The Best Naruto Games

Summary

• Naruto games have a range of options, from portable brawlers to open-world titles, offering unique gameplay experiences.
• Notable titles like Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution introduce new mechanics, while Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 boasts dynamic gameplay.
• Fans seeking a complete Naruto experience should try Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations and Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 for well-rounded gameplay.

Ask any anime fan what they’d imagine when they hear “ninja” and it’s likely going to be Naruto. In fact, the orange-clad protagonist of the Naruto franchise created quite an indelible mark in both anime and mainstream media. Aside from the meme-worthy “Naruto run” and the series’ impressive storyline, fans also remember Naruto for its slate of action-packed games.

Moreover, Naruto games eventually grew alongside the franchise. For instance, some hit Naruto titles followed notable arcs when the series was ongoing. As such, Naruto has more than 50 titles across different game series! However, just which Naruto games dominate the rest? Most importantly, which titles should Naruto fans definitely try?

Updated on January 5, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam: As events in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex revealed more details of what happened to Naruto’s son during the sequel’s time skip, fans of the series might be surprised to learn that not only did Himawari Uzumaki become the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but that many of the cast have fallen victim to Sapient Beings – God Trees who obtained sentience. With Boruto aided by an unlikely ally during this seemingly impossible quest, fans who are excited to read the next Boruto chapter might want to play some Naruto games instead. Among must-recommended titles include an attempt to switch up the current franchise, as well as making a connection between Naruto and Boruto in a unique manner.

22

Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution

An Attempt To Switch Up The Franchise

• Available for: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Prior to the arrival of the critically-acclaimed Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 was Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution – which at the time not only featured a completely new story featuring Mecha Naruto and backstories of the Akatsuki but also revamped mechanics that would be refined in future entries. Introduced in the game are Guard Breaks and Counters – both of which can elevate the player’s approach to defense. Teams can now be formed based on skills, giving players new ways of making their dream setups.

Perhaps one of the most controversial entries in the franchise, Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution has introduced quite a lot of mechanics that didn’t seem to be polished – something players have become disappointed in at the time of its release. The lackluster World Ninja Tournament combined a lot of the elements of the previous game’s Horde Mode and a splash of QTEs that made the game mode rather underwhelming, while players easily getting their opponents stuck into 5-second stuns with Counters can open online matches to a world of unfair fights.

Notable for: Compared to other Storm games where mechanics are often carried over and improved in the next title, Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution ups the ante with its new mechanics under the hopes of reinvigorating new life into the franchise. Although fans appreciate the tiered-based brawlers of the World Ninja Tournament and the endearing stories of Mecha Naruto and Ninja Adventures, the former’s overwhelming setup made for quite the underwhelming offline mode. And while Team Ultimates raise the bar in terms of stunning visuals, the sheer abusability of Counters on top of combat-limiting Ultimate or Awakening choices can lock players into unfair attack loops or unexpected “boss” fights against opponents who can use larger “special” Awakening Modes.

21

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

A Lackluster Celebration Of The Naruto Legacy

• Available for: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch

Being the most recent entries in the franchise, it’s no surprise that Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections has some of the flashiest effects and finest level of detail in the franchise. The new Combat Automation feature allows players to customize how much of the fights they want their characters to automate, giving them room for more casual experiences – especially if they’re after the story. This mechanic won’t help much in more intense online matches, however, as the game’s straightforward gameplay can lead to a wild online experience.

While touted as a celebration of Naruto’s legacy, Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections doesn’t make use of its expanded cast and Boruto’s potential to its fullest. Teasing a return of Naruto and Sasuke’s “rivalry” in the Special Story didn’t live up to its implications, and Boruto’s entrance in an exclusive story doesn’t inspire in the same way a celebratory game like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has done. This, combined with the game’s largely unchanged mechanics, did make Ultimate Ninja Storm Connection feel rather lackluster as a result.

Notable for: As a game that “hands off” the Naruto legacy from Naruto Uzumaki to his son Boruto, it makes sense for Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections to feature not just a recap of Naruto’s whole history but an exclusive game mode where Boruto and his peers attempt to stop an impending Fifth Ninja War from an in-universe MMO. The game is faithful to its mechanics from its previous entries, with newcomers from Boruto adding a flavorful spin to the game’s fast-paced combat. Unfortunately, the History Mode’s lack of visual flair and the Special Story’s lack of “oomph” with a solid story does make the game feel rather boring.

20

Naruto: Ninja Council 3 (2006)

A High-Stakes 2D Fighter With Decent Replayability

• Available for: Nintendo DS

While many of the games in the Naruto series offer a deeper look into Naruto’s long journey to becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto: Ninja Council 3 takes a familiar route with its parent series of games and focuses on high-octane ninja battles. Featuring a cast of almost 30 characters from the first part of the Naruto anime, Ninja Council 3 gives players an arena platformer fighter similar to the Super Smash Bros. franchise, allowing the likes of Naruto to team up or even fight against other popular characters in the Naruto franchise.

Similar to other games in Ninja Council, the third installment uses much of the same sprites but updates mechanics using the Nintendo DS’s touch mechanics. This time around, certain techniques have to be tapped via the second screen or even completed via extremely short mini-games, adding a level of suspense when doing this in mid-combat.

Notable for: Players often criticize its lack of a story mode and rather repetitive missions, but its multiplayer mode is worth a shot for those who want to accomplish various objectives as a team or duke it out against each other. While not necessarily an acclaimed title, fans of the franchise who want to get a taste of what Naruto in the DS was like should at least try Ninja Council 3 for the change of pace in gameplay.

19

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (2003)

Features Accessible, Fast Paced Mechanics

• Available for: PlayStation 2

When players look for a Naruto game, they often encounter Ultimate Ninja Storm. However, before the 3D arena fighter took the world by storm (no pun intended), this iconic series of games within the Naruto franchise had humble beginnings with Naruto: Ultimate Ninja. Given its early 2000s release, Ultimate Ninja covers the introductory saga of the Naruto story up until Orochimaru’s invasion of the Hidden Leaf, ending in Naruto and Sasuke’s first fateful encounter atop the Valley of the End.

What’s interesting about the title is specifically its approach to the story, as its retelling of the rather short Naruto arcs is supplemented with perspectives of other characters. On top of this focus on character stories, the combat mechanics are repetitive but equally enjoyable, giving players straightforward basic and special attacks that they combine with the D-Pad to launch unique techniques.

Notable for: This PlayStation 2 title is the first in the franchise to have Naruto and his friends in full-3D battles, and is also the first entry that would eventually branch into the more popular Storm sub-series of Naruto games. This is also the first game to utilize accessible mechanics that make the game easier to pick up and play, making this an ideal introduction for fans of the franchise.

18

Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 (2008)

A Portable Brawler Decent For Its Time

• Available for: Nintendo DS

Fans of the Naruto franchise looking for a decent brawler after the abysmal experience with Ninja Council 3 can still enjoy playing with their Nintendo DS courtesy of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2. This 2008 release is a decent button masher that rightfully demonstrates the visual splendor of the Naruto series in a portable console, offering a focus on one-on-one battles instead of its short but rather dull story mode.

Thankfully, the game does offer a more fun Naruto experience for the Nintendo DS. Sans the tendency of the touch controls to be unresponsive at times, being able to access a myriad of jutsu with just a touch of a button can make Ninja Destiny 2 a game that fully uses the DS’s hardware system. Despite the basic button-mashing mechanics, the fluidity of the animation can almost excuse the repetitive attacking motions.

Notable for: Although not necessarily aimed toward fighting game purists, Ninja Destiny 2 is a solid experience for fans of the franchise who just want a portable brawler for their Nintendo DS. Being able to access around 20+ characters with unique techniques plus a Survival Mode that pits them against an endless assault of characters can lead to hours’ worth of button-mashing satisfaction.

17

Naruto: Clash Of Ninja Revolution 3 (2009)

A Decent Wii Fighter

• Available for: Nintendo Wii

It’s not often that a Naruto game is balanced, especially with the emphasis on button mashing courtesy of its straightforward mechanics. However, Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 shines with its nature as a decently balanced fighter not just in general but especially for the oftentimes-criticized Wii. Key to the appeal of Revolution 3 mechanics is the emphasis on precision, with combos requiring specific timing to execute as enemies as well as players can butt in with a perfectly-timed counter or dodge.

While the game simply tells the rather short Shippuden introductory arc up until the Kazekage Retrieval Arc, it’s the versus mode that pits Naruto characters against each other where players can have a great time. Being able to use around 40 characters with unique but accessible techniques makes Revolution 3 one of the best-developed Naruto games of the time.

Notable for: Considered the fifth entry of the Clash of Ninja series, the game offers 40 playable stages alongside 40 playable characters that have their skill sets overhauled due to the Shippuden time skip. Moreover, the game features a rather comprehensive set of quality-of-life changes that make it more defense-leaning compared to the traditionally aggressive button-mashing nature of the franchise. It is also the first game in the series to offer Wi-Fi connectivity for online battles.

16

Shippuden 3D: The New Era

A Surprising Departure From Traditional Fighting

• Available for: Nintendo 3DS

Fans of the Naruto series might be surprised to try out Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era for the Nintendo 3DS. In essence, the game tries to return to the era of 2D side-scrolling adventures. Unfortunately, despite its decent story, the title’s overall approach to gameplay seems lackluster and rather so-so for a 2011 title.

For instance, the game takes place in various Naruto landmarks with various platforming elements. Moreover, Naruto can perform various attacks and even Jutsu that transitions into a 3D cutscene. Unfortunately, fans who played other immersive Naruto fighting games won’t find this title endearing at all.

Notable for: One of the very few Naruto platformers out there, the game does explore the potential of the series in the context of a 2D title. Its prioritization of platforming instead of outright combat adds depth to exploration and more unique ways of using their abilities.

15

Dragon Blade Chronicles

Naruto Meets Fantasy

• Available for: Nintendo Wii

Interestingly, Naruto actually has a game entry for the Wii. Unlike other titles, Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles tries to add RPG elements to the Naruto concept. As a result, the 2010 title features a new story with elements from the franchise. In essence, the game takes place in a loose version of the Itachi Pursuit Mission. Unique to the game is the antagonist Kuroma Tatsushiro, who plans on using the power of the Genryu (five eternal dragons) for his evil schemes.

As a result, Dragon Blade Chronicles feels more like an action-adventure game with Naruto elements. Instead of hand-to-hand combat, Naruto (now adorned in traditional Feudal Japanese armor) uses swords to fight various monsters. Aside from aesthetics, there’s not much that makes this game a “genuine” Naruto experience.

Notable for: Despite criticisms, the game does make an excellent demonstration of what Naruto could become in the context of a fantasy RPG. There’s certainly merit in the way the game meshed the series’ signature combat techniques into having different approaches and uses in a fantasy setting.

14

Ninja Village Jintori Battle

A Board Game With Unique Mechanics

Those who want a more strategic take on the Naruto universe would probably want to check out Naruto: Shinobi no Sato no Jintori Kassen, loosely translated as Naruto: Ninja Village Jintori Battle. Essentially, the game mixes elements of strategy with light combat.

The main goal is to occupy the home base of the enemy. Much of the game takes place during the first few episodes of Naruto, particularly when Team 7 has to face the likes of Haku and Zabuza.

Notable for: Aside from its limited scope, Ninja Village Jintori Battle doesn’t boast much in terms of mechanics. The board game aspect doesn’t immediately fit the Naruto setting, at least not one so restricted. If it were to involve the other nations and Hidden Villages during the Fourth Shinobi World War, then perhaps such a concept would show promise.

13

Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising

Straightforward, Portable Title

Fans of the series with their PlayStation Portables intact would likely get intrigued by Naruto Shippuden Legends: Akatsuki Rising. After all, not only does the game boast full 3D combat, but it also serves as a great introduction to Part II of the series – especially to major villains known as the Akatsuki.

Sadly, this is as far as the game goes in terms of its flair, as it’s not fun to play in terms of combat. At its core, Akatsuki Rising has Naruto explore different zones and eliminate enemies, similar to a Musou game.

Notable for: Battles take place in semi-large environments, but combos are easy to spam and pull off. Moreover, given that the story only takes place from the beginning of Part II until the Kazekage Rescue Mission, there are only 17 playable characters. All-in-all, Akatsuki Rising offers a somewhat suboptimal experience.

12

Naruto: Path Of The Ninja

Interesting RPG Take

• Available for: Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance

People who want to try Naruto as a full-blown turn-based RPG might be tempted to try out Naruto: Path of the Ninja. This Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS title takes place at the beginning of Part I and runs until the end of the Chuunin Exams, where Naruto faces off against Shukaku. Unlike other Naruto titles, this RPG takes a turn-based approach to combat. As such, teams of three (Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura for the most part) need to carefully coordinate attacks and jutsu in order to take down a number of foes.

Naruto: Path of the Ninja has a small roster of playable characters – including Shikamaru Nara, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Jiraiya – with a whole host of NPCs and opponents. Sadly, the RPG component does get rid of the fast-paced action component the franchise is known for. Path of the Ninja isn’t a recommended way to re-experience Part I’s events, considering how other games accomplish the same with more engaging combat.

Notable for: Integrating RPG graphics into the Naruto universe is something Path Of The Ninja demonstrates, and it’s certainly quite interesting to see a strategic “conversion” of fast-paced attacks into specially-timed jutsus. Unfortunately, the limited scope of the story does mean there’s a hindrance to the full extent of the RPG title’s potential.

11

Ultimate Ninja Impact

Naruto Gets The Musou Treatment

With Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact, Naruto fans get a taste of Shippuden if it were a Musou title. As such, fans would immediately notice the similarities between Ultimate Ninja Impact and titles such as Dynasty Warriors. After all, it’s not common that a Naruto game would feature Naruto and his friends facing hundreds upon hundreds of enemies. However, these immense battles remain impressive for a PlayStation Portable title.

This 2011 title also tackles Shippuden‘s Kazekage Retrieval Mission until the Five Kage Summit, which tackles more than half of the anime’s storyline. Unfortunately, the musou format made Ultimate Ninja Impact‘s gameplay extremely repetitive and uninspired. As such, it lacks the fast-paced and tactical “flair” Naruto fans enjoy in other games.

Notable for: Although not as flashy as other titles, Ultimate Ninja Impact is a great demonstration of what Naruto could be like as a Musou title. It feels delightful to use the “Naruto run” in wide areas to chase down enemies and at the same time make extremely straightforward attacks.

10

Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2

A Fast-Paced Classic Title

Fans would consider the PSP’s Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 as a dividing title. After all, the game is essentially Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes with three new characters and a new story mode. However, in this title, players now have access to the Mugen Castle Arc. This arc takes them within the Mugen Castle, a haunted castle with randomly generated floors with its own story.

Unlike technical fighting games, Heroes 2 relies on fast-paced combat. Moreover, most of its 23 characters have special modes that make battles more diverse and unpredictable. Unfortunately, game collectors might wonder why even get Ninja Heroes 2 if all they get are three new characters and an entirely-skippable Mugen Castle Arc. In turn, they may as well get the first Ultimate Ninja Heroes game for a more compact experience.

Notable for: Although possessing a limited number of characters due to the limitation with regards to the story, Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 is a great demonstration of the potential of Naruto as a fighting game title at the time, especially with its simple yet flashy slate of combos.

9

Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage

Assemble The Perfect Team

• Available for: Android, iOS

Franchise fans who want to bring the excitement of Naruto to their mobile phones can play Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage on iOS and Android. This action-strategy RPG combines MOBA-style action with minor base-building components. Players can organize their “dream team” composed of four characters from both Naruto and Boruto to take on various missions and challenges.

Unlike usual turn-based or tap-action mobile games, Ninja Voltage has a more active approach to gameplay. Players control their leader character while the rest of their team follows and supports them. Moreover, players can dish out powerful combos and attacks that feature signature moves such as the Rasengan and the Chidori. Fans who want a compact experience close to the Ultimate Ninja Storm series could find almost the exact gameplay style in Ninja Voltage.

Notable for: Despite its rather lukewarm reception, Ninja Voltage is arguably one of the more extensive gacha games out there. While it gives players early access to a lot of popular Naruto characters on the get-go, it’s up to players to collect special Ninja Cards that allow them to equip these characters with exclusive attacks. This adds a lot of flexibility with regard to how a single shinobi character is built, making each iteration of a character unique.

8

Jump Force

Pit Naruto Against Other Shonen Jump Characters

• Available for: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC

Albeit not necessarily an exclusive Naruto game, Jump Force does answer a lot of fan questions regarding an important aspect of powerful fighters. If Naruto and Sasuke could defeat most of the ninjas in their world, how would they fare against the likes of Ichigo, Goku, or even Yami Yugi?

In this game, players take on the roles of some of the most prominent characters in Shonen Jump. Of course, given the vast scope of Jump’s manga selections, the game offers quite a lot of interesting match-ups. For instance, who could have thought that Light Yagami and his Death Note could face the likes of Naruto and Sasuke? Thanks to this game, players can finally see for themselves how the two shinobi’s abilities would fare against some of the most popular manga characters around.

Notable for: While there’s not a lot of visible Naruto presence in the game, the fact that players can use Naruto to fight some of the most popular Shonen Jump characters makes this game a dream come true for fan artists and the like. Power-scalers and theorists will appreciate the arena brawler for its unique application of signature movies within the franchise.

7

Ultimate Ninja Storm

Offers More Dynamic Movements

• Available for: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, PC

It could be argued that Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm gave a preview of the series’s true potential in terms of fast-paced ninja action. In terms of story, the first Ultimate Ninja Storm game covers the events of Part I until Episode 135.

As such, players can get a more dynamic take on events that thrust Naruto into his journey toward being the Hokage. However, for now, he has to become a Chuunin and help save Sasuke from the impending threat of Orochimaru.

Notable for: While retaining the same combo-focused mechanics of the Ultimate Ninja series, Ultimate Ninja Storm enables players to move in fully 3D environments. As a result, the game offers more dynamic use of Ninja Move dodges, wall-fighting, and different ninja tools, while players can even request help from support ninjas. These mechanics will slowly see improvements and changes throughout the course of the landmark Ultimate Ninja Storm series.

6

Rise Of A Ninja

An Interesting Take On The Open World Formula

Fans of classic Naruto would love 2007’s Naruto: Rise of a Ninja – a title that serves as a hallmark title for pre-Shippuden days. After all, the Xbox 360 title explores the first 80 episodes of the series in a fully-open Konoha.

Moreover, the main storyline comes with cutscenes interspersed with actual footage from the anime. Additionally, the game slowly teaches players everything Naruto learns in the original story – from using chakra to walk on walls and water (that also opens up the environment) to learning powerful Jutsu they can use in fights. Fans with the Xbox 360 should try this title, as it’s one of the first Naruto games to fully realize an open-world environment.

Notable for: An open-world Konoha is quite an interesting place to explore, especially how it’s been depicted as a lively environment to live in. The component of seeing civilians firsthand and being able to jump around a huge ninja village makes the stakes much higher by the time the likes of Orochimaru have posed a threat to the village.

5

Ultimate Ninja 5

The Best Portable Naruto Game

Fans of PSP’s Ultimate Ninja Heroes series would feel right at home with the PS2’s Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 5. Due to its ties with the Shippuden anime, the game’s story follows eight chapters related to the Kazekage Retrieval Arc and the reunion with Orochimaru and Sasuke. Interestingly, the game also features most characters with their Naruto and Shippuden costumes as well as alternate modes that grant new abilities. Moreover, the game introduces Assist Characters which players can call for aid for extra damage or powerful linked attacks.

This title easily becomes a must-play for fans who want a portable Naruto game that packs a lot of content and features. Moreover, it’s one of the last 2.5D Naruto fighting games prior to its transition to full-blown 3D fights.

Notable for: Although similar to Ultimate Ninja Heroes in the context that it’s a 2.5D title, Ultimate Ninja 5 excels in how it demonstrates the potential of Shippuden-level characters in this kind of setup. Lacking as it may be in flashier attacks in more open environments, the more confined spaces of the 2.5D landscape make the game feel more tactical and have higher stakes.

4

Shinobi Striker

Build A Custom Shinobi, Learn Naruto Techniques

• Available for: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Fans of Naruto will finally get their personalized Konoha experience with Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. In this 2018 title, fans can explore the first few arcs of the Boruto anime – this time with a fully customized avatar. Moreover, the game now features the cast of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which includes Boruto Uzumaki (Naruto’s son) and his friends.

Interestingly, the game boasts a fairly open environment where players can embark on various quests. Moreover, multiplayer matches come in various modes. Additionally, player avatars can possess unique abilities – some of which are signature moves from the original cast. Unfortunately, a lot of gamers don’t appreciate Shinobi Striker for its repetitive gameplay and lackluster combat mechanics.

Notable for: Immense customization is the name of the game for Shinobi Striker, allowing players to finally be able to meet, team up, and even fight some of the most popular members of the cast. The open-world setting and the vast environments give players a lot of room to experiment with their newfound abilities, making the game quite engaging.

3

Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

More Features For High-Octane Action

• Available for: PS3, Xbox 360

Fans looking for the ultimate Ultimate Ninja Storm experience would appreciate Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations for the PS3 and Xbox 360. This 2012 title retains the new 3D-based fights of the original Ninja Storm title. However, this game cranks everything up to 11 thanks to its fast-paced battles and stories fully covering the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime.

Moreover, fans would love Generations for its high-octane action. For instance, the game now features attack cancels, vertical mid-air dodges, and other cancellations to further diversify the game’s approach to combat. Additionally, Generations uses Naruto’s original story to branch out into other side stories. In turn, Generations gleams insights into other characters such as Itachi Uchiha and Minato Namikaze’s lives.

Notable for: This serves as a more “complete” Naruto experience in the context of the story, especially since it begins anew with Naruto’s childhood until the middle arc of Naruto Shippuden. This story route, alongside new attack additions such as cancellations and the like, can make players feel more engaged in the adventures of Naruto and his friends.