The Naruto Ultimate Ninja Games Are Due For a Re-Release

by

Initially, before Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm revolutionized the genre of anime fighting games, we had the Naruto Ultimate Ninja game series exclusively on PlayStation 2. These games shared similarities with Super Smash Bros., but they also incorporated elements from the anime. Over time, as the series developed its unique identity, it paved the way for Ultimate Ninja Storm.

Given their distinctiveness and deep-rooted affection among fans, we believe it’s high time to reintroduce the beloved Naruto Ultimate Ninja games into the market again. These games, although not the most complex in the fighting genre, offer a unique spin on the anime that many still cherish. A re-release could also address Bandai Namco’s apparent lack of focus on the original series.

Despite the fact that these games span the Shippuden era, we believe confining any potential future release to just the first three titles would make for an excellent re-introduction to the series. These initial three games encompass the original series, albeit in a condensed form. However, they still capture significant moments from the series, and fans will undoubtedly value the amount of content that is included.

Fans can observe how this series progressed and ultimately paved the way for Ultimate Ninja Storm. In Ultimate Ninja, a single-button combo mechanic was introduced, which continues to spark debate. It’s rather astonishing that this feature is still present in Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, particularly for those who dislike this fighting system.

In Naruto Ultimate Ninja, you can perform multiple combinations simply by pressing the ‘circle’ button along with some directions. Typically ending a combo by rapidly pressing ‘circle’ and going down will cause your opponent to fall to the ground. On the other hand, if players keep mashing ‘circle’ while moving upwards, they may uppercut their opponent into the air, enabling them to launch an aerial follow-up attack.

A notable aspect that has been included in both Ultimate Ninja and Ultimate Ninja Storm series is the Substitution Jutsu mechanic. When players press the block button just before an attack, they can evade it and retaliate with another move. The original games allowed unlimited use of this technique, resulting in a lot of smoke and debris on the battlefield from the Substitution Jutsu.

In the end, we obtained a gauge for the Substitution Jutsu that allowed only five swaps before it recharged. Regrettably, this aspect was implemented in the Ninja Storm Generations game for PS3 and Xbox 360, leaving the PS2 versions without it.

One innovative feature that seemed quite advanced was the impressive finishing moves. To execute these, all you needed to do was press ‘triangle’ followed by ‘circle’. After successfully landing the move, a series of buttons had to be pressed while an animation for your selected character’s Ultimate Jutsu played out. Although the button-pressing mechanic was phased out after the initial 3D Ultimate Ninja Storm games, the captivating animations served as inspiration for the impressive moves featured in today’s Naruto games on current-generation consoles.

The second and third installments of Naruto Ultimate Ninja offered a unique experience by enabling players to traverse Konoha. In the second game, this feature is integrated into the main storyline, where players navigate the town primarily through 2D hallways. However, in the third game, exploration became more immersive as players gained free 3D movement within this mode, although the battles remained in 2D.

Back in the day, Bandai Namco fueled our anticipation with hints about a remastered set of the beloved Naruto Ultimate Ninja series during their interview sessions focusing on this game franchise. Alas, it never materialized, but us fans are still keeping our fingers crossed for a well-polished re-release of this epic saga. Imagine the joy if we could get our hands on the first three games bundled together in one tidy package – now that would surely bring smiles to countless faces!

Read More

2025-05-01 14:12