7 /10 18

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections marks the franchise’s 20th anniversary with an expansive roster spanning two decades of ninja adventures. This arena fighter synthesizes the Storm series’ legacy while introducing fresh Boruto narrative content, positioning itself as the most comprehensive Naruto game to date. The game balances accessibility for newcomers through simplified controls alongside depth that veteran players expect from CyberConnect2’s two-decade partnership with the IP.

While the History Mode adapts familiar arcs and the Special Story introduces new Fifth Great Ninja War content, the experience prioritizes breadth over mechanical innovation. Critical reception sits at a mixed 68 Metacritic score, reflecting appreciation for the roster and story packaging despite acknowledged limitations in combat depth and design ambition.

How to Play Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

Combat centers on real-time arena battles where players chain light attacks, heavy attacks, and special techniques (jutsus). The game features both traditional and simplified one-button control schemes, allowing players to execute complex combo sequences with minimal input. Progression occurs through story campaigns and ranked online battles, while character unlocks expand the 130+ roster gradually.

1. Controls – Standard mode uses traditional fighting game inputs; simplified mode condenses combos to single-button presses, reducing execution barriers for casual players
2. Progression – History Mode recaps Naruto’s core story arc, while Special Story introduces Boruto’s original narrative spanning approximately 9-10 hours combined
3. Combat/Mechanics – Tap square/X for basic attacks, triangle/Y for heavy strikes, and hold R1/RB to charge ultimate jutsu sequences; support characters provide chip damage and strategic assists
4. Tips – Beginners should enable simple control mode, learn individual character movesets through practice matches, and prioritize mastering two or three fighters before expanding your roster

Who Should Play Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

This game targets longtime Naruto enthusiasts seeking comprehensive story coverage, newcomers wanting accessible entry into the franchise, and fighting game fans appreciating visual spectacle over mechanical complexity. The enormous character roster ensures varied playstyles, though the experience demands patience with lengthy story cutscenes and repetitive combat patterns.

• Naruto Series Devotees – Experience the complete story arc from Naruto’s academy days through the Fifth Great Ninja War with beautifully animated cutscenes celebrating 20 years of character development
• Casual Fighting Game Players – The one-button simplified control scheme eliminates technical barriers while maintaining satisfying combo visuals and knockout animations
• Anime Adaptation Fans – CyberConnect2’s signature cel-shaded aesthetics faithfully capture the anime’s visual style across 130+ characters with unique movesets and interaction cutscenes
• Skip if – You prioritize mechanical depth, competitive fighting game systems, or innovative gameplay mechanics; this title plays it safe with established formulas and lacks significant gameplay evolution

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections Platform Performance

Performance varies significantly across platforms, with PC handling maximum graphical fidelity while console versions balance 4K resolution against frame rate targets. Switch experiences notable visual compromises due to hardware limitations. All versions maintain stable performance during standard battles, though Versus Mode with multiple on-screen effects occasionally dips during intensive sequences.

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections System Requirements

PC versions demand mid-range gaming hardware from the last five years to achieve 1080p/60fps gameplay. The 36GB installation requires SSD storage for reasonable load times. Windows 10 or newer provides operating system support, with DirectX 11 compatibility ensuring broad GPU support across NVIDIA and AMD architectures.

Similar Games to Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

The anime fighting game landscape includes several titles offering comparable narrative depth and character-driven combat. These alternatives provide different mechanical approaches and IP franchises while maintaining similar visual presentation standards. Players seeking variety within the genre should consider branching into other CyberConnect2 properties or broader arena fighter offerings.

• Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – Same developer (CyberConnect2) with updated combat mechanics and expanded roster; covers newer anime arcs with similar story-driven presentation but improved mechanical refinement
• Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero – Broader roster featuring Dragon Ball universe; emphasizes real-time 3D arena combat with environmental destruction but maintains anime aesthetic excellence
• One Piece Pirate Warriors series – CyberConnect2’s musou-style action games prioritizing spectacle over fighting mechanics; offers different gameplay loop but similar narrative accessibility
• Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R – Fighting game emphasizing character uniqueness over roster size; mechanically deeper but less story-driven than Naruto Connections

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections vs Competitors

Compared to contemporary anime fighters, Naruto Connections distinguishes itself through comprehensive Naruto story coverage and accessible control schemes. Competitors like Demon Slayer 2 offer more polished mechanical updates, while Dragon Ball properties provide larger licensed rosters. The comparison reveals Naruto Connections as the definitive single-franchise experience, prioritizing breadth and fan service over competitive depth or innovative systems.

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections Story and World

The dual-campaign structure simultaneously honors Naruto’s foundational narrative while expanding into Boruto’s Fifth Great Ninja War mythology. History Mode condenses two decades of character relationships into essential story beats, from Team 7’s formation through the Fourth Shinobi War’s climax. The Special Story Mode introduces original characters Nanashi and Merz, expanding the Boruto universe beyond anime adaptations. CyberConnect2’s signature cel-shaded animation transforms every dialogue sequence into visually dynamic scenes, though the reliance on lengthy cutscenes between battles can test player patience. The tone balances Naruto’s earnest ninja-world mythology with Boruto’s younger-generation perspective, creating thematic continuity across both narratives. World-building emerges primarily through cutscenes rather than exploration, maintaining focus on character moments and combat spectacle.

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections Multiplayer and Online

Online infrastructure emphasizes competitive ranked battles and casual versus lobbies where players pit custom teams against others globally. The matchmaking system attempts ranking-based pairing, though connection stability varies geographically. Cross-platform play remains unavailable, restricting friend interactions to same-console ecosystems. Seasonal updates introduce limited-time events and cosmetic rewards, maintaining ongoing engagement hooks throughout the game’s lifecycle.

• Ranked Battles – Competitive online matches with ranking progression; rewards cosmetics and character unlocks based on win streaks
• Casual Lobbies – Non-ranked player versus player matchmaking with flexible team composition rules
• Monthly Events – Limited-time challenges offering exclusive cosmetics and currency rewards
• Cross-Play – Not supported; PlayStation players match only against PlayStation, Xbox against Xbox, et cetera

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections DLC and Expansions

Post-launch content strategy follows CyberConnect2’s established pattern of regular character additions through seasonal DLC packs. Five character packs priced individually at $5.99 each or bundled in a $24.99 Season Pass provide additional roster expansion. The Season Pass bonus includes an exclusive Naruto variant (Great Ninja War version), encouraging collection completion. Free content updates introduce new cosmetic items and occasional balance adjustments, though major mechanical overhauls remain infrequent.

• DLC Pack 1-5 – Individual character releases at $5.99 each or Season Pass bundle for $24.99
• Season Pass Bonus – Exclusive Naruto Uzumaki variant (Great Ninja War version) unavailable separately
• Free Updates – Regular cosmetic additions and online balance patches supporting competitive play
• Ultimate Edition – Bundles base game with all five DLC packs plus Season Pass bonus at $94.99

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections Community and Support

Active player communities congregate on dedicated subreddits, Discord servers, and CyberConnect2 official forums, discussing strategy, sharing clips, and organizing tournaments. Patch frequency averages monthly balance updates addressing gameplay issues and online stability. The developer maintains public communication through social channels, though post-launch roadmaps remain vague regarding future content. Mod support remains absent on console versions, limiting community creative expression to content creation rather than mechanical modifications.

• Official Forums – CyberConnect2-moderated discussion boards hosting developer announcements and bug reports
• Reddit/Discord Communities – Fan-run communities like r/NarutoNinjaStorm (45,000+ members) and official franchise Discord with active competitive scene
• Mod Support – Unavailable; console versions lack workshop tools; PC mods exist but remain unsupported by developers
• Patch Schedule – Monthly updates addressing balance, online stability, and cosmetic additions; major features remain rare