System: PS3*, Xbox 360
Dev: CyberConnect2
Pub: NAMCO Bandai
Release: March 13, 2012
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Cartoon Violence, Mild Language

Now, the Naruto anime and manga are normally told from Naruto's point of view. However, the story mode of the game tells the stories of other characters independent of Naruto. You'll be able to follow the adventures of loved side characters like Rock Lee and Kakashi during important events in the Naruto timeline. Once again, these events are animated by the official animation team and acted by the official voice actors. Not only that, but these side-stories are officially canon. They are aspects of the Naruto story that you can only see by playing this game. That alone makes this a must-have title for any Naruto fanatic.

The game also has a fully implemented online mode, but the netcode isn't the best around. While you can join lobbies and voice chat, there are times when lag becomes noticeable even through local connections. Finding a match was also rather difficult, but that may have only been because the game was so new.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations is easily the best Naruto fighting game to come out to date. The single-player alone makes the game worth buying, as it boasts one of the most competent and well-put-together story modes ever seen in a fighting game. The game system itself is complicated but easy to learn and accurately simulates an epic Naruto anime battle. Unfortunately, there are still some massive balance issues for some characters and the uses of the chakra button could have been planned out better, but these are just minor gripes. Though I wouldn't recommend this game to the serious tournament fighter that is looking to go to EVO this year, I'd easily recommend it to anyone who has even a passing interest in the Naruto series.

By Angelo M. D'Argenio Contributing Writer Date: March 13, 2012