2023 has been an exciting year for Naruto fans, with various events and announcements that have kept them on the edge of their seats. One of the highlights is the worldwide popularity poll, where fans had the opportunity to vote for their favorite characters. Additionally, the announcement of four new episodes has generated buzz among the fanbase.
Another highly anticipated release is Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, the latest installment in the beloved Ultimate Ninja Storm series. Set to launch on August 1, this game has been the subject of much speculation and excitement. As the release date draws closer, more information has been unveiled, giving fans a glimpse into the character list, new jutsu combos, and other thrilling gameplay elements.
One of the aspects that makes Naruto so captivating is its vast cast of characters, each with their unique powers and play styles. This applies not only to the original Naruto story but also to the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. In the classic era of Naruto, before the events of Boruto, the story is divided into two parts: pre-Shippuden and Shippuden.
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the pre-Shippuden era, also known as the classic series. This era introduces a wide array of characters, organized into teams and factions that often find themselves in conflict with one another. However, as the story progresses, these characters evolve from enemies to friends, showcasing the power of friendship and unity.
In Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, players will have the opportunity to play as these iconic characters from the classic Naruto series. The game incorporates ultimate team jutsus, which are powerful techniques that can be executed when specific teams are formed. These team jutsus not only showcase the strengths of the characters but also reward players for their in-depth knowledge of the story and its characters.
Fans can look forward to experiencing the thrilling gameplay and reliving their favorite moments from the classic Naruto era in Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections.
The Return of The Konoha 12 in Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
The Konoha 12, along with their former Academy teacher Iruka, reunite in their respective teams. Team 7, consisting of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, is led by the experienced jounin Kakashi. Each member of the team possesses a unique Awakening mode that reflects their role in the story. Naruto has the One-Tailed Mode, Sasuke has the Sharingan Mode and Curse Mark Stage 2, Sakura has the Maiden's Anger Mode, and Kakashi has the Sharingan Mode with an ANBU costume.
The classic teams, 8 and 10, also make a comeback. Hinata, Shino, Kiba, Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino, and their captain and teacher Asuma are all part of these teams. However, Kurenai, the teacher of Team 8, is absent. Ino's Awakening mode, the Covered Flower's Mode, remains unchanged and is still subject to mockery. It is unfortunate that the developer has not utilized the opportunity to enhance Ino's Ultimate Jutsu, as her skill set has the potential to go beyond simply throwing flowers at her enemies. Team Gai, consisting of Neji, Lee, Tenten, and Might Gai, also retains their previous Ultimate Jutsus and Awakenings from the series.
The Return of the Hokage and Classic Naruto Villains
The classic Naruto series brings back all the Hokage, including the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage, who possess a variety of Team Ultimate Jutsus. Tsunade also joins their ranks as a Hokage and a Sannin, alongside Jiraiya and Orochimaru. She works well with both teams, just like in previous games. Additionally, the Sand Siblings, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro, make an appearance with two playable classic versions each, representing the Chuunin Exams and the Sasuke Retrieval Arc.
The Naruto antagonists are not forgotten, as fan favorites from the classic Naruto era are confirmed for Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. This includes The Sound Four's Tayuya, Kidomaru, Jirobo, and Sakon and Ukon. Kimimaro, their leader, returns to the roster, along with Kabuto and Orochimaru, as mentioned before. Other shinobi who have severed ties with their villages or act as antagonists in the classic era also make a comeback. This includes the Seven Swordsman Zabuza and his apprentice Haku, as well as Akatsuki members Itachi and Kisame. Itachi and Kisame even have the option to wear their iconic Akatsuki hat and cloak combo.
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections releases in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.