Summary
Ask any anime fan what they’d imagine when they hear “ninja” and it’s likely going to beNaruto. In fact, the orange-clad protagonist of theNarutofranchise 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 rememberNarutofor its slate of action-packed games.
Moreover,Narutogameseventually grew alongside the franchise. For instance, some hitNarutotitles followed notable arcs when the series was ongoing. As such,Narutohas more than 50 titles across different game series! However, just whichNarutogamesdominate the rest? Most importantly, which titles shouldNarutofans definitely try?
Updated on June 25, 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.
Prior to the arrival of the critically-acclaimedUltimate Ninja Storm 4wasNaruto: 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 Revolutionhas 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 otherStormgames where mechanics are often carried over and improved in the next title,Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolutionups 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.
Being the most recent entries in the franchise, it’s no surprise thatNaruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connectionshas 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 ofNaruto’s legacy,Ultimate Ninja Storm Connectionsdoesn’t make use of its expanded cast andBoruto’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 likeDragon Ball Z: Kakarothas done. This, combined with the game’s largely unchanged mechanics, did makeUltimate Ninja Storm Connectionfeel rather lackluster as a result.
Notable for:As a game that “hands off” theNarutolegacy from Naruto Uzumaki to his son Boruto, it makes sense forUltimate Ninja Storm Connectionsto feature not just a recap ofNaruto’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 fromBorutoadding 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.
While many of the games in theNarutoseries offer a deeper look into Naruto’s long journey to becoming the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf,Naruto: Ninja Council 3takes 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 theNarutoanime,Ninja Council 3gives players an arena platformer fighter similar to theSuper Smash Bros.franchise, allowing the likes of Naruto to team up or even fight against otherpopular characters in theNarutofranchise.
Similar to other games inNinja 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 whatNarutoin the DS was like should at least tryNinja Council 3for the change of pace in gameplay.
When players look for aNarutogame, they often encounterUltimate Ninja Storm. However, before the 3D arena fighter took the world by storm (no pun intended), this iconic series of games within theNarutofranchise had humble beginnings withNaruto: Ultimate Ninja. Given its early 2000s release,Ultimate Ninjacovers the introductory saga of theNarutostory 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 shortNarutoarcs 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 intothe more popularStormsub-series ofNarutogames. 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.
Fans of theNarutofranchise looking for a decent brawler after the abysmal experience withNinja Council 3can still enjoy playing with their Nintendo DS courtesy ofNaruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2. This 2008 release is a decent button masher that rightfully demonstrates the visual splendor of theNarutoseries in a portable console, offering a focus on one-on-one battles instead of its short but rather dull story mode.
Thankfully, the game doesoffer a more funNarutoexperiencefor 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 makeNinja Destiny 2a 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 2is 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.
It’s not often that aNarutogameis balanced, especially with the emphasis on button mashing courtesy of its straightforward mechanics. However,Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3shines with its nature as a decently balanced fighter not just in general but especially for the oftentimes-criticized Wii. Key to the appeal ofRevolution 3mechanics 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 therather shortShippudenintroductory arcup until the Kazekage Retrieval Arc, it’s the versus mode that pitsNarutocharacters against each other where players can have a great time. Being able to use around 40 characters with unique but accessible techniques makesRevolution 3one of thebest-developedNarutogamesof the time.
Notable for:Considered the fifth entry of theClash of Ninjaseries, the game offers 40 playable stages alongside 40 playable characters that have their skill sets overhauled due to theShippudentime 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.
Fans of theNarutoseries might be surprised to try outNaruto Shippuden 3D: The New Erafor 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 variousNarutolandmarks with various platforming elements. Moreover, Naruto can perform various attacks and even Jutsu that transitions into a 3D cutscene. Unfortunately, fans who played other immersiveNarutofighting games won’t find this title endearing at all.
Notable for:One of the very fewNarutoplatformers 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.
Interestingly,Narutoactually has a game entry for the Wii. Unlike other titles,Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chroniclestries to add RPG elements to theNarutoconcept. 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 Chroniclesfeels more like an action-adventure game withNarutoelements. Instead of hand-to-hand combat, Naruto (now adorned intraditional Feudal Japanese armor) uses swords to fight various monsters. Aside from aesthetics, there’s not much that makes this game a “genuine"Narutoexperience.
Notable for:Despite criticisms, the game does make an excellent demonstration of whatNarutocould 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.
Those who want a more strategic take on theNarutouniverse would probably want to check outNaruto: Shinobi no Sato no Jintori Kassen, loosely translated asNaruto: Ninja Village Jintori Battle.Essentially, the game mixeselements 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 ofNaruto, particularly when Team 7 has to face the likes of Haku and Zabuza.
Notable for:Aside from its limited scope,Ninja Village Jintori Battledoesn’t boast much in terms of mechanics. The board game aspect doesn’t immediately fit theNarutosetting, 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.
Fans of the series with their PlayStation Portables intact would likely get intrigued byNaruto 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 asthe 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 Risinghas 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 Risingoffers a somewhat suboptimal experience.
