Article Key Points
Naruto's diverse setting and unique characters make it a perfect fit for an MMO experience, allowing for expansions and further exploration of the world.
The shinobi's role in Naruto is suitable for side quests and exploration, which are fundamental features of the MMO genre.
Although Ultimate Ninja Storm caters to fighting game enthusiasts, its intricate combat system might seem daunting to those who are not familiar with the genre. Therefore, an MMO provides a more inclusive choice for a wider range of audiences.
Naruto is a widely popular franchise, often compared to Dragonball Z, and its impact in the gaming world has been significant. Various games have been created based on the character and his story, but the Ultimate Ninja Storm series stands out as the most beloved. It started in 2008, focusing on the events before the Shippuden arcs of the anime and manga.
However, despite the success of these games in allowing players to experience the series, their genre and high entry requirements can be intimidating. Naruto shines brightest when it emphasizes its world and characters, and an MMO (massively multiplayer online game) could further highlight these aspects and surpass the limitations of Ultimate Ninja Storm, creating something truly exceptional.
Naruto's rich variety of settings justifies an MMO experience, while future storylines could enable expansions.
The role of a shinobi in Naruto lends itself to the inclusion of side quests and exploration, two essential elements of the MMO genre.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is great for fans of fighting games, but its complex battle system can be daunting for anyone not familiar with the genre.
Naruto's World and Characters are its Greatest Strength
With an extensive collection of manga chapters and anime episodes, Naruto showcases its strengths through captivating character interactions and intricate world-building. Although battles play a prominent role in the narrative, the series truly shines in its portrayal of the five great shinobi villages and their political complexities. Each village boasts a distinctive culture and appearance, endowing its inhabitants with a remarkable sense of individuality. Within the framework of their shinobi roles (such as Genin, Chunin, Jonin, or Kage), the characters embark on missions of increasing difficulty, resembling side quests and mercenary endeavors commonly found in open-world RPGs.
This could be a perfect fit for the MMO genre, drawing inspiration from beloved titles such as Final Fantasy 14's Eorzea, known for its distinctive and expansive map. While the storytelling in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden is captivating, it heavily relies on its unique setting. Although the Ultimate Ninja Storm games provide a solid platform for the narrative, an MMO would be better suited to offer a wider range of players access to the richly developed characters, world, and storylines. It also opens up the possibility of introducing additional locations from the show and manga in future expansions.
Ultimate Ninja Storm's Fighting Focus Makes it an Acquired Taste
The Ultimate Ninja Storm series has become the preferred choice for Naruto fans seeking a video game adaptation. While it has garnered a strong reputation, it may seem unwelcoming to those unfamiliar with the fighting game genre. The gameplay predominantly focuses on intense battles rather than elaborate world-building, resulting in a learning curve for casual fans who want to fully appreciate the game's intricate details. In contrast, MMOs deliberately adopt a slower pace to facilitate a smoother understanding of mechanics. As a result, games like Final Fantasy 14 and Guild Wars 2 mentioned above are notably accessible.
Naruto has untapped potential in the gaming industry. Although games like Naruto: Rise of a Ninja have proven its versatility in different genres and philosophies, it's time for the franchise to capitalize on its rich world-building and intricate character development by creating a compelling MMO experience. This would allow fans to create their own shinobi and become part of Naruto's expansive universe, offering a fresh and immersive alternative to the combat-focused games of recent years, while building upon the success of Ultimate Ninja Storm.
Naruto
Release Date: October 2, 2002
Main Genre: Animation
Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
Rating: 8.4/10
Seasons: 5
Studio: Pierrot
Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
Number of Episodes: 220
Network: Adult Swim
Streaming Services: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Based On: Manga
Editor's P/S
Naruto is one of the most popular anime and manga franchises of all time, and for good reason. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the world is rich and expansive. The Ultimate Ninja Storm series of fighting games has been a great way for fans to experience the world of Naruto, but an MMO could take things to the next level.
An MMO would allow players to explore the world of Naruto in a much more immersive way than the Ultimate Ninja Storm games. They could create their own characters, choose their own paths, and interact with other players from all over the world. The game could feature a variety of different activities, such as questing, dungeons, raids, and PvP. There could also be a housing system, where players could build their own homes and decorate them with items they find in the game.