What's the difference between Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and Connections? Which Should You Buy?

For fans of the Naruto universe, games from this series are more than just adaptations. They’re interactive journeys that let players relive the most iconic moments from the anime and manga, and sometimes even create their own scenarios. The Ultimate Ninja Storm series, developed by CyberConnect2, has long impressed with flashy combat and stunning visuals. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 was the long-anticipated conclusion to the Naruto Shippuden story. In 2023, Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections debuted.

At first glance, both games might appear very similar especially to those not keeping up with the series. After all, Connections was promoted as an expanded version of Storm 4. But is that the full truth? Is it worth picking up the new title if you already own it? Let’s take a look from the perspective of a player who has spent dozens of hours with both games.

Characters: The Largest Roster in Series History

When it comes to character count, Connections easily surpasses Storm 4, offering over 130 playable characters. Notably, all characters from Storm 4, including those from DLCs, are available as part of the base game.

Additionally, Connections introduces 10 new playable characters who hadn’t appeared in the series before, including:

• Isshiki Otsutsuki
• Naruto (Baryon Mode)
• Boruto with Karma (post-time skip)
• Kawaki
• Jigen
• Delta
• Boro
• Kashin Koji
• Ashura Otsutsuki
• Indra Otsutsuki
  

Three familiar characters: Sarada, Mitsuki, and Momoshiki have received major updates with new moves and forms. For Boruto fans, this is a huge bonus, allowing them to experience the latest versions of heroes and villains.

Story: A Full Saga Recap and a New Narrative

This is one of the most important yet somewhat misleading differences. Storm 4 focused solely on the dramatic conclusion of the Naruto Shippuden story, guiding players through the Great Ninja War up to the final showdown between Naruto and Sasuke. It delivered a dynamic, cinematic campaign that brought the main narrative arc to a close.

Connections, in contrast, takes a very different approach. It offers the complete Naruto story in a single game. For the first time, players can follow Naruto and Sasuke’s journey from the Genin exams through the major events of Naruto and Shippuden, all the way to the Fourth Great Ninja War. This is presented in a condensed, retrospective format. It’s an ideal option for newcomers who want to catch up on the story without playing all the previous titles, and also a great refresher for long-time fans.

In addition, Connections introduces a brand-new original storyline centered on Boruto. It features two entirely new characters created specifically for the game: Nanashi and Merza. This fresh narrative expands the universe beyond the anime and helps bridge the gap between the eras of Naruto and Boruto.

Graphics and Locations: Subtle Yet Noticeable Upgrade

Visually, Connections offers a light refresh rather than a complete overhaul. The engine remains the same, but improvements in resolution, anti-aliasing, and visual effects provide a cleaner, more polished look especially on newer consoles.

Importantly, the game restores all battle arenas from previous Storm entries, including some that didn’t make it into Storm 4. That’s great news for fans of the older titles. Three new locations have also been added, tied to the game’s new storyline.

Combat System: More Depth and New Tactics

The core gameplay in Connections stays true to the classic Storm formula, but several important improvements have been introduced. One major update is that each character can now use two different Jutsu, or special battle techniques. In Storm 4, players usually had access to just one, which limited variety in combat. With the new system, there’s greater flexibility and room for creative combinations.

Character balance has also been carefully refined, with adjustments to damage, attack speed, and Jutsu regeneration. The Awakening system has seen upgrades as well. These changes help make battles feel more dynamic and fair. For newcomers, a new “Simple Mode” allows complex moves to be executed with a single button, lowering the barrier to entry without sacrificing excitement.

Boss Fights and Customization: Fan-Favorite Features Return

Connections lets players relive all the iconic boss battles from across the entire Storm series. It’s a fantastic nod to long-time fans who want to experience key moments again without reinstalling older games.

The game also brings back the extensive character customization system from Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution. Players can personalize their team’s appearance with various cosmetic items, including:

• Costumes
• Poses
• Accessories
• And many more options

Conclusion

Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections isn’t a direct sequel to Storm 4's story, but rather a comprehensive celebration of the entire series. If you're after the emotional climax of Naruto Shippuden, Storm 4 still delivers. But if you're looking for the largest roster, a condensed Naruto storyline, new Boruto content, an improved combat system, refreshed visuals, and classic boss battles, Connections is undoubtedly a step forward.

In the end, it all depends on what you value most. Connections brings together the best elements from across the Storm series while adding new features that will appeal to both veteran fans and newcomers alike.