Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
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  1. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 6, 2018
    80
    This might be the first Naruto game in a long time that does something new, blending anime with class-based online battles. The idea may seem a little strange but it works well, and it would be great to see Bandai Namco build off this with other anime franchises in future. Shinobi Striker is well worth your time if you like the Naruto series and even worth trying out if you just want a new multiplayer experience to get lost in.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 9, 2018
    75
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is a very different title to the Storm Serie, but the ninja are in great shape and the online component has been enhanced.
  3. IGN Spain
    Sep 16, 2018
    71
    It is true that it will not go down in history and that it lacks a bit more load in single player mode. An interesting story mode would have given some more arguments to a title that works well in its main facet: the online fight for teams. Maybe it's not a game for everyone, but if you're a Naruto fan you should give it a try.
  5. Gaming Nexus
    Sep 26, 2018
    70
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker has both its good and bad moments. Unfortunately a lot of the bad moments for me was with the combat and constantly getting knocked down with barely anytime to defend myself when getting back up before the onslaught continued, but a lot of that I’m willing to chalk up to my own lack of skill. Still, the VR Missions are enjoyable once you learn the nuances of combat, but don’t expect to see me floating around the online lobbies any time soon.
  6. Digital Chumps
    Sep 17, 2018
    70
    For all of the faults in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, the game lives up to many of its ambitions. It is a grand challenge to not only follow but to also bring something new and exciting to the successor of the popular Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm series, and the game does just that. The online multiplayer format works surpassingly well for Naruto and moving through the game’s stages beautifully conveys the feeling of exploring the anime in a way that is sure to thrill any fan of the series. If the series keeps building on the successes of this game, then there’s great hope for the future games in the Naruto/ Boruto franchise, even if Shinobi Striker is a hit-and-miss.
  7. IGN Italia
    Sep 6, 2018
    70
    Engaging, fast and frenetic, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker feels good in its attempt to recreate the action of both manga and anime, despite minor issues here and there.
  8. Vandal
    Sep 3, 2018
    70
    This is a good Naruto game, focused on competition and customizing our character, but it needs more content and modes.
  9. Push Square
    Sep 3, 2018
    70
    A fast and frenetic adventure, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is greater than the sum of its parts. Despite some voice work that feels rather flat and a handful of other minor issues, the game feels genuine in its attempt to recreate the action of Naruto, and forging your own custom character's legacy is bound to be enough to entice fans.
  10. GamePro Germany
    Sep 14, 2018
    69
    Fast and fun multiplayer-brawler with a Naruto license, but it still lacks in scope.
  11. The Games Machine
    Sep 12, 2018
    69
    Technical problems and imperfect controls prevent Shinobi Striker from really convincing, despite the mix of single player and multiplayer online could offer an interesting touch to the anime series.
  12. Hobby Consolas
    Sep 14, 2018
    67
    Naruto and Boruto fans will find joy in the team-based, MOBA-like matches (both cooperative and competitive) that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker offers, but it's difficult to recommend the game in it's actual state, with lots of connectivity problems. Given it's nature, we hope this problems will get fixed in the near future.
  13. Riot Pixels
    Dec 30, 2018
    65
    Shinobi Striker is in a dire need of maps and modes, and looks like the developers have no idea on how to tackle this problem.
  14. SpazioGames
    Sep 6, 2018
    65
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is a courageous experiment that aims exclusively to online fighting, not offering much to the single player lovers. Fighting online with your ninja is definitely fun, but there's still some problems with the server and the camera.
  15. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 6, 2018
    65
    You could easily think that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is another good addition to the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. You’d be wrong. Repetitive, Shinobi Striker also features a bad matchmaking and terrible camera.
  16. DualShockers
    Sep 5, 2018
    65
    While it’s certainly not even close to being what we got with Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm, it’s still a fun and enjoyable game that surprised me quite a lot more than I expected it to.
  17. Video Chums
    Sep 17, 2018
    64
    If Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker focused more on the competitive side of the equation then it would be a much more enjoyable game. As it is, it's tough to recommend although there's definitely a lot of promise here.
  18. Everyeye.it
    Sep 7, 2018
    63
    Unfortunately, the care taken in the architecture of the level design does not repay a rickety technical compartment, between animations which are not very fluid during the fights and a poor balancing of the available classes.
  19. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 6, 2019
    60
    If you are tired of those old, epic single player storylines and local versus matches that your usual Naruto games offer, here's your chance! Shinobi Striker is anything but that. Not everyone's cup of tea, but gives a breath of fresh air to a long running fighting games series. Me? I'm up for some more of that stale air of the Storm series! Not a bad game, though.
  20. Eurogamer Italy
    Sep 13, 2018
    60
    The new game about Naruto is something completely different from the Ultimate Ninja’s series. The mix of traditional combat and MOBA mechanics is interesting, but technical problems can’t give the right start to this spinoff.
  21. Twinfinite
    Sep 13, 2018
    60
    It’s frustrating that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker isn’t better, because the elements it needs to be a great game are all there.
  22. Cubed3
    Sep 11, 2018
    60
    Much like how Boruto has failed to live up to its progenitor, Boruto to Naruto: Shinobi Striker cannot live up to the Ultimate Ninja Storm games. Like most of its type, it gives a huge advantage to those who can play with friends, a guild, or a clan, but even with this, the broken matchmaking leads to crushing defeats on a regular basis. This, combined with the constant delays thanks to unskippable results screens and huge load times, really puts a dampener on the whole experience. It's a shame because there are a lot of good elements here, plus a crazy and addictive combat system. It, sadly, just all feels rather unfinished.
  23. Wccftech
    Sep 9, 2018
    60
    There are so many things I can complain about with Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, but ultimately, I can't help but admire the effort. It's not a cinematic experience like the Ultimate Ninja Storm games, and it won't take you through the story of Naruto or even Boruto, but when the multiplayer games work in your favour, it feels good, and unique. It's just a shame it doesn't feel good for long.
  24. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Sep 6, 2018
    60
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is a good start and will provide you with a good time, just don’t be surprised if you find yourself growing tired of the rinse and repeat of VR missions and PVP.
  25. JeuxActu
    Oct 1, 2018
    55
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker feels more like a commercial opportunity rather than a sought-after project. Ultimately the game will feel dull to most of the players but the most hardcore fans of the Naruto IP.
  26. GameOver.gr
    Sep 28, 2018
    50
    Plagued by a problematic camera that just can’t keep up with the action and lots of balance issues, Shinobi Striker is not the multiplayer Naruto game we’ve been waiting for.
  27. PlaySense
    Sep 17, 2018
    45
    Combat is entertaining as usual and the flashbacks to the older animes are cool enough but that's about it in terms of positives. Load times are too long, customization options are very limited, there is no storyline, not enough levels, a poor camera implementation and we could go on. Fans and newcomers alike, leave this one be.
  28. DarkStation
    Nov 2, 2018
    40
    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is not a great game. Though it has an entertaining character creator and some fantastic customization options, separate the game from the license for a second, and it becomes clear that Shinobi Striker is a sub-par action game and an even worse multiplayer experience. The game sets an interesting foundation for future Naruto games, if only conceptually, but no one save for the bravest of Naruto fans would likely enjoy Shinobi Striker in its current form. Better off next time, Naruto. Believe it!
  29. Gameblog.fr
    Sep 17, 2018
    40
    If the concept of a multiplayer game in the universe of Naruto is attractive, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker disappoints by his gameplay, his camera, his matchmaking, well below the standards of an experience to share today, even between fans.
  30. Trusted Reviews
    Sep 5, 2018
    40
    This game shares a lot of DNA with the Dragonball Xenoverse titles but manages to falter at almost every aspect, with flaws in the mission structure, the combat, the way you attain loot and in the way that you develop your character.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 120
  3. Negative: 42 out of 120
  1. Sarobi
    Sep 5, 2018
    4
    Naruto games aren't the most technical fighters out on the market. You won't find that you need to pour hundreds of hours into any of theNaruto games aren't the most technical fighters out on the market. You won't find that you need to pour hundreds of hours into any of the Storm series to master combo's and what not like other fighting games. The Storm series does well enough to be fun, and provide a decent competitive experience when it came to multiplayer.

    With that said.. Shinobi Strikers is not like the Storm series at all, and doesn't try to be in many ways. Combat is overly simplistic and repetitive. You will find that you have two main forms of attacks; Quick attacks and Heavy attacks. You can swap the styles of combat out for projectile combat, but it doesn't change much. You are greeted to a cool down system that is similar to what you'll find in MOBA's and Hero shooters. You get two "special" abilities, and then must wait for them to recharge with time. You'll find that using these attacks are 80% of the game.

    There is not much of a counter system in place. You can block for what it's worth, but the game is designed in a way that makes it useless. You can use a substitution Jutsu every 10 to 15 seconds, so if you use it around multiple players.. you are doomed to take damage and or die right away. This is a big problem seeing as there is a few attacks that are just overpowering, and can wipe you out quickly.

    The controls are.. passable to say the least. You'll find that the camera angles are wonky, and that your character often doesn't do what you want them to do. That's not to say they are so horrible that it's declared broken... but it definitely isn't good. And to be quite frank, it's a shame the controls are this bad in a game that is mainly focused on mobility.

    An "all online" Naruto game sounds fun on paper, but this isn't how you do it. It's a game that wants to be several things, and fails to even be decent at one of them. They put a fair amount of detail into customization and unlockables, and that seems to be where they got it right. Sadly they designed it so that you'll have to spend hours upon hours grinding out missions that are just attack and defend objectives on a timer. You don't even need to play the game to find this out. Just search up the achievement/trophy list and see how many of them are time consumption based. 1000 wins, 1000 matches in this mode, and that mode. It's a drag to think you have to spend this much time on a game that feels broken most of the time.

    Overall.. I am disappointed with my purchase. If you can, rent this game. Buying it and giving Bandai Namco your money for this lazy and poorly thought out game will only give them power to continue making games like this.    … Full Review »
  2. AshMerks
    Sep 4, 2018
    10
    This game is great, it's very true to Naruto and very addictive. Extremely immersive and just all around fun, highly recommend.
  3. Yeroc93
    Sep 10, 2018
    3
    After seeing the first trailer and playing the open beta, I decided to take a chance on it, and came into the game with low expectations, yetAfter seeing the first trailer and playing the open beta, I decided to take a chance on it, and came into the game with low expectations, yet still ended up extremely disappointed. There are a lot of issues, so I’ll break it down into categories.

    Content:
    The first thing I noticed is the complete lack of content. You have solo and co-op missions, and online PvP modes, and that’s it. Not only is there no story mode, but the missions are all the exact same missions repeated multiple times over, with increasing difficulty. In PvP, you not only have just one or two options available to play of the four listed, but you don’t even have the option of choosing which game mode you play. If that’s not bad enough, you only have one option for each class as opposed to multiple loadouts for multiple items objective types. This means that due to the randomized PvP game mode type, you often have the wrong loadouts, and cannot play the given match properly (i.e. having a base build but being stuck in capture the flag). Even customization is lacking, as you are only given only a small handful of colour options for character features, and preset colours for each garment. To make matters worse, there are 4000 items to choose from, but you often get doubles of stuff you already have, and scroll loot drops are RNG. To give context, I logged almost 100 hours on the game and still only have 250 or so of 4000 items available. To further limit customization options, specific skills are placed on each item, which can’t be transferred, added, or removed, which further limits how expressive you can be. Personally, I feel a skill tree or having a list of skills to choose from for yourself would have been a much better option.

    Gameplay:
    A lot of people have complained about controls, but I found the problems to be more so the camera angle and extremely shallow combat system. There are no combos, and instead the player can simply button mash his way to a kill. Even blocking doesn’t do much, and you are only given one substitution at a time to escape “combos”, which makes the shallow combat even harder to swallow. On top of this, the lock-on system is horrendous, as it not only affects the camera, but it often locks-on to the least important character (i.e. won’t automatically lock-on to the mission boss, or PvP player that’s inside the base or has the flag). This results in an infuriating struggle with the lock-on system, while trying not to get killed in the process. On top of that, every single mission consists of boring timed obectives, regardless of game mode or mission type. Even the enemy wave set missions are timed, which is ludicrous. Even further still,, there is countless bugs and glitches to even begin to mention in this review, which severely hinder the game even further.

    Network/online play:
    Speaking of bugs and glitches, the online connectivity is horrendous. You not only have to spend at least a half hour trying to connect to a Ninja World League match, but all game modes and types often crash and boot the players. To make matters even worse, whenever the servers crash and disconnect you from a match, you are the one who gets penalized for it, causing you to drop rank online. There isn’t even an option for casual or ranked play. Whenever there is no Ninja World League event under way, there is simply a quick match option. There isn’t even any team or rank balancing either. New players are often tossed in with S rank players, and teams themselves are always unbalanced in the sense that all the skilled players are often on the same team; though thankfully the game’s combat system is shallow enough that this isn’t always a huge issue. All of these aforementioned issues have persisted despite multiple server maintenance periods (two in two days to be exact), and even a system update.

    In conclusion:
    As someone who has followed Naruto since he was a child (I am currently in my 20’s), I simply cannot recommend this game, particularly at its price point. It was clearly released before completion, and it would be hard to recommend to anyone, even at $30. After looking into the studio itself, I noticed that they have never released a game made to completion before, as their only game is some obscure early access free-to-play third-person-shooter on Steam. This makes me wonder what Bandai Namco was thinking when allowing such a team to develop a game for such a popular series. It feels as though the studio not only bit off more than they can chew, and lacked the skills necessary to make the game that they imagined, but it also feels like they simply copied the formula of their early access free-to-play, without the in-game purchases. If you’re looking to create your very own custom ninja and living out your childhood shinobi fantasies, you will have to wait a while longer. In the meantime, you would be much better off playing as Naruto and friends in the Storm series    … Full Review »
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