Naruto, the popular Japanese manga series, has amassed a huge fanbase since its 1999 debut.
With anime, movie and trading card adaptations of the smash hit… it was only a matter of time before we got video game versions.
And having game appearances on Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft consoles and more… there are plenty of options out there for players.
In fact, there are nearly 60 canon releases and several character appearances in other games.
So which Naruto video game appearances will we deem the best?
Table of Contents
1. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
This 3d arena battler was released on the Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Praised for its visuals and amazing game narrative, this marks the final installment of the ”Ultimate Ninja” series… and definitely the best.
With a character roster of 106 fighters from the Naruto universe, players are sure to have a hard time picking their ultimate three player team.
“Ultimate Ninja Storm 4” is packed with fights, boss battles, quick-time events and both open world and linear story modes.
With a 2020 Nintendo Switch re-release, there has never been a better time to check out this classic fighting game, if you have not already.
Also took the number one spot on our list of best anime games!
2. Naruto: The Broken Bond
This Xbox 360 exclusive was the final Naruto game by Ubisoft before the licensing rights to the Naruto franchise expired.
The game introduces an improved visual aesthetic to the series with a unique watercolor feel, full 3D cinematic cutscenes, dynamic lighting and higher detailed character models.
Focusing on content from episodes 81-135 of the anime, “The Broken Bond” gave players 30 playable characters, a tag-team fight system, tons of NPCs, and original voice acting and music straight from the anime.
Considered a major upgrade in almost every aspect, Ubisoft really gave it their all in their final go at the beloved franchise… we love this game and think it’s one of the best Naruto games around.
3. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
In “Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations”, Namco Bandai Games made massive improvements to game play.
By removing some of the supplementary features of other “Ultimate Ninja” games… they hoped to return to the series’ roots in strong fighting games.
Nearly one hour of original animations introduce totally new storylines to the Naruto universe.
These additions were developed in collaboration with Pierrot, the animation studio responsible for the original anime adaptations of Naruto.
Online tournaments, faster game play, and the introduction of “beast mode” means players will get a totally new and improved action-packed Naruto experience.
4. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst
Developer CyberConnect2 aimed to deliver one of the best Naruto games players had ever seen… and also one of the most accessible.
To increase interest in the “Ultimate Ninja” video game series, they hoped to develop a story that did not require new players to be familiar with the Naruto manga and anime.
“Ultimate Ninja Storm 3” features one-vs-one arena battles with two support characters, full story mode, boss battles, quick-time events, and mob battles.
Players can choose from three of the 81 playable characters and seven support characters to build their ultimate ninja crew.
Releases on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, AND Nintendo Switch means there’s no excuse for you to not be playing this classic fighting game… RIGHT NOW!
And maybe check out our list of the best PS3 fighting games and see where it landed.
5. Naruto: Rise of a Ninja
Ubisoft’s Xbox 360 exclusive was the first in the Naruto game series to be based on the English dubbed anime series. It was also the first to be developed by a studio outside of Japan!
Blending one-on-one combat elements with a role playing story mode and side quests, players had a unique new way to live in the Naruto universe.
Following episodes 1-80 of the English anime, players could experience the tale with original English voice acting or download an optional Japanese speech pack.
With a focus on accessibility and good ol’ fashioned fun… this one is sure to be a good time, even if you are unfamiliar with the Naruto storyline.
6. Jump Force
Taking a spot on our list of best anime fighting games, Jump Force is a butt-load of fast-paced fun.
Smashing 40 characters pulled from the pages of the Shōnen Jump manga anthology all in one universe results in some pretty entertaining exchanges.
With Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Kakashi, Kaguya and Boruto all making their appearance in the arena… fans are sure to come up with some pretty awesome three player teams.
Not a mainline Naruto title, but still a must-play for any fan of the franchise; Jump Force will give you experiences unlike any other.
7. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
Another handheld Naruto game? I sure messed up that line, didn’t I?
As the sixth and final Naruto title for the PlayStation Portable console, CyberConnect2 absolutely gave fans the best Naruto game for the handheld.
Unlike other games in the “Ultimate Ninja” series, this game is actually not a fighting game. Game play is much more akin to Omega Force’s “warriors” games with large battle arenas and 1-vs-100 action.
Having the most comprehensive coverage of the Naruto storyline (covering most of the first era from the anime series) it is truly an epic undertaking for familiar fans or newcomers.
If you do not have a PSP, why not try one of the best psp emulators, or maybe just pick up a retro gaming handheld like the rg351v and play it now because it’s one of THE best Naruto games around.
8. Naruto Powerful Shippuden
Remember I said something about Naruto in the palm of your hands? Well turns out there were actually quite a few games developed for handheld consoles.
And with RetroDodo focusing particularly on retro handheld gaming… it’s only right that we share one of the most remarkable from the franchise’s long history.
Where most games in the Naruto video-game series will feel like iterations of the last… “Powerful Shippuden” gives players something entirely new and original… while still holding that same spirit of the source material.
Based on the spin-off anime series “Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals”, this Nintendo 3DS game focuses on the silly side of the Naruto universe.
This 2d fighter game features Rock Lee, an incapable shinobi who makes up for his shortcomings by being the Naruto world’s “nice guy”.
In typical nice guy fashion, his name does not make the games title, but he is truly the star of the show.
Cute, crude, silly, exaggerated and over the top. And right up our alley.
While most games on this list will focus on newer home consoles, this is one you can pick up on the go and have a truly unique experience.
Don’t have a Nintendo 3DS? Me either. Maybe check out our list of the best 3DS emulators if you need to check this game out right now.
9. Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage
That is right.. a Naruto game for your phone! This iOS and Android exclusive was the first time players had the Naruto world in the palm of their hands…
(Well, technically not if you count the Wonderswan, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS or PSP games… but come on, it sounded good!)… okay, for mobile devices at least.
This action RPG features real-time strategy and plays like a base defense game, allowing players to evade or defend their villages.
“Ninja Voltage” features an AUTO mode, which means you can basically play this one without actually playing it… something these other 9 games won’t give ya!
This game shines on mobile phones with its high quality graphics and some pretty awesome battle effects. And to top it off, it’s free-to-play, so why not check it out!
10. Fortnite X Naruto
What?! Fortnite? That’s right folks… the monster hit by Epic Games has generated literally billions of dollars in revenue, despite being a free-to-play video game.
One of the ways Fortnite has stayed so relevant and continued to keep its fanbase is through regularly updated game features, seasonal events and cross-over content.
Fortnite’s seasonal content has brought popular franchises such as Spider-Man, Star Wars, Resident Evil, Rick and Morty, Tomb Raider, Street Fighter, and Ariana Grande (whaaaaa?).
But the first anime franchise to appear in Fortnite… you guessed it: Naruto!
The 2021 Chapter 2: Season 8 update brought us four character skins and many additional items, emotes and in-game content related to the beloved Naruto franchise.
The Naruto cross-over was one of the most anticipated and fan requested in Fortnite. And when it finally arrived, fan consensus was: YES!
