Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections has a mixed reception: Metacritic’s general listing showed a 68 Metascore from 31 critic reviews and a 5.3 user score from 193 ratings when accessed on October 8, 2026. Those scores can change, and platform-specific aggregates may differ. The game’s strongest draw is its broad roster and a new Boruto-centered story; critics have questioned whether its retelling and additions give existing fans enough reason to return.
How are the reviews for Storm Connections?
Metacritic’s general listing labeled both its 68 Metascore (31 critic reviews) and 5.3 user score (193 ratings) “Mixed or Average” when accessed on October 8, 2026. Treat these as a dated snapshot, not a permanent rating; scores and review counts can change, and platform-specific listings may differ. Metacritic’s listing is the place to check for the current aggregate.
IGN’s Charlie Wacholz reviewed the game on PlayStation 5 and PC. IGN’s review summary praises the roster’s size and the graphics’ flashiness, but argues that the retelling of Naruto, Shippuden, and Boruto is unenthusiastic and that established fans have little to seek out over earlier entries. The same summary says it delivers for players who want the newest and largest way to watch shinobi battles. These are IGN’s review judgments, not results from independent performance testing. Read IGN’s review.
What does Storm Connections include?
A large playable roster
Bandai Namco Entertainment America announced over 130 playable characters in 2023. That is the publisher’s announced figure, rather than an independently counted roster. See the publisher’s roster announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Naruto's Debut!
- THE LARGEST ROSTER OF PLAYABLE CHARACTERS EVER - Largest roster of characters to play as than any Ultimate Ninja STORM game in the past
- New additions include the brothers who started legendary ninja clans, Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki, more to come
- For the first time in one game, relive selected scenes from Naruto’s childhood until his final battle with Sasuke through anime scenes & battles
- Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games can see it all with updated graphics. Plus, experience a new Boruto story exclusive to the game
Two story modes
History Mode selects and connects notable events from Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, with battles spanning the Chunin Exams through the Fourth Great Ninja War, according to the publisher. Special Story Mode is a separate original story centered on Boruto. The Naruto Official Site describes Boruto meeting Nanashi through the online game “Ninja Heroes” and becoming involved in a conflict affecting the shinobi world. These are official descriptions of the modes, not a claim that the game provides a comprehensive retelling. Read the Naruto Official Site’s story description.
Accessible combat and other features
Xbox Wire describes the title as an action/fighting game and notes that Simple mode makes ninjutsu combos easier to perform. The publisher also lists character customization and online battles among its features. These descriptions may help players decide whether the feature set appeals to them, but they do not establish how the game performs in practice. See Xbox Wire’s launch coverage and the publisher’s game page.
Rank #2
- The Largest Roster of Playable Characters Ever: This game has the largest roster of beloved characters to play than any Ultimate Ninja STORM game in the past. New additions include the brothers who started legendary ninja clans, Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki. Stay tuned for more playable characters!
- The Story of Naruto and Sasuke’s Rivalry Combined into One! 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. Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games can see it all with updated graphics. Plus, experience a new story exclusive to the game.
Is Storm Connections worth it?
It is more compelling for players who want a broad combined cast, accessible arena-style fighting, or a new Boruto story than for players primarily seeking substantial new material or a thorough retelling of the earlier Naruto story. IGN’s review supports that distinction: it identifies the roster and spectacle as strengths while criticizing the story presentation and the limited reasons for existing players to return.
- Consider it if you want the newest entry with the publisher-announced roster of over 130 characters, or you are interested in the original Boruto-centered Special Story Mode.
- Be more cautious if your main reason to buy is a comprehensive recap of Naruto and Shippuden or a major change from earlier Storm games.
- Check before buying that you are choosing the right platform and edition. Current prices and availability have not been verified here, so check your local store listing.
Release date and platforms
The official franchise announcement lists November 17, 2023, as the release date and names PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Availability and editions can vary by region and store; confirm the listing for your platform before purchasing. See the official franchise announcement.
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Best Value
- Rediscover the Naruto Story! Get the first 3 Naruto Storm games in one complete set including all the DLC from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst.
- Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 Full Burst now available on PS4
- Begin your journey through Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm with 100 compelling missions and original animated TV series storyline, up to the Sasuke retrieval arc.
- Enjoy the battle system and online mode from Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2
- Prepare to defend Konoha in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 against the Masked Man and Nine-Tales with the instance awakening.All the DLC content included in Full Burst
Rank #4
- New Generation Systems - With the power of the new generation systems, this brand new game will take players through an incredible journey of beautifully Anime-rendered fights!
- Change Leader System - Recreate all the legendary teams from Naruto Shippuden or create your own team! Players will be able to switch characters during the fight!
- New Features - Enjoy fast-paced fights with the Wall-run!
- Incredible Roster - The most impressive collection in the history of Naruto games will span the Naruto Shippuden story arc and capture the latest character appearances from the anime.
- Original Voiceover Support - Includes the Japanese, American, Mexican and Brazilian voiceover cast!
Rank #3
![NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS - [PlayStation 5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XnXNbUBoL._SL160_.jpg)
- NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS
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