Summary
The Naruto franchise has many video games spanning numerous consoles, from the first games released on the original Gameboy Advance and Gamecube to the most recent titles on the latest consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Over the years, the Naruto games have been released sporadically across these consoles, with systems like the Nintendo DS seeing far more releases than their console counterparts.
Regardless, the quality of the Naruto games has improved throughout the years, includinggraphical fidelity. While many titles in the series have needed better graphics, a few games stand above the rest with beautiful graphics across different art styles.
Platform (s)
Publisher (s)
D3 Publisher
The first game on this list isNaruto: Path of the Ninja 2. Released in 2006 on the Nintendo DS,Path of the Ninja 2is a top-downNaruto gamethat built on the firstPath of the Ninjato deliver an excellent title with the best 2D top-down graphics in the franchise. The game featured agreat story, interesting combat mechanics, and a nostalgic but visually appealing art style that is some of the franchise’s best.
While no way near the levels of current2D games, graphically, Path of the Ninja 2 is still one of the best-looking Naruto games for its art style.
Best 2D Graphics
Naruto Shippuden 3D: The New Era
Naruto Shippuden 3D - The New Era, a new beginning, and the first Naruto game with dynamoc and realistic visuals, in 3D!As the Five Great Nations prepare for battle, Naruto must learn what is behind the Kage’s bizarre behaviour and stop the tides of war from engulfing the land.Follow Naruto and the ninjas of the Leaf Village in an adventure where appearances would often be misleading and where nothing is what it seems!
WhileNaruto Shippuden 3D: The New Erais not the best sidescrolling Naruto game on this list, it is the best in terms of graphics. Built for the Nintendo 3DS and released in 2011, the game featured 2D and 3D functionality, allowing players to use both for immersive visuals. The game featured classic sidescroller gameplay and a new story that sees Naruto attempt to stop a major war from occurring.
Naruto Shippuden 3Dis a good game in its own right; it has adequate graphics for its time and is by far the best-looking 2D Naruto game. However, it pales in comparison to the higher-ranked titles on this list. Hence, a 2D Naruto game is long overdue.
Namco Bandai Games America Inc
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogycomes in at a close third toNaruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4withcomparable graphics,using similar graphical engines.Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy isa great-looking game with polished 3D animations and cartoonish but high-fidelity graphics. The game combines the previous threeNinja Storm gameswith high-definition remasters. For Naruto fans, theNinja Storm Trilogywas a dream remaster with exceptional graphics that gave theUltimate Ninja Storm gamesa deserved fresh coat of paint.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment
Coming marginally ahead ofUltimate Ninja Storm TrilogyisNaruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4.Ultimate Ninja Storm 4is unique in that it had multiple different releases - its first release in 2016 on major systems and later another release in 2020 on the Nintendo Switch. While its graphics are on par with the subsequent release ofUltimate Ninja Storm Trilogy, the Nintendo Switch version makes it the Naruto game with the second-best graphics - at least in handheld mode.
Doing excellent work with the Nintendo Switch architecture,Ultimate Ninja Storm 4is brought to life on the Switch with graphics comparable to those of its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts and arguably better. While the docked mode is much to be desired, its handheld graphics are top-notch, graphically making it the best handheld Naruto experience and second on this list.
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connectionshas the best graphics of any Naruto game.Ninja Storm Connectionswas released on the PlayStation 5 in November 2023 as the ultimate assemblage of Sasuke and Naruto’s story, featuring over one hundred playable characters, a thrilling narrative, and differentbattle modesfeaturing online competitive play for players to enjoy. The game is simply stunning, with gorgeous environments, vibrant color schemes, and smooth gameplay that makes the title easily the best-looking game in the series.
Built on Unreal Engine 4,Ultimate Ninja Storm Connectionspushes thevideo game engineto its maximum with 4k resolution and 60 fps support.
