Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker

The reviews of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker highlight some positive aspects, particularly its integration into the Naruto universe and its use of VR technology. Critics like IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it acknowledge that the game’s single-player mode, though minimal, simulates key events from the series through VR missions, offering a nostalgic nod to fans. DarkStation praised the depiction of a technologically advanced Leaf Village, while The Games Machine noted the context provided by placing players as the 7th Hokage, tying into established lore. Additionally, some reviewers, such as TrueGaming and Xbox Tavern, recognized the game’s attempt to blend character interactions and training elements, even if these were not deeply fleshed out. These positives suggest the game had potential in leveraging its franchise heritage, though they were often overshadowed by other criticisms. The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Shinobi Striker falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. Multiple reviewers, including Cubed3, Digital Chumps, and Push Square, criticized the story as underdeveloped, repetitive, and lacking structure, with missions feeling like filler for multiplayer progression. The single-player mode was frequently described as a basic tutorial or "extended tutorial" (Vandal), offering minimal plot depth and unskippable cutscenes that detracted from engagement. Jeuxvideo.com and COGconnected emphasized the absence of a traditional story mode, while Hardcore Gamer and Merlin'in Kazanı highlighted frustrations with inconsistent world-building and forced narrative choices. The game’s reliance on VR missions to reenact key moments from the series was seen as a missed opportunity for original storytelling, with GamePro Germany noting that it prioritized reviving fan favorites over creating a fresh Boruto-centric plot. Overall, the critics’ reviews reflect a strong consensus that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is primarily a multiplayer-focused experience with minimal narrative ambition. While some praised its technical execution and nostalgic references (DarkStation, The Games Machine), the lack of a cohesive story, repetitive missions, and underdeveloped single-player content were major drawbacks. IGN Spain, PlaySense, and Wccftech all emphasized that fans seeking a meaningful storyline should look elsewhere, as the game’s focus on combat and progression overshadowed its potential for deeper storytelling. Despite occasional praise for its VR mechanics and lore ties, the majority of critics agreed that the narrative was a significant weakness, leaving the game feeling more like a multiplayer tool than a standalone story-driven experience.

The gameplay of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker receives praise for its dynamic multiplayer focus, innovative mechanics, and team-based strategies. Critics like Cubed3 highlight the fast-paced combat with unique elements such as wall-running, hookshots, and customizable ninjutsu, while Digital Chumps and Eurogamer Italy commend the class-based systems (Attack, Range, Defense, Healer) that emphasize teamwork and strategic depth. GamePro Germany and TheSixthAxis note the responsiveness of controls and varied game modes like Horde and Capture the Flag, which add replayability. The vertical level design and role specialization, as mentioned by Everyeye.it and Push Square, further enhance the sense of immersion and tactical flexibility. These aspects collectively create an engaging online experience that appeals to fans of cooperative and competitive play. However, several critics point to significant flaws in gameplay execution. DarkStation and Everyeye.it criticize the repetitive combat mechanics, unbalanced classes, and lack of depth, while Gaming Nexus and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight issues like awkward camera controls, AI behavior, and frustrating matchmaking. The solo mode is repeatedly dismissed as monotonous, with Cubed3 and Wccftech noting that VR Missions lack variety and are plagued by technical glitches. Riot Pixels and Trusted Reviews point to limited mode diversity and shallow combat systems, while ZTGD and Softpedia lament repetitive mission structures and clunky mechanics. These criticisms underscore a disconnect between the game’s ambitious design and its implementation, particularly in single-player and multiplayer balance. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s strengths in online multiplayer while recognizing its shortcomings in solo content and technical polish. Eurogamer Italy and IGN Italia praise the strategic depth of team-based combat, yet many, including Digital Chumps and GameSpew, argue that balancing issues and repetitive elements undermine the experience. While Multiplayer.it and CGMagazine appreciate the customization and accessibility, they also note flaws in execution. The game’s reliance on multiplayer as its core appeal is both a strength and a limitation, as it fails to deliver a compelling standalone experience. Despite these critiques, the title remains a niche but intriguing entry for fans of team-based action games, albeit one that requires significant refinement to fully realize its potential.

The graphics and visual design of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker received generally positive feedback for its faithful adaptation of the anime and manga’s cel-shaded aesthetic. Critics like Eurogamer Italy praised the "gradevole e ben realizzato" (pleasantly well-realized) visuals, while Jeuxvideo.com highlighted detailed environments and fluid animations that enhance action sequences. The game’s vertical exploration mechanics, such as climbing with chakra, were noted for their creative design by Multiplayer.it, and Xbox Tavern commended the vibrant colors and dynamic environments that closely mirror the source material. GameSpew and Generación Xbox also celebrated its "visually stunning" presentation, emphasizing how it captures the franchise’s essence through artistic screenshots and lively level design. The cel-shading style was frequently lauded for its consistency with the series’ look, as noted by IGN Italia and JeuxActu, who appreciated the stylized yet functional approach to character and stage design. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in visual polish and technical execution. Cubed3 criticized NPCs in the hub area for "stilted animations, wooden poses, and poor facial expressions," while Everyeye.it and Vandal noted low-detail character models and environments that felt underdeveloped compared to expectations. IGN Spain and PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned generic textures and a lack of visual variety in stages, with the latter describing environments as "not visually striking." Wccftech called the aesthetic "plain and minimalist," suggesting it lacked the polish seen in other titles, while Riot Pixels observed that the visuals, though decent, did not significantly differ from previous games. Additionally, Trusted Reviews (though their opinion is cut off) likely echoed concerns about technical limitations, as several reviewers highlighted a disconnect between the game’s ambitious art direction and its execution. Overall, critics agreed that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker successfully captures the visual identity of the Naruto universe through its cel-shaded style and attention to source material details. While many praised its artistic fidelity—COGconnected noted it "nails the Naruto look," and Hardcore Gamer highlighted its fusion of traditional and modern styles—the game faced criticism for technical shortcomings, such as inconsistent character models, limited environmental variety, and underpolished animations. The mixed reception suggests that while the visuals are a strong asset for fans of the franchise, they fall short of pushing graphical boundaries or matching the polish of contemporaries like Dragon Ball Z FighterZ. Despite these issues, the game’s commitment to its aesthetic and gameplay mechanics earned it a generally favorable but not exceptional review in terms of visual design.

The sound design and music of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker receive mixed but generally favorable remarks, with several critics acknowledging its alignment with the series’ tone and emotional resonance. IGN Italia praises the soundtrack for being “well-realized” and evoking memorable moments from the franchise, while Generación Xbox notes that the non-official score matches the anime’s atmosphere, even if it lacks official recognition. Softpedia highlights how the music contributes to an immersive experience, reinforcing the game’s connection to its source material. TrueGaming also acknowledges that some melodies serve their purpose, suggesting a functional yet unobtrusive approach to composition. These positives indicate that while the soundtrack may not break new ground, it effectively supports the game’s narrative and action sequences. However, several critics find the music and sound design underwhelming or forgettable. PlayStation LifeStyle criticizes the “flat” voice acting and music that “fails to engage,” emphasizing a lack of memorability despite decent combat sound effects. Vandal describes the soundtrack as “largely unremarkable,” blending into the background without notable themes or emotional impact. TrueGaming echoes this sentiment, stating the melodies are “not particularly notable or elaborate.” Xbox Tavern’s vague praise for audio cues complementing visuals further underscores a general lack of standout elements in the sound design. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements fulfill basic requirements, they fail to leave a lasting impression or elevate the experience beyond mediocrity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the soundtrack and sound design of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker are adequate but unremarkable, prioritizing consistency with the series over innovation. While IGN Italia and Softpedia commend its ability to evoke nostalgia and immersion, others like PlayStation LifeStyle and Vandal highlight a lack of originality and emotional depth. The music appears to serve as a functional backdrop rather than a defining feature, with mixed reactions to voice acting and sound effects. Despite these criticisms, the audio elements are generally seen as competent, reflecting the game’s broader approach of delivering a familiar experience without significant creative risks.

The voice acting in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker receives mixed but generally favorable remarks, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Trusted Reviews and Generación Xbox emphasize the inclusion of original Japanese voice actors (seiyū) from the Naruto series, which is praised for enhancing authenticity and immersion—particularly for fans seeking a faithful adaptation. TheSixthAxis specifically recommends the Japanese option, noting its alignment with the source material’s cultural and narrative depth. Additionally, Softpedia commends the voice acting as a positive aspect that elevates the game’s presentation, suggesting it effectively supports the series’ immersive world-building. These critiques underscore the value of localized voices in connecting players to the Naruto universe. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly in specific contexts. Cubed3 criticizes the NPC voice work as lacking, while IGN Italia describes it as "occasionally underwhelming," implying inconsistencies in performance. PlayStation LifeStyle notes that some dialogue scenes suffer from "flat" vocal delivery, though action sequences are bolstered by adequate sound effects. Hardcore Gamer also mentions "subpar vocal delivery" for characters, though without detailed examples. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is present and functional in many areas, it fails to consistently meet expectations, particularly in scripted dialogue or character interactions. The overall consensus among critics reflects a balanced view: the game’s voice acting is appreciated for its authenticity and cultural resonance, especially through Japanese seiyū, but faces criticism for uneven quality in certain aspects. Generación Xbox and TheSixthAxis highlight the importance of Japanese voices for fans, while others like Cubed3 and Hardcore Gamer express disappointment with the execution. Despite these mixed reactions, the inclusion of multiple voice options and efforts to maintain fidelity to the source material appear to be significant positives. Ultimately, the voice acting is seen as a decent but not exceptional component of the game, with its impact varying depending on players’ preferences for localization and narrative immersion.

The technical performance of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker varies across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread issues. On PS4, critics like IGN Italia acknowledged general stability and improvements over beta versions, while PlayStation LifeStyle highlighted minimal lag in online multiplayer. For Xbox One, Generación Xbox praised character models and environments, and TrueGaming mentioned responsive controls despite technical flaws. On PC, COGconnected noted consistent 60fps performance, and Digitally Downloaded observed adequate graphics with no major graphical issues. These positives suggest that the game’s core systems function reasonably well, though they are often overshadowed by other shortcomings. However, technical challenges plague all platforms, with recurring complaints about matchmaking, camera systems, and online stability. On PS4, multiple critics like Cubed3 and PlaySense criticized unbalanced matchmaking, long load times, and flawed UI elements, while Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it highlighted issues like static cameras and poor class balance. For Xbox One, TrueGaming and ZTGD pointed to lag, frame rate drops, and chaotic multiplayer, while Xbox Tavern noted server problems. On PC, God is a Geek and Merlin'in Kazanı cited barren servers and unbalanced matchmaking, though no major crashes were reported. These issues collectively undermine the game’s polish and online experience across all platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker suffers from significant technical flaws that detract from its potential. While PS4 and Xbox One share many of the same problems—such as inconsistent matchmaking, camera glitches, and AI shortcomings—PC users faced fewer crashes but still encountered server instability and matchmaking issues. Despite some praise for performance (e.g., COGconnected’s 60fps on PC), the game’s technical shortcomings are widely regarded as a major hindrance. Critics like IGN Spain and PlayStation LifeStyle noted minor positives, but the majority agree that the title requires substantial polish to deliver a cohesive experience. The lack of universal fixes across platforms suggests that these issues may persist, limiting the game’s appeal despite its thematic strengths.

The replay value of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is highlighted by several critics as being driven by its multiplayer focus, customization options, and progression systems. JeuxActu emphasizes the game’s "extensive customization options" and over 4,000 items to collect, while Push Square praises its addictive character progression and loot collection mechanics. IGN Italia notes that VR missions, events, and tournament rankings provide long-term goals, and TheSixthAxis highlights class variety and the grind as factors encouraging repeated play. Multiplayer modes like "Ruba la bandiera" (Eurogamer Italy) and "La Liga Mundial Ninja" (Generación Xbox) are seen as engaging for team-based strategies, with some critics like GamePro Germany acknowledging that cooperative modes and loot systems offer incentives to return. These elements suggest the game has a foundation for replayability, particularly for fans of competitive multiplayer and customization. However, repetitive gameplay and lack of meaningful content significantly limit long-term appeal. DarkStation and Everyeye.it criticize the "repetitive combat loops" and "endgame reached too quickly," while Gaming Nexus and Wccftech point to frustration in online battles and unbalanced mechanics. The single-player campaign is repeatedly described as monotonous, with PlaySense and PLAY! Zine noting that missions feel uninspired and lack engagement. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Softpedia highlight the "broken combat" and "repetitive VR missions," which diminish the game’s ability to retain players beyond initial playthroughs. Additionally, the reliance on grind-heavy progression systems (e.g., grinding for scrolls or 100+ matches for trophies) risks alienating those who prefer varied challenges. These flaws create a disconnect between the game’s potential and its execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with replayability largely dependent on player preferences. While multiplayer enthusiasts and Naruto fans may find value in customization, progression, and team-based modes (as noted by JeuxActu, IGN Italia, and TheSixthAxis), others argue that the game’s repetitive structure, lack of depth, and technical issues hinder its longevity. Cubed3 and GamePro Germany acknowledge some redeeming qualities but stress that flaws like flawed multiplayer systems and limited content reduce long-term engagement. Ultimately, the game’s replayability is seen as moderate at best, appealing more to dedicated players who prioritize online competition over cohesive single-player experiences. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and COGconnected suggest it’s a niche title, with its strengths and weaknesses balancing out to create a polarizing but occasionally rewarding experience.