Naruto Ultimate Ninja is one of the many game franchises that spawned from Naruto’s popularity. With so many games, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth your time and money. This article will rank the top 15 Naruto Ultimate Ninja games from worst to best in order of their quality, popularity, and overall appeal.
15. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress
This game is a fighting game developed for the PlayStation Portable, where players can choose from a wide range of characters to engage in battles with other players or the game’s AI. The game’s story follows the characters as they enter the Phantom Fortress to defeat the evil Kabuto and his minions.
Developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco Bandai, the game features an original storyline where Naruto and his friends must navigate a mysterious fortress that has appeared in the Hidden Leaf Village. The game also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to build and customize a team of four ninjas and use “ultimate jutsu” attacks that can be activated during battle.
However, the gameplay can get a little repetitive, and there’s a limitation regarding character choices. The story is weak, and the gameplay feels hollowed out and boring compared to any other Naruto Ultimate Ninja titles on this list.
14. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
Made for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, this game offers 3D fighting gameplay with the ability to use various ninja techniques and combos. In addition, the game features an original story mode that follows the protagonist Naruto Uzumaki and his friends on their journey to become the greatest ninja.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is an action-packed fighting game that features a cel-shaded art style that emulates the look of the anime. Aside from its story mode, the multiplayer mode allows players to battle against each other using their favorite Naruto characters. The gameplay is fast-paced and includes a variety of moves, jutsus, and special attacks that can be executed using simple button combinations.
Even so, the game is somewhat disappointing, with a terribly executed story that showcases a lack of good storytelling on the developer’s part. This could be a great title for those looking for a fighting game. But you might want to pick up a different title for those more invested in characters and stories.
13. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3
This game is the third installment in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series and offers an expanded roster of characters, improved graphics, and new gameplay mechanics. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 follows the Fourth Great Ninja War story.
It introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the Awakening Mode, which allows players to unleash powerful moves and combos. In addition, it received praise for its graphics and gameplay, which is a great plus point for franchise fans.
All this is great and all, but you would only be able to fully appreciate this title if you’re a hardcore Naruto fan or have played its previous games. Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 goes deeper into the storyline, which will make you feel lost if this is the first title you’re playing. If you don’t want to invest time in long-winded cutscenes and dialogue, this may come across as boring and unfulfilling for you.
12. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4
Interestingly, this game was released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2007 and was never released in other regions. It includes over 50 playable characters with a new gameplay mechanic known as Master Mode. Players learn new moves and techniques from their chosen mentors with this mode. Pretty cool!
Sadly, we ranked it lower on the list as it feels more like a party game than a single-player game. Rather than sandbox-style gameplay, the game features a more action-oriented one. The plot is also rather short compared to previous games, which was compensated with a mediocre filler arc.
When it comes to Naruto Ultimate Ninja Games, this is one you could sit out and watch from a distance instead.
11. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes
This game and its subsequent titles are a spin-off of the Ultimate Ninja series, developed for the PlayStation Portable. With that said, if you did not find the Ultimate Ninja series interesting, you wouldn’t be interested in these titles. The game focuses on team-based battles and a variety of playable characters.
Various game modes are included, such as Story Mode, Free Battle Mode, and Mission Mode. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes also introduces new features, such as the ability to perform team jutsu and use the environment to gain an advantage in battle.
After a while, the gameplay does get repetitive, especially as it takes a while to beat. This is especially true with its unskippable chakra attacks sequence, which gets annoying after a while. Aside from that, its character roster is a little lacking compared to other titles on the list.
10. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3
In several reviews, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 has been described as a fan-service game that caters to the fans of the Naruto franchise but not so much to the ninja-action game enthusiasts.
The game features a large roster of characters, including those from the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden eras. The game also introduces a new Master Road mode that allows players to take on different missions and challenges to unlock new content. A lot of button mashing will often do the trick in winning, which isn’t fun for an action game such as this.
A plus point would be its character jutsu customization and stunning visuals for the time. It’s a decent game, with an equal amount of pros and cons, depending on what you’re interested in.
9. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja
The first game in the Ultimate Ninja series, this game was developed for the PlayStation 2 and offers a simple yet engaging fighting system. In addition, the game features a story mode that follows Naruto and his friends on their journey to become great ninjas.
There’s also a VS mode for multiplayer battles. The game has a smaller roster of characters than later games in the series but still offers a solid fighting game experience. As this game was the start of it all, many memorable moments are tied to it. The title feels nostalgic and worked great for its time.
As years go by and more titles are announced, it’s always a great feeling to look back at the original and beat it all over again.
8. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2
The second game in the Ultimate Ninja series, this game features improved graphics, more playable characters, and new gameplay mechanics. In addition, its new tag-team battle system allows players to switch between characters during battles. This adds a new element and improves the otherwise stale gameplay.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 is slightly more challenging than the first title, but that just adds more excitement to the game. It is not overbearing and well-executed for its time, making it manageable for newcomers to the franchise. The UI design has also significantly improved from its predecessor, which is always a plus.
Where the first game was already great, the sequel improves and sets a standard for the forthcoming titles.
7. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
Developed for the PlayStation Portable, this game offers an original story mode and a variety of gameplay modes, including free battle and survival mode. In addition, to spice things up, this title features a large-scale battle system with multiple enemies on screen at once. In short, a sort of beat ’em-up gameplay that differs from the rest on this list.
The game truly pushes the PSP to its limit during its release. Truly putting to work everything you could enjoy from the hardware. The main campaign features about 20 hours of content with an extensive roster of playable characters for you to level up as you go. For those of you who prefer a shorter storyline, there are also Extra and Tag missions to busy yourself with.
For some, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact is an excellent introduction to the Naruto storyline and franchise. Mainly because it is rather brainless to play but very addictive.
6. Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is a crossover game between the Naruto and Boruto anime and manga series. It features a story mode that follows a new original story and a wide selection of characters from both series.
There’s a lot to love and not much to complain about Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. The graphics are top-notch, the gameplay runs smooth, and the title is highly replayable.
Perhaps the one complaint you may grumble about is its hardware requirements. Although, with the latest tech in the market, that shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re still saving up for better hardware.
This is also the latest release in the Naruto Ultimate Ninja games franchise and is a collection of remastered past games with the addition of Boruto. In a way, new players can catch up with the Naruto franchise and learn about Boruto’s story with just one title.
5. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations and the third title in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. It features a large roster of characters from both the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden eras and improved graphics and gameplay.
This title is great as you explore further into each character’s storylines as they get unlocked in segments as you continue. The action is top-notch and doesn’t get boring or story-filled, even with multiple storylines. The pacing is done right as you focus on Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry and their challenges to becoming the best.
Its gameplay is similar to previous installments, so there’s not much of a surprise there. However, that also makes the game great for seasoned players now used to its gameplay mechanics. The franchise is said to focus on a ‘pick up and play mechanic’ after all.
4. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3
The third game in the Ultimate Ninja series, this game offers way better graphics as well as new playable characters from both the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden eras. Now, players will be able to use other Hokages aside from just the Third Hokage. Added mechanics include walking on walls which offers a nice breath of freshness.
The game has a high replayability factor, less annoying cut scenes, and more interesting battle modes added to its mechanics. Each character’s moves are well designed paired with great voice acting and excellent storylines, ensuring you won’t get lost or bored quickly.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is worth the time, especially if you’re a Naruto fan.
3. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution is the fourth game in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, released in 2014. With this title, one of the more important mechanics it introduces to the franchise would be the ability to perform combination ultimate jutsus.
Aside from that, there are over 100 playable characters to unlock. This title can also get a little competitive by adding the Ninja World Tournament. With this feature, players go up against each other to gather the most battle orbs. You can learn more about this feature through this introductory article.
Plus, including Mecha Naruto as a filler story exclusive was also a great addition to the game for those interested in its lore.
2. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
The final title in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, this game features a unique battle system that allows players to perform epic combination attacks with their team. The game’s story mode even includes the Fourth Great Ninja War, a fan favorite of loyal fans. Since this is the final title in the series, it wraps everything up rather nicely with a neat closure.
For most, this title is arguably the best modern Naruto game to date. You will not have to stress about terrible graphics or performance; everything gels well together. Its real-time combat is seamless, and its cinematics is flawless, making it feel like you’re watching an anime play out.
Perhaps the one tiny issue would be that your characters share one life bar, even if you can swap between them during battle. Although for some, this challenge is a welcome one.
1. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 5
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 5 is a fighting game released in 2007 for the PlayStation 2. It features 62 characters, including new additions from the Shippuden series. The game’s story mode follows the events of the anime’s Part II storyline, including several side missions and mini-games.
The gameplay is similar to the previous entries in the series, with players engaging in one-on-one battles with various moves and special attacks. It received mixed reviews, with critics praising the extensive character roster and story mode but criticizing the lack of innovation in gameplay and outdated graphics.
With that said, it is one of the best games in the franchise, if not the best, as it is highly replayable with an insane amount of content. In addition, this title implements a pseudo-open world concept, adding to its replayability factor. So set aside the outdated graphics and experience Naruto’s world from a more in-depth perspective.
In conclusion, the Naruto franchise has produced many fantastic games over the years, and it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth your time and money. However, if you’re a fan of the series, any of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja games on this list are worth checking out. Whether you’re looking for a fun fighting game, an engaging story mode, or stunning visuals, there’s a game for you.
Additionally, if your interest happens to be anime and games, we have the perfect list for you – 20 Anime Series Adapted From Games.
