Noirit Mustapha

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, or NSUNS4, is the latest video game adaptation of the ever popular and storied Naruto manga franchise. Developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco just like the previous entries, this is the next entry within the Ultimate Ninja fighting game series that began from 2003.
The story takes place almost immediately after the end of the first game, as we see Naruto and his comrades heading towards the final stretch of the Fourth Shinobi World War arc; this would also make this game the final entry in the series needed to properly adapt the entirety of the plot.
Gameplay takes place in a large 3D arena where players can select a solo character or a team of up to three to fight against others. Instead of the typical restricted 2D plane of movement, players can freely run and dash around the arena as they see fit, similar in style to the classic DBZ: Budokai Tenkaichi games.
As with all fighting games though, the object is to ultimately reduce the opponent’s health down to zero before the same is done to the player. Added into the mix are the wondrous and vibrant special techniques that make up the best parts of series’ fights, animated masterfully in cel-shaded style.
The game is divided into two plots: one follows the story of the manga all the way to the final fight, while the other is a side story adventure that fills in gaps in between the finale and the epilogue.
Aside from some liberties taken during the story, such as how much could really be shown, most Naruto fans will find themselves right at home as the game’s main plot expertly weaves the narrative with the gameplay this time around.
The side story is filled with minimal plot that helps with the story of “The Last: Naruto The Movie”, the last movie that focuses more on Naruto’s own tale, but it still feels like a huge fetch quest journey for the most part.
Regardless, with its great visuals, stellar soundtrack, solid gameplay and nicely presented narrative, NSUNS4 easily takes its place as the best game within the franchise, and one of the best anime games period.