NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 Road to Boruto is a 3D arena fighting game that adapts the concluding arcs of the Naruto Shippuden anime series and extends into the next generation with the Road to Boruto expansion. Players control a large roster of ninja characters in fast-paced battles that emphasize timing, positioning, and special techniques drawn from the source material.
Gameplay
The core combat revolves around a revamped battle system that builds on prior entries in the series. Fighters exchange normal attacks, chakra-based moves, and powerful ninjutsu techniques while managing resources to unleash stronger abilities. Counter mechanics add defensive layers, rewarding precise timing during exchanges. Boss encounters incorporate quick-time events alongside hack-and-slash sequences that break up the standard one-on-one format. The game supports both single-player campaigns and local split-screen or online player-versus-player matches, with a focus on fluid animations that capture the visual style of the anime.
Character selection draws from the full Shippuden timeline plus additional figures introduced in the Boruto portion. Each fighter brings distinct move sets tied to their canonical abilities, encouraging experimentation across matches. The system remains accessible for newcomers yet rewards mastery through combo execution and strategic use of team support options.
Game Modes
Story Mode presents the events of the Fourth Shinobi World War through a series of linear chapters. Players advance via cutscenes and battles that recreate key confrontations, with optional side chapters highlighting supporting characters. Completion unlocks further content and allows replay of specific encounters.
Adventure Mode shifts to exploration after the main story concludes. Players navigate locations in the ninja world, undertaking main missions and side quests that provide rewards and additional narrative beats. Separate storylines follow individual characters such as Naruto in the Trial of the Gale, Shikamaru during a period when Kakashi serves as Hokage, and Gaara on a journey focused on bonds across the Hidden Sand.
The Road to Boruto expansion adds a dedicated adventure scenario centered on Boruto and the new generation. This includes side quests within the Hidden Leaf Village and a notable boss encounter featuring Sasuke against Kinshiki. New playable characters such as Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki join the roster, along with updated versions of established fighters. Free Battle and online battle options allow direct matches outside the story structure, supporting both local and remote play.
Character Roster and Mechanics
The complete edition incorporates all prior downloadable content, resulting in more than one hundred fighters available from launch. Team Ultimate Jutsu sequences let players combine characters for dramatic finishing moves during battles. Costume options and alternate versions expand customization without altering core gameplay balance.
Mechanics emphasize chakra management and positioning in three-dimensional arenas. Players can switch between supported allies and execute aerial or ground-based combos. The design prioritizes spectacle through cinematic camera work during special attacks while maintaining competitive pacing in versus matches.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title serves fans of the Naruto franchise who want a condensed retelling of the Shippuden finale alongside new content from the Boruto era. The story mode delivers a structured recap of major events, while Adventure Mode and the Road to Boruto addition provide hours of post-campaign exploration and side content. Combat feels responsive and visually faithful, making it suitable for players who enjoy anime-style fighters over pure competitive depth.
Reception among players highlights the comprehensive character selection and narrative presentation as strengths, though some note that Adventure Mode segments can repeat similar objectives. The game runs on PC with controller support and includes local and online multiplayer options. Those seeking ongoing seasonal updates or large active player bases in ranked play may find the experience more limited, as the title reached completion years ago. It remains a solid choice for single-player story engagement or casual versus sessions with friends familiar with the series.
