What kind of game could one expect from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations? Whoever is coming up with these titles, stop it! Did no one teach the people at Namco Bandai that brevity is the soul of wit? Jokes aside, the game henceforth referred to as Naruto offers as much content as its elaborate name suggests; all in a simplistic but genuine packaging. Whether or not this is good enough is really a matter of taste.

Developer CyberConnect2 has been managing Naruto games since 2003 and is now up to 11 franchise titles released with this one in 9 years. As such, they know how to present the game adequately by now; reusing what works from previous iterations and adjusting new elements. The result is a fluid and accurate depiction of the Naturo universe, complete with genuine voice cast. The cel-shaded outlook combined with very fluent animations and subtly implemented effects like air, debris and hazes make for one strong anime vibe in total. It’s clean and backgrounds are no more than props to the wide open areas, but it serves its role to portray this simplistic fighting title.

Gameplay follows the same line of simplicity. There is only 1 attack button that needs to be rammed like crazy, accompanied by one ranged attack. In order to shake things up, Naruto does offer feints in the form of substitution jutsu’s, a chakra that boosts power and the ability to call upon allies for special attacks. Chakra also serves as a way to unleash powerful captured jutsu’s with simple button combinations. These elaborate giant attacks pack the visual punch of this game and have an intense gratifying feel when successful. Additionally, players can use the directional buttons to use ninja tools that vary from powerups to throw items and traps.

The demon in Naruto is one of the subtle added effects.

The idea of Naruto is more about timing and hair trigger precision. Players either need to strike first, wait for an opening or do a substitution in order to appear in the opponent’s vulnerable back. The issue with this is that the cat and mouse play still often reverts to button mash hell. Many matches are spent just ramming the attack button and substituting. It certainly works as a mechanism, but whether or not the action and dazzling captured sequences will remain interesting outside its fan base is a tough call. Yes, there is a captivating cadence that can be found in matches and the extensive lore and exclusive anime scenes in between fights do a great job of doing more for the game. Still, once fights become stale the rest of it is quick to follow.

However, it also means that Naruto is an elaborate title and it treats this with a certain integrity rarely seen in license tie-ins. The Story mode of the game offers storylines adjusted to a slew of characters from the series and each get their own story to tell, which quickly detaches from merely being a cameo in the protagonist’s show reel. It’s already rare to have fighting titles with an actual consistent storyline, but seeing it being given out in spades is just wonderful. If there is ever been any interest in getting to know the synopsis of the entire Naruto universe, let this abridged yet not completely accurate game be the jump off point.

Yes, no one will think to call: Rape

Additionally, playing through the Story mode is also a good way to unlock the heap of crap Naruto has stocked in this game. It’s too much to mention, but players can unlock new characters, items, ninja cards with effects and much more. In fact, just about every match for the first dozen of hours will end with at least 4 or 5 notifications of acquired tidbits, some more useful than others. It’s not all as effective, but the ninja cards are one of the things also available in the shop that have some added value beyond the impressive fighting roster. These can be used in the other game modes to enhance players, ranged from slightly boosting attack power to huge increases in recovery. This also makes online battles a lot spicier, added that these cards can be exchanged online.

Online battles are again separated between several between several distinctions and also include a beginner mode only available until a certain rank is achieved. However, players will need to find perfect connections as anything below makes matches so delayed, actions can take up to 2 full seconds to react. There’s no possible way to balance the swiftness of the game that way and that is a sizable issue.

Big money, big prizes!

The bottom line remains that Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations caters to fans first and foremost. At least it doesn’t cut corners and goes above and beyond in this service and that might appeal to people outside of its immediate target audience. Still, players wanting to take part in the extensive content will have to take in account its simple button mashing element with grace if they wish to stay entertained.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)