As some may know, I've been a Naruto fan since I was very young and I've always enjoyed playing
The game starts out just at the end of the previous title, where Naruto has defeated Pain and saved the village. Before this, we have a flashback to seventeen years ago, a woman speaks "This is a story about a man who saved his village." which becomes the theme of the game (Example: later on this voice says "This is the story about a man I love.") and thus we're thrown into the midst of it all.
During the Ninja Storm series, it's well known by fans and players alike that the control system and small upgrades are the only things that change but it seems Namco has gone all out for the game this time around. Sound effects are near the same but with new items and equipment, they have been upgraded greatly. The musical score adds in much of the drama in cutscenes as well as a sense of peace during the quieter moments. What truly sticks out is the upgraded gameplay, graphics and vocal work:
character movements during both normal gameplay, cutscenes and clips. Gameplay, while much of the same, has had many new features added to it; such as larger boss battles, multiple fights (Example: You V The 7 Resurrected Jinchuriki) and the main choice - Legend or Hero.
During major points of the game, you are given the option of how to take a boss battle. Legend is generally harder but has much larger rewards for both options. Legend gear also reduces what types of items you can take into each fight. Hero is the easier option and takes you on a different path than the Manga/Anime has told so far. Although if you do choose the Hero option, rewards are only for the Hero Class and they are much smaller. What really takes the cake is the voice acting. While the Japanese setting is as brilliant as always, reading subtitles during a fight scene can be a bit bothersome, and while the English option has always been undesirable by many fans, the English voice cast truly come out of their shells. Maile Flanagan (Naruto Uzumaki) really gives a great performance, especially during the cutscene with Naruto's mother, Kushina Uzumaki (Laura Bailey, game voice only) who I shall admit, did get me tearing up in some bits.
When a voice actor can truly bring you into the moment, you know you have a good game in your hands. Dave Wittenburg, Yuri Lorenthal, Troy Baker, Kate Higgins and so many more actors in the game truly brought out a fantastic experience.
Multiplayer is the same as ever: Ninja Cards and Info has been upgraded with heaps (Try 1000 Cards and 500 Info Lines) more items, making some more interesting and others more wacky and funny. For example, my very own says "Chubby Of The Scales", which amuses me to no end.
However, customisation has been upgraded to a hilt, multiplayer battles and connectivity is just as bad as ever; playing with friends that live within a five minute drive is still full of lag and many other issues.
While Japanese (especially manga/anime) games aren't everyone's cup-of-tea, I would definitely recommend this game for fans of the series, old and new. The game may not be perfect, but it's definitely a fun ride while it lasts.
Out of 10, I give Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 a 7/10
Good Points
+ Voice Acting is brilliant
+ Gameplay and graphics highly upgraded
+ Storyline is solid...
Bad Points
- ...but the ending is ridiculous
- Devs seem to be milking the series
- Still no full free roam? =(
Ninja Storm 3 is out now for the standard price of $78
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