat boosts that weigh the odds against you. The fights are separated by anime sequences, including over an hour of brand new anime scenes made by Studio Pierrot, the creators of the Naruto anime series, exclusively for the game. These animated sections are done really well by accurately portraying the series and setting up each battle nicely.

The cell shaded graphics are stunning. Not only do they look absolutely fantastic, but they do a great job of accurately recreating the 2D artwork from the show in 3D by doing it in such a way that really fills the characters and environments with life. On top of that the animations are brilliant, from the over the top special moves down to the characters running around the arena, everything feels silky smooth and dynamic which really draws you into the action.

There is a whole load of content to be unlocked and you will need to spend a lot of time in story mode in order to gain access to the complete roster of fighters. On top of that there is an almost endless amount of stuff such as new ninja tools and picture sets to be bought in the games shop with the currency earned after each fight.

Aside from story mode there are a few other modes to keep you busy like survival mode and tournament mode. In survival mode there are a number of themed challenges which are separated into different ranks. These challenges see you fight multiple opponents in succession without your health bar being fully refilled between fights. They can be very challenging and get progressively harder as you work your way through the ranks. Tournament mode is similar in that there are a number of themed tournaments to compete in and they are separated into different ranks, however there is a break between each fight in which your health is restored. These modes are a lot of fun to play through and there are lot's of survival and tournament challenges to keep you busy.

The fighting system in Generations is driven by the substitutions technique. This is a dodge maneuver which will teleport you out of harms way and place you directly behind your opponent. A gauge limits the amount of substitutions you can use and most of the time the one whose gauge is emptied first is in trouble. Because of this there is an emphasis on charging in and beating down your opponent. As you exchange hits and substitutions it doesn't leave much room for a variety in battle tactics. This isn't helped by the fact that most of the games roster of characters play almost exactly the same with the only difference between them being the animations for their different moves.

The games one on one battles are fought in expansive 3D arenas with wide open spaces and the freedom to move throughout. You'll use all of the space available whilst dodging your opponents attacks or sending them flying with one of your own, however the arenas are quite simple and plain. There are a good number of arenas to chose from but they are all essentially empty circles with nice backgrounds and it would have been nice to see more done in that department.

Very basic button commands are used to pull of the different moves and combos. There is one close range attack button, one button for long range attacks, one button to jump and one button that charges your chakra(energy). This also includes a few buttons for blocking, using the substitution technique and bringing out support characters. Looking at the command list wont be as daunting to new players as in some other fighting games as combos are performed not through complex button combinations but by repeatedly pressing the one attack button in conjunction with the analog stick. In addition to the standard level attacks, you can perform Jutsu, which are basically powerful special attacks by charging your chakra. Also when your health is heavily depleted you can take your character in to awakening mode which will temporarily boost your power and give you access to more powerful special Jutsu.

The simplicity of the battle system is both a strength and a weakness for Generations, it's simple style makes it easier for casual fans to pick up the game and enjoy playing as their favourite characters. While Naruto fans will have a blast with this game, it's simplistic nature may turn other players away. I did have fun playing this title and you don't necessarily have to be a die hard Naruto fan to enjoy it, but with a bit more depth this might have become a great title for everyone rather than a great title for Naruto fans.

Score: 7.5/10