Naruto to Boruto Info – Everything You Need to Know

The video game industry is slowly beginning to rise from its annual summer slumber. Ever since Rockstar committed to a late-October release for Red Dead Redemption 2, video game publishers have gone out of their way to ensure that their games launch ahead of it. It may be part of the reason why Crackdown 3 and Metro Exodus slipped into 2019, while September 2018 is now a stacked lineup of Spider-Man, Dragon Quest XI and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. But before all that comes Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, Bandai Namco’s multiplayer beat-em-up!

To ensure you’re fully up to speed, we’ve scoured the four corners of the Internet (and the PSLS archives!) to present to you everything you could possibly need to know about the latest Naruto title from the creative minds at Soliel.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker pummeled its way onto the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on August 31, 2018. The only question is whether you consider Bandai Namco’s title to be a day one purchase or one you’ll inevitably pick up in the PlayStation Store sales further down the line.

Essential Reading:

Naruto to Boruto info dump

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker – EYNTK

The 411 on Bandai's beat-em-up.
What is Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker?

It's a multiplayer-focused beat-em-up from Bandai Namco and developer Soliel that's set within the rich universe of Naruto (no surprise there).

The official listing from Bandai reads,

Players will have the pleasure of fighting with their favourite characters and discovering a new gameplay style set in thrilling 3D environments with a completely new graphic style. Cooperate with your friends to become the greatest Shinobi!
What’s the Story?

Technically there isn't one... not that that should be much of a turn-off for Naruto fans.

For Shinobi Striker is all about a MOBA-esque fighting arena in which players duke it out for glory.
How Does It Play?

Like a dream... we hope. Naruto games have built their brand on frenzied gameplay and deeply satisfying combos, while the shift to team-based action ought to open up a new ball game for players to explore.
Co-Op Mode
Speaking of which, with teams from Naruto, Sasuke, and Team 7, the co-op mode of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker includes multiple mission types, including...
- Searching – Avoid traps and obstacles to obtain a lost item.
- Body Guard – Players must protect the designated ally and bring them safely to an area of the map.
- Extermination – Take down multiple enemies that appear on the map as a team.
- Subjugation – Defeat ninja foes and powerful monsters with coordinated teamwork.
Gameplay Footage

Curious to see Naruto's latest in action? We've got you covered.
Create Your Fighter

You'll also have the ability to create and personalize your own ninja as you see fit.

Naruto to Boruto lets you get down to the nitty gritty, too, including hair, mouth, eyes, skin color and even face paint. Your starting outfit, meanwhile, will depend on which village your in-game ninja hails from.
Four Unique Classes
There are four primary classes to choose from, with each bringing its own specialities and quirks to the battlefield.

And in the name of keeping things simple, they've been divided into Attack, Range, Defense, and Heal.

Players have free reign to switch between each class to see which best suits their play style, while the official Bandai site includes a brief overview of each category:
- Charge into the enemy as the “Attack” class and deal massive damage with hand-to-hand combat or stay a safe distance and strike from afar with the “Range’ class.
- If you trust your teammates to fight in the front lines, step back and stand your ground with the “Defense” class and make the enemy team think twice about invading your territory.
- The one thing all three classes have in common is they all need healing! Play as the “Heal” class and keep your team moving towards victory with both solo and ranged heals.
Multiple Game Modes

From 'Flag Battle' to 'Barrier Battle', there is plenty of content to chew on.

The first is a Naruto-themed spin on Capture the Flag, while the second tasks one team with breaking the boss' barrier and defeating it, while the other must defend it at all costs.
Pre-Order Bonus

Those who wish to lay down their money ahead of time can do so on the PlayStation Store, in which case they'll gain access to the Naruto 7th Hokage Costume, early access to Pain, and Shinobi Striker Coats.
Collector's Edition

The official Collector's Edition of Naruto to Boruto bundles in the game's Season Pass along with a very pretty figurine of Naruto Hokage and Boruto.
Hands-On Preview

Earlier this month, we sent Jeremy Winslow in to run the rule over Naruto to Boruto's beta build, and the overriding verdict was a fun, but hollow experience.

Longevity will probably always be a divisive point for multiplayer-focused games, and unfortunately, the Naruto to Boruto Shinobi Striker open betas do nothing to calm concerns about the game’s life after release. Once you’ve played each of the Battle types once, you’ve essentially played the entirety of the game. And while the debate of a game’s longevity is a legitimate concern—especially in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker’s case, where Solo Mission mode seems to be nothing more than a series of training missions with Master characters to learn signature jutsu—Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker needs to go back to class and study some more before the big test.
Our Final Verdict

PSLS' official review of Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker will be live on Friday afternoon ET.