Sharing my review with the forum for newcomers. This helped a lot in the past.
Game Review: Naruto Nostalgia Reignited
I’ll be honest – I didn’t expect much from this game at first. But wow, I was blown away from the moment I started playing. I ended up in a 9-hour gaming session that sacrificed my entire night of sleep… no regrets, though!
As someone who grew up with Naruto, reading the manga since volume 4, this game hits deep. Sure, Naruto got a little chaotic after the Chunin Exams and Sasuke's departure, but I followed it to the very end, which makes playing this game a nostalgic trip back to my childhood. Although, I have to say, the title doesn’t quite capture that nostalgia. A name with something like "ninja" or "village" would have made it easier to identify, especially for us long-time fans who’d spot it immediately.
Content
There is an *incredible amount of content* packed into this game, and I have to give serious credit to the devs for that. The storyline is slow-burning and builds up an atmosphere that keeps you wanting more, particularly in the arcs focusing on classic characters like Hinata and Sakura. When certain plot twists finally happened, I was over the moon – at around 7 a.m.!
Characters
The character selection is extensive, perhaps a bit too extensive for my taste. I’m not super invested in the Boruto generation; my heart is with the Naruto and Shippuden cast. The female dead cast are also much more attractive than most of the Boruto cast, like Kushina, Rin, Itachis mother etc. Too bad they are corrupted from the beginning. I seriously recommend to have the focus stay on the Naruto cast, as they’re the main draw for fans like me.
Personal favorites include Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Kurenai, and Tsunade, and it’s a treat that they’re all featured here. Even characters from the past, like Kushina, Rin, and Itachi’s mother, make appearances. Although they start with a set path, it’s refreshing to see familiar faces brought back.
Story
The storyline goes above and beyond what I expected. There’s real depth here, and I’m impressed by how the characters question their own motives and decisions rather than just falling into one-dimensional roles. It’s cool to see them have their own agency, making the story more engaging and less predictable.
Visuals & Models
While the character models might not stand out as revolutionary, I appreciate the details, especially with the cast's outfits. Hinata and Sakura’s looks in particular really stand out, capturing their personalities while bringing something fresh. The wedding rings on married characters add a special touch – it’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference and shows the devs’ commitment to character authenticity.
In conclusion, this game’s nostalgia factor is off the charts, and the story and character dynamics make it a must-play for any Naruto fan. I’m even considering supporting the devs on Patreon – I’d love to see what they come up with next!
