Introduction
I’ll be honest—when I first saw the announcement for Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, my initial thought was: Wait, another Storm game? Haven’t we seen it all already? But as I dug deeper, something clicked. This isn’t just “Storm 5.” It’s more of a celebration, a unification, a bridge between two generations of shinobi stories—Naruto’s legendary journey and Boruto’s fresh, sometimes controversial, path forward.
If you’ve been around the Naruto gaming scene, you probably already have some history with the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. I know I do. Back in high school, I remember saving up for Storm 2 on the PS3. I spent entire weekends glued to my TV, trying to land Naruto’s Rasengan against Sasuke without completely depleting my chakra bar (spoiler: I failed, a lot). Fast forward to today, and we now have Connections, which promises to bring together everything we’ve loved about the series while introducing the next generation of shinobi.
But here’s the big question: is it worth your time and money? Or is it just a repackaged version of Storm 4 with Boruto characters sprinkled in? Let’s dig in.
Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations in Storm Connections
One of the core selling points of Storm Connections is that it spans both Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. For Naruto fans, this means reliving the Fourth Great Ninja War, epic rivalries like Naruto vs. Sasuke, and emotional storylines like Itachi’s redemption. For Boruto fans, it’s about finally seeing Boruto, Kawaki, and other next-gen shinobi get the same flashy treatment the older characters received.
I was skeptical at first. Would Boruto’s story really mesh with Naruto’s? Surprisingly, yes. The game manages to tie the arcs together in a way that feels seamless. Playing as Naruto in his Hokage years and then shifting to Boruto’s point of view gives the game a kind of narrative rhythm—it’s not just nostalgia, it’s progression.
Ultimate Ninja Storm Series Legacy
If there’s one thing CyberConnect2 and Bandai Namco know how to do, it’s making a Storm game feel like a playable anime. Ever since Ultimate Ninja Storm debuted, the series has been a mix of breathtaking visuals, emotional cutscenes, and flashy jutsu combos that made you feel like you were inside the anime itself.
Connections continues that legacy, but it does something a little different—it acts as a connector (pun intended) between the old and new. Think of it as the ultimate box set of the Naruto gaming universe, but with the bonus of new Boruto arcs. If you’ve ever played Storm Generations or Storm Revolution, you’ll notice the DNA is still here, but it’s polished and updated for modern consoles.
System Requirements for Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
| Specification | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel Core i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti / AMD Radeon R9 270X | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 480 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 25 GB available space | 25 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
| Sound Card | DirectX-compatible | DirectX-compatible |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection | Broadband Internet connection |
Notes:
- The game is also available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, so you don’t need a high-end gaming PC if you own one of those consoles.
- While the minimum specs will let you run the game, the recommended specs ensure smoother performance, especially in cinematic cutscenes and online multiplayer battles.
- An SSD is strongly recommended for faster load times.
Ninja Battles and Shinobi Techniques
Let’s talk about the fights—the heart and soul of the Storm series. Connections doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it fine-tunes it. Jutsu combos feel fluid, chakra control is a bit more intuitive, and ultimate attacks are still those jaw-dropping cinematic spectacles that make you put the controller down for a second just to watch.
I had this moment when I pulled off Boruto’s Vanishing Rasengan against an online opponent. The animation, the camera angles, the sound effects—it all just hit. And then, switching over to someone like Sasuke and landing a perfectly timed Chidori reminded me why I fell in love with the series in the first place.
Whether you’re unleashing Naruto’s Six Paths Sage Mode or experimenting with Kawaki’s Karma powers, every fight feels larger than life. And let’s be real—sometimes you just want to spam Rasengan until your thumbs ache. This game gets that.
Naruto x Boruto Game Review Style Preview
If I had to sum up Connections in a review-style snapshot: it’s a polished, content-packed love letter to Naruto fans, with enough new material to keep Boruto followers satisfied. The roster is massive, the visuals are stunning, and the story integration works surprisingly well.
That being said, is it revolutionary? No. If you’re expecting a total overhaul compared to Storm 4, you might be a bit underwhelmed. But honestly, I think that’s okay. Not every game needs to reinvent the wheel—sometimes, it just needs to remind us why the wheel was so fun to spin in the first place.
Storm Connections Gameplay Mechanics Explained
The gameplay mechanics stick to the Storm formula but with slight refinements. You’ve got your chakra dashes, substitution jutsu, ultimate attacks, and tag-team combos. The difference here is in the polish. Combos chain more smoothly, and transitions between character swaps feel more cinematic.
Balancing is also better this time around. Characters like Boruto don’t feel like lightweight add-ons compared to titans like Madara. Kawaki feels strong (maybe a little too strong), but not game-breaking. And multiplayer? The netcode improvements mean far fewer lag spikes, which, if you’ve played Storm online before, you know is a massive relief.
Release Date, Platforms, and Future Expectations
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections officially launched in late 2023. It’s available on pretty much everything—PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. So no matter what console you’re rocking, you can join in.
What excites me even more is the potential for DLC. We’ve already seen hints of future expansions, and if Bandai Namco leans into fan service, we could get additional Boruto manga characters, new costumes, and maybe even crossover content. Considering how Dragon Ball FighterZ extended its life with steady DLC, I wouldn’t be surprised if Connections gets the same treatment.
Playable Characters and Character Roster Size
Here’s the headline: Connections boasts the biggest roster in Storm history. We’re talking Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, Itachi, Madara, Boruto, Kawaki, Sarada, Mitsuki, and plenty more. In fact, the roster clocks in at over 130 characters, including variations like “Young Naruto” and “Hokage Naruto.”
It’s a dream come true for fans who’ve always wanted to pit Boruto against Itachi or see Kawaki square off against Madara. The variety is wild—you can go from flashy powerhouse fighters like Kaguya to quirky niche picks like Kiba.
Narrative-Driven Gameplay and Anime Cutscenes
If you’ve played any Storm game, you know the cutscenes are half the fun. Connections keeps that tradition alive. The anime cutscenes are integrated so smoothly into the story mode that sometimes you forget you’re not just watching the anime itself.
There were moments during the Fourth Great Ninja War retelling where I genuinely put the controller down just to enjoy the cinematic. And the Boruto arcs? They look cleaner and more polished here than they sometimes do in the anime. Honestly, I’d watch a full Boruto anime season animated in the Connections engine.
Combat Mechanics and Balancing Issues
Now, let’s be real—not everything is perfect. While balancing is improved, there are still moments where certain characters feel overtuned. Kawaki, for example, has a toolkit that feels a little unfair at times. And characters like Kiba? Let’s just say they don’t exactly hold up against the powerhouses.
But here’s the thing—Storm has never really been about tight esports balancing. It’s about spectacle. It’s about pulling off a cinematic ultimate attack and making your opponent sit through 20 seconds of anime glory. That’s part of the charm, and Connections keeps that intact.
Naruto, Boruto, and the Hokage Legacy
One of the emotional throughlines of Connections is the Hokage legacy. You’re not just playing Naruto’s rise to Hokage—you’re playing Boruto’s struggle to live in that shadow. That dynamic adds a layer of storytelling that feels genuinely compelling.
I found myself reflecting on how Naruto once fought for recognition, while Boruto now fights against the weight of expectations. It’s a subtle but powerful theme, and the game makes you feel it in both cutscenes and gameplay.
Iconic Jutsu: Rasengan, Sharingan, and Chidori
Let’s talk about the jutsu. If you’ve ever yelled “Rasengan!” while mashing buttons, you’re in good company. Connections keeps the iconic moves we love—Naruto’s Rasengan, Sasuke’s Chidori, Itachi’s Sharingan-based techniques—but also adds flashy Boruto-era abilities.
Boruto’s Vanishing Rasengan looks slick, Sarada’s Sharingan moves are sharp, and Kawaki’s Karma attacks bring something fresh to the table. The animations are so crisp that even after hours of play, I still find myself replaying ultimates just to enjoy the spectacle.
Storm Games Evolution: From Generations to Revolution to Connections
It’s worth looking back. We had Storm Generations, which focused on character variety, then Storm Revolution, which experimented with mechanics, and finally Storm 4, which pushed the cinematic style to its limit. Connections takes the best elements from all of these and merges them.
It’s not a radical departure, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the evolution of a franchise that knows what it does best.
Game Modes: Adventure, Free Battle, and Survival Challenges
Connections features multiple modes to keep players hooked. Adventure Mode lets you explore storylines, Free Battle lets you experiment with characters, and Survival Challenge puts your endurance to the test.
Personally, I love Survival Challenge—it forces you to rotate through different characters and adapt on the fly. Sure, Adventure Mode is where the big narrative moments happen, but Survival keeps your reflexes sharp.
Storm Connections as a Fighting Game in the Anime Gaming Genre
At its core, Connections is a fighting game. But it’s also more than that—it’s an anime experience. Comparing it to Dragon Ball FighterZ, Jump Force, or One Piece Pirate Warriors highlights its unique position. It’s not as technically deep as FighterZ, but it’s far more cinematic.
Anime fighting games often struggle with balancing spectacle and mechanics. Connections leans into spectacle unapologetically, and that’s part of why it works.
Esports and Multiplayer Potential
Could Connections work as an esports title? Maybe. The improved netcode and refined mechanics certainly help, but the game is more about fun than hardcore competition. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if fan tournaments pop up. After all, watching two skilled players pull off cinematic ultimates back-to-back is as entertaining as it gets.
Part of the Naruto and Boruto Franchise Legacy
This game isn’t just a standalone release—it’s part of a much bigger picture. The Naruto franchise has manga, anime, movies, and spin-offs. Connections cements itself as the definitive gaming entry in that legacy.
For fans, it’s not just about playing a game—it’s about being part of a cultural phenomenon that’s been running for over two decades.
Storm Connections in the Bandai Namco Anime Game Library
Bandai Namco has a long history of adapting anime into games. From Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot to One Piece: Pirate Warriors, their library is stacked. Connections proudly sits among these as one of their flagship titles, showing once again why Bandai Namco dominates the anime gaming scene.
How-To Guide Section
How to Master Chakra Control and Jutsu Combos
Here’s a quick tip: don’t just spam jutsu. Managing your chakra is the key to victory. Use chakra dashes strategically, and learn to chain basic combos into jutsu for maximum damage.
How to Unlock Characters and Costumes
Most characters unlock as you progress through the story, but some require specific missions or conditions. Costumes often come through DLC or achievements. Pro tip: keep an eye on special events—Bandai Namco loves giving out bonus content.
How to Improve in Online Multiplayer
Online multiplayer can be brutal. The key is patience. Learn your main three characters inside and out, study common matchups, and don’t panic when your opponent pulls off an ultimate. Most importantly—don’t rage-quit (trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not worth it).
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FAQ Section
Q: What is Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections?
A: It’s the latest entry in the Storm series, blending Naruto and Boruto storylines with the largest roster yet.
Q: Is it a sequel to Storm 4?
A: It’s more of a celebration/anthology than a direct sequel, though it continues Boruto’s story.
Q: How many playable characters are there?
A: Over 130, making it the biggest roster in Storm history.
Q: Does the game cover Boruto’s story arcs?
A: Yes, including original Boruto content alongside Shippuden arcs.
Q: Will there be DLC expansions?
A: Highly likely, given Bandai Namco’s track record.
Q: Is it beginner-friendly?
A: Absolutely. The controls are simple enough for newcomers, but there’s depth for veterans too.
Q: How does it compare to Shinobi Striker?
A: Striker is more of a team-based open experience, while Connections focuses on cinematic 1v1 and team battles.
Conclusion
So, is Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections worth it? In my experience—absolutely. It’s not perfect. Some balancing issues linger, and hardcore players might wish for deeper mechanics. But as a fan experience? It’s unmatched.
For me, it’s not just about the gameplay—it’s about the nostalgia of revisiting Naruto’s journey, the excitement of seeing Boruto’s potential, and the joy of pulling off a Rasengan that lands just right. Connections is more than a fighting game; it’s a celebration of two decades of shinobi storytelling.Whether you’re a veteran of the Storm series or a curious newcomer, this is a game that deserves a spot in your collection. And who knows? Maybe someday, we’ll be talking about Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2. Until then, I’ll see you online (just… please don’t spam Itachi’s fireball jutsu).
