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Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS: Everything We Know

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To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Naruto, Bandai Namco will be releasing the next entry in the Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm saga, CONNECTIONS, in 2023. So, what can we expect from the next instalment in the beloved anime series, and how exactly will it tap into the same vein as its earlier best-selling titles? Well, for starters, it will feature boosted graphics that, while staying in line with the anime, will accomodate up to 60 fps on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

“For the first time in one game, relive selected scenes from Naruto’s childhood until his final battle with Sasuke through anime scenes and in-game battles,” the official description adds. “Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games can see it all with updated graphics. Plus, experience a new story exclusive to the game.”

2023 has only just begun, which means we're probably still a fair ways off from seeing CONNECTIONS bolt to life. Still interested in brushing up on all of its core details before placing that all-important pre-order? If so, then be sure to read on for the full scoop. Here's everything you need to know about Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS.

What Is Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS?

So, what exactly is Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS, and how exactly does it play into the whole Naruto X Boruto narrative? Well, that's just it — it doesn't add a great deal to the narrative already on display, but more or less fleshes it out with two new characters—Asura, and Indra—and essentially bundles in Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy, a revamped collection made up of the first four games in the series.

The good news is, Bandai Namco has mentioned something of a new story that will be “exclusive” to the game, which means CONNECTIONS won't be your run-of-the-mill repackage. Bottom line is, though, if you haven't sampled any of the games in the saga just yet, then you may want to hold off until CONNECTIONS drops—if only to save yourself from buying out each of the previous chapters in the book.

Story

Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS will touch base on all of the highlights from the first four Ultimate Ninja Storm entries, as well as a whole new story arc that will be exclusive to the next game. All of this will revolve around Naruto's whirlwind adventures around the Hidden Leafy Village and the multitude of battles as seen in the beloved anime and manga.

So, will you need to brush up on your Naruto literature to understand Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS? In short, no, but doing so will definitely help bridge a few plot points and help you fully understand the world in its entirety. Luckily, as CONNECTIONS lets you relive the key events from the Storm timeline, you don't technically need to be a die-hard Naruto fan to put two and two together.

Gameplay

According to Bandai Namco, CONNECTIONS will feature “the largest playable roster of characters ever” from the Naruto franchise. And, true to its anime counterpart, the game will feature plenty of high-octane combat, stylish combos, and lightning-fast action sequences, all of which will come bundled in a signature Ultimate Ninja Storm-type vessel.

Going by the blurb, players will immerse in re-edited fights from the first four Ultimate Ninja Storm entries, as well as a brand new arc that will open the doorway for new characters and backstories. At its heart, CONNECTIONS is a fighting game, clear as day, and it'll certainly capture the key highlights of the series' most powerful battles in this all-in-one extravaganza.

Development

So, to which team do we owe the pleasure of thanking for CONNECTIONS? It's Bandai Namco, to put it short, as it has been for the best part of two decades now. In addition to Bandai, the latest instalment will be developed by CyberConnect2, a reputable company that has been responsible for countless fighting series, including .hack, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, and Naruto Online. 

Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS was announced during the State of Play event on February 23, 2023. According to its developer, the game will be shaping up for a late-2023 release on consoles and PC. Interested? You can pre-order the game at any major retail outlet either online or in stores today.

Trailer

Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections - Announcement Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Curious to know whether or not Bandia Namco has unveiled a trailer of any sort yet? You're in luck, as the studio actually cast a light on it back at the State of Play event in February of 2023. On top of its instantly recognizable roster of characters, the trailer also took the opportunity to showcase its crisp visuals, 60 fps, and a myriad of highlights from the previous games in the saga. Caught your interest? You can see the trailer for yourself in the embed above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam at some stage in 2023. It hasn't been said yet whether or not it will be coming to Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, although it does seem somewhat unlikely at this moment in time.

As it's still early days, Bandai Namco has yet to take the liberty of filling us in on the editions that are scheduled to release alongside the base game. It's bound to happen, though, as every game in the series to date has launched with some form or deluxe, special, or collector's edition. As for when the announcement will be made is still anybody's guess, though we're pretty sure it'll be within the next three or four months.

For more updates on the Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS launch, you can follow the official social handle here. If anything interesting pops up before its 2023 release, we'll be sure to let you know all the key details right here on gaming.net.

 

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Ultimate Ninja Storm CONNECTIONS when it eventually drops? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.