It’s rare to find a quality game based on a license, but in the case of Naruto, this hasn’t been a problem. The GameCube and Wii Clash of Ninja series was a mainstay in the competitive fighting scene for some time. The first Xbox 360 Naruto title, Rise of a Ninja was also reviewed well, with people really enjoying both the single player story mode, and online multiplayer. The Ultimate Ninja series began on the PlayStation 3 and has since evolved into Ultimate Ninja Storm on the PlayStation 3. With each new installment it got better and better, and many called Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 one of the best anime games to date. It doesn’t seem like that was enough for Namco Bandai and the development team at CyberConnect2, because now we’re getting Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst as both DLC and a standalone title.
The new game was originally announced as the PC port of Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. However, it was later revealed that not only would be the game be offered as a DLC update for owners of the original game, it would also release as a standalone title for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The new game adds quite a few things, but it should be noted that the PC version will sport improved visuals over the console versions.
One of the biggest additions in Full Burst is the Uchiha brothers’ battle against Kabuto. Take control of Sasuke and his long dead brother Itachi and take on the Orochimaru-powered Kabuto in what is being dubbed the final episode of the Uchiha brothers. In addition to fighting against Kabuto, you’ll be able to take control of the former minion in his new Sage Mode form. The new update also includes 100 new missions to play through, which should add considerable play time. In addition, the standalone version will offer 38 DLC alternate skins for many of the characters in the game. However, if you opt to buy the DLC update, you will not get the 38 DLC skins for free, but you can still buy them separately.
If you don’t already own Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, the standalone copy of Full Burst will run you $39.99, which is about the same price as the discounted original title. No pricing has been announced on how much the DLC will run if you already own Ninja Storm 3, but expect it to be considerably less than $40. If we’re lucky, perhaps Namco Bandai will release it for $20, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation of that.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 – Full Burst is due to hit store shelves, Steam, the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PSN Store on October 21. Keep your browsers pointed at Prima Games for all the latest on this upcoming anime title, and maybe even word on a next-generation version if we’re lucky. Keep your fingers crossed and get in on the Sage Mode Kabuto action later this year!
