Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Naruto Shippuden:
Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Official artwork for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Developer(s) CyberConnect2
Publisher(s) Namco Bandai Games
Producer(s) Yusuke Sasaki[1]
Composer(s) Chikayo Fukuda[2]
Series Naruto: Ultimate Ninja
Platform(s) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Release date(s)
Genre(s) Fighting
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer
Rating(s)
Media/distribution Blu-ray Disc, DVD

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, known in Japan as Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Storm Generations (NARUTO-ナルト-疾風伝 ナルティメットストーム ジェネレーション?) is a video game in the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja fighting game series, developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco Bandai Games. Based on the Naruto manga series by Masashi Kishimoto, this title will feature both characters from the prequels Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, thus featuring two incarnations from characters who noticeably changed across the series, alongside the newly introduced. Additionally, the game will show original storylines produced by the group in charge of Naruto's animated adaptations, Studio Pierrot. First revealed in June 2011, it is scheduled for release in Japan in February 2012 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles as well as March 2012 for North America and Europe.[6][3]

Contents

Gameplay

While carrying several elements previously seen in the prequels, such as playing the story mode and online tournaments, the game will see several new features and changes. The battle system has been modified for faster gameplay.[7] The game now implements a new status meter that limits the amount of substitution jutsu that can be performed. One of the new additions to the game is the "Beast Mode", also known as "Awakening Mode", in which a character transforms into a beast with stronger attacks should they be about to be defeated. For example, Part II Naruto Uzumaki would change into his for Tailed Beast Chakra Mode that enhances his abilities, while Part II Sasuke Uchiha would summon Susanoo, a massive ethereal warrior that aids him in combat.[8][9] Players will also be able to use real collectible cards to unlock new content and gain advantages in the fights.[10]

The story mode covers both Part I and Part II from the series, respectively featuring the younger and older incarnations from the series' characters.[11] The role-playing game elements from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2's story mode were removed in favor of consecutive battles, thus reducing the time spent during the mode.[12] Although it mainly focuses on Naruto Uzumaki's adventures, it will feature new sidestories lead by supporting characters such as Minato Namikaze and Itachi Uchiha that will expand their backgrounds. While the game covers both Part I and Part II, all of the characters created for the original episodes will be playable.[12] New animated cutscenes will be used for the story mode.[13] Promoting over 70 playable characters,[14] the game will include the debut of the new Kage introduced in Part II, as well as Kakashi Hatake's team during his childhood.[15] Few characters will appear assisting such as Fu and Tourne who are teamed up with Danzo Shimura.[16]

Development

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations was first announced by Namco Bandai Games in late June from 2011 in the manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump, promising the return of Part I characters,[6][1] most notably Zabuza Momochi and Haku in response to their popularity within fans.[12] With the addition of these characters, the staff comments the game will have a wider variety of battles than the previous game.[17] The initial gameplay was modified during November 2011 to further balance the fights. The game's official website opened shortly afterwards.[12] Producer Yusuke Sasaki commented the staff wanted to give combat a greater focus than its prequels. The term "Generations" was used, standing for "the ultimate ninja battle that crosses generations."[1] The game is meant to satisfy the gamers' wishes and interests regarding the series according to Hiroshi Matsuyama, the president of CyberConnect2.[11] Matsuyama also commented the story mode is different from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2,[18] with Part II meant to have a different impact in the gamers.[17] Studio Pierrot, the developer of the Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden anime series, aided CyberConnect2 in the making of new storylines to be featured in the game, resulting in new 60 minutes of created animation.[12]

In November 2011, Namco Bandai announced the game would be released in Japan on February 23, 2012. Pre-orders will included a CD soundtrack from the game and the prequels, Ultimate Ninja Storm and Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, under the title of "Ultimate Ninja Storm Best Sound" (ナルティメットストームBestSound?) composed by Chikayo Fukuda.[3][2] Additionally, during following dates, the game was announced to be released in North America and Europe in March 13, 2012 and March 30, 2012, respectively, also by Namco Bandai.[5][4] Like the Japanese version, the European port will include a CD soundtrack, promoting "the first official rap single of Killer Bee."[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c Gantayat, Anoop (June 21, 2011). "Naruto Generations Official Site Opens". Andriasang. http://andriasang.com/comwh4/. Retrieved October 27, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b "待っていたぞ、この時を!" (in Japanese). Namco Bandai Games. http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/naruto_g/comment.html. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  3. ^ a b c Gantayat, Anoop (November 28, 2011). "Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Dated". Andriasang. http://andriasang.com/comz3x/naruto_date/. Retrieved November 28, 2011. 
  4. ^ a b "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations coming in March". Joystiq. December 15, 2011. http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-coming-in-mar/. Retrieved December 15, 2011. 
  5. ^ a b "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations European date set". Gematsu. http://gematsu.com/2011/11/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-european-date-set. Retrieved November 28, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b "Namco Bandai Games Announces Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations" (Press release). IGN. July 1, 2011. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/118/1180216p1.html. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  7. ^ a b "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations' New Video Posted". Anime News Network. December 21, 2011. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-12-21/naruto-shippuden/ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-new-video-posted. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  8. ^ Thomsen, Michael (July 7, 2011). "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm is Still Crazy". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/118/1181175p1.html. Retrieved October 27, 2011. 
  9. ^ Spencer (December 10, 2011). "Naruto And Sasuke Awaken For Ultimate Ninja Generations". Siliconera. http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/10/naruto-and-sasuke-awaken-for-ultimate-ninja-generations/. Retrieved December 11, 2011. 
  10. ^ "NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM GENERATIONS’ RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED" (Press release). Gamasutra. December 15, 2011. http://gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/81130/lsquoNARUTO_SHIPPUDEN_ULTIMATE_NINJA_STORMGENERATIONSrsquo_RELEASE_DATE_ANNOUNCED.php. Retrieved December 15, 2011. 
  11. ^ a b George, Richard (September 15, 2011). "Naruto Ninja Storm Generation's Bold New Territory". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/118/1181175p1.html. Retrieved October 27, 2011. 
  12. ^ a b c d e Jastrzab, Jeremy (September 28, 2011). "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Preview". PALGN. http://palgn.com.au/19731/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-preview/. Retrieved October 24, 2011. 
  13. ^ "Zabuza's Saga Retold In Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations". Siliconera. November 15, 2011. http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/15/haku-and-zabuzas-story-retold-in-naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations/. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  14. ^ "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Has Over 70 Characters". Siliconera. November 9, 2011. http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/09/naruto-shippuden-ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-has-over-70-characters/. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  15. ^ "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations Trailer Streamed". Anime News Network. September 23, 2011. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-09-23/naruto-shippuden/ultimate-ninja-storm-generations-trailer-streamed. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 
  16. ^ "The Third Hokage And Danzo Duke It Out In CyberConnect2′s Naruto Game". Siliconera. December 19, 2011. http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/19/the-third-hokage-and-danzo-duke-it-out-in-cyberconnect2s-naruto-game/. Retrieved December 20, 2011. 
  17. ^ a b Spencer (October 21, 2011). "CyberConnect2 CEO On Naruto Fandom And How To Run A Game Studio In Fukuoka". Siliconera. http://www.siliconera.com/2011/10/21/cyberconnect2-ceo-on-naruto-fandom-and-how-to-run-a-game-studio-in-fukuoka/. Retrieved November 15, 2011. 
  18. ^ Santos, Carlos (July 22, 2011). "San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Shonen Jump Industry Panel". Anime News Network. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2011-07-08/viz-media-announces-activities-and-convention-exclusives-for-2011-comic-con-international. Retrieved October 30, 2011. 

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