Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto

For newcomers, this collection is a comprehensive adventure, but for fans of the franchise, it's just more of the same fighting game. If you haven't yet played one of these Naruto Shippuden adventures, these are story-driven fighting games with side quests. Those who love the characters and storylines will get more out of this fiction, but the actual fighting mechanics aren't anything too deep or unique (though it's fun and accessible). The locations don't seem any different than in the previous game, which is disappointing. There's a good amount of variety in the number of playable characters, though, and they can punch, kick, use swords, and use supernatural jutsu abilities to inflict damage on opponents via fireballs, magic blasts, or conjuring help from another world. Controls feel good, and it's fun to fight one-on-one or between groups at other times, as you'll need to shift your tactics accordingly.

Many of the side quests seem like an afterthought and include meaningless actions such as smashing open boxes, so you'll find yourself looking forward to the next fight scene. The tension between Naruto and Boruto grows nicely, too. So, if you already own last year's main game and perhaps some of the DLC, then the $20 price for this new mode is reasonable for the three hours or so of extra content you'll have access to. The entire $60 collection also is a good buy for followers of the series who haven't yet indulged in the latest Naruto Shippuden game, plus all the add-ons. But those who aren't franchise fans will find this a good but not extraordinary anime offering.