Naruto Shippuden Gameplay Review: Epic Fights, Buggy Online

Stunning Visuals, Thrilling Combat, Frustrating Online

Let's face it: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a visual masterpiece. The character models are incredibly detailed, bringing your favorite anime characters to life with stunning accuracy. Witnessing iconic jutsu (ninja techniques) unfold with such vibrant energy is a true spectacle, a testament to the developers' passion for the source material. But does this visual feast translate to a consistently enjoyable gameplay experience? Unfortunately, no. While the core combat shines, significant flaws mar the overall experience, most notably the disastrous online performance.

The combat system is undeniably exhilarating. The fast-paced, fluid fighting perfectly captures the energy of the Naruto universe. Unleashing devastating Rasengans and Chidori feels incredibly satisfying, and the sheer number of playable characters, each with unique abilities, provides endless replayability. Masterfully executing combos and devising effective strategies is incredibly rewarding. However, a significant portion of the potential is squandered by a woefully inadequate AI. This begs the question: how can such a captivating battle system be undermined by such simple AI opponents? The answer, sadly, is a lack of strategic depth; the computer-controlled opponents feel like mere button-mashers, lacking any real challenge beyond the most basic inputs. This is particularly disappointing considering the depth present in the player-versus-player conflict, creating a frustrating disconnect in gameplay.

This leads us to the online mode—a realm of consistent frustration. Lag plagues virtually every match, turning epic ninja clashes into laggy, nearly unplayable experiences. The unstable matchmaking system further exacerbates the problem making the search for a stable connection feel like a Sisyphean task. Frequent disconnections add insult to injury, transforming potentially amazing battles into frustrating disappointments. This almost completely negates the appeal of the online component, especially for players who value competitive multiplayer. Given the game’s emphasis on player-versus-player combat, this represents a critical design failure. This leads us to ask: what would it take to make the online experience even remotely enjoyable? The simple answer is a complete overhaul of the online infrastructure.

A Detailed Breakdown: Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a concise overview of the game's pros and cons:

Recommendations: For Players and Developers

For Players: Manage your expectations. The single-player mode offers enjoyable combat, but don't anticipate a challenging experience. If online multiplayer is a key factor in your decision, be prepared for potential frustration. Consider alternative fighting games with more stable online infrastructure.

For Developers (Bandai Namco): Prioritize fixing the online issues. This is paramount. A significant overhaul of the netcode is crucial. Simultaneously, invest in creating a more challenging and strategic AI for the single-player experience. Learn from other successful fighting games and implement robust improvements.

How to (Slightly) Mitigate Online Lag in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

While a complete fix requires developer intervention, players can attempt some troubleshooting steps:

1. Lower In-Game Framerate: Reducing the framerate can sometimes improve stability.
2. Optimize Graphics Settings: Lowering graphical settings frees up resources.
3. Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated drivers can significantly impact performance.
4. Check Network Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth.
5. Restart Router/Modem: A simple restart may resolve minor network glitches.

These steps might offer minor improvements, but they won't fully resolve the core issues inherent in the online experience. The ultimate solution lies with Bandai Namco implementing substantial improvements to the game's online infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Visual Masterpiece Held Back by Technical Issues

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a frustratingly uneven experience. Its stunning visuals and satisfying combat system create a truly engaging single-player offering. However, the significant flaws in the online mode and disappointingly shallow AI severely hamper the overall experience. It's a compelling game held back by its technical shortcomings.