Ask any anime fan what they’d imagine when they hear “ninja” and it’s likely going to be Naruto. In fact, the orange-clad protagonist of the Naruto franchise created quite the indelible mark in both anime and mainstream media. Aside from the meme-worthy “Naruto run” and the series’ impressive storyline, fans also remember Naruto for its slate of action-packed games.
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 March 4th, 2021 by Rhenn Taguiam: With recent happenings in the Boruto manga changing the status quo of the Naruto universe, it may help to look into more of the best and worst franchise games that players should pay attention to. Naruto has a long history in the gaming industry, one that covers multiple genres and long-running series. While certain titles rank among the best anime games of all time, others leave a lot to be desired.
16 Best: Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage
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. 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.
15 Worst: Ninja Village Jintori Battle
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.
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 Best: Jump Force
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.
13 Worst: Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising
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. 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. 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.
12 Best: Ultimate Ninja Storm
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.
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.
11 Worst: Naruto: Path Of The Ninja
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 from 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.
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.
10 Best: Rise Of A Ninja
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.
9 Worst: Ultimate Ninja Impact
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 face 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.
8 Best: Ultimate Ninja 5
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.
7 Worst: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2
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.
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.
6 Best: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
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.
5 Worst: Dragon Blade Chronicles
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.
4 Best: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3
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.
3 Worst: Shippudden 3D: The New Era
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.
2 Best: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
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.
1 Worst: Shinobi Striker
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.
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