Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker (Xbox One) Review
🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics
Shinobi Striker shifts away from traditional fighting games like the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm series and embraces a team-based, 3D arena brawler format. Matches are typically 4v4, focusing on objectives such as flag capture, base defense, or straight-up combat.
The gameplay emphasizes mobility and verticalityplayers can run on walls, leap across rooftops, and string together flashy jutsu in mid-air. Combat feels more free-form than combo-heavy, encouraging creativity rather than precision. However, targeting can be inconsistent, and camera control sometimes struggles during chaotic fights.
👥 Multiplayer & Team Dynamics
Multiplayer is the core focus. Players choose from four class roles:
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Attack: Fast melee fighters
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Range: Long-distance specialists
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Defense: Heavy hitters with strong durability
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Heal: Support class that restores allies
Balancing team roles becomes essential in ranked matches, and coordination can make or break a battle. Unfortunately, solo queueing often results in mismatched teams, especially in unranked play.
🧙 Avatar Creation & Customization
The game introduces a custom avatar system where you create your own ninja and train under characters from the Naruto universe. This unlocks their jutsu and gear, offering a wide range of build possibilities. Outfits, weapons, and cosmetics can be unlocked through gameplay or scroll-based loot systems (which can feel grindy or random).
While the customization depth is appreciated, it can take considerable time to unlock top-tier abilities without purchasing DLC.
🌍 Visuals & Art Style
The cel-shaded visuals suit the Naruto aesthetic well, though graphics aren't a standout feature. Environments are familiar locations from the anime, recreated with vertical layouts to accommodate acrobatic combat. Animations for jutsu and ultimate moves are flashy and satisfying, but visual clarity often suffers in crowded matches.
Performance is generally solid, though occasional lag or connection issues can impact match quality.
🔊 Sound & Presentation
The soundtrack blends upbeat ninja themes with battle-ready tones, but audio design isn't particularly memorable. English and Japanese voiceovers are available, with familiar actors reprising their roles, though some lines become repetitive over time.
Menus and UI feel clunky, and load times between lobbies, menus, and missions can interrupt the flow.
Pros
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Unique 4v4 online ninja combat
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Deep avatar customization and jutsu variety
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Strong movement system with vertical gameplay
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Iconic Naruto characters and locations
Cons
Unbalanced matchmaking in casual play
Camera and targeting issues in fights
Loot system can feel grind-heavy
Underwhelming visuals and audio polish
🏁 Final Verdict
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker offers a fresh, multiplayer-focused take on the Naruto universe. While its core idea is creative and the customization is robust, uneven polish, matchmaking issues, and gameplay quirks hold it back. Still, for dedicated fans and those willing to invest time, there's a unique experience to uncover.
Score: 7 / 10
Recommendation:
Try it if you're a Naruto fan looking for online co-op
Recommended for players who enjoy team-based action games
Skip if you prefer tightly tuned solo campaigns or classic fighting games
