A recent trademark filed by Bandai Namco has players speculating that the studio may be working on a newNaruto: Ultimate Ninja Stormgame. The series of 3D fighting games based on the massively popular ninja anime has fallen somewhat dormant with the CyberConnect2-developed games not seeing a new release since 2016. A return to the fighting game series has been heavily rumored with a prominentCyberConnect2 leaker reportedly hinting atNaruto’s returnearlier this year. Now, a new Bandai Namco trademark is sparking further speculation about the franchise’s return.
Despite the massive popularity ofNaruto, the video game portion of the franchise following the titular hot-headed ninja has been fairly quiet in recent years. TheNarutofranchise saw its last new release in 2019 with the mobile-onlyBoruto: Borutical Generationsand has not seen a new entry on home consoles since 2018’sNaruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. TheUltimate Ninja Stormfranchise has seen an equally long hiatus withUltimate Ninja Storm 4originally releasing in 2016. Now, CyberConnect2 may be looking at coming back to the world ofNaruto.
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The trademark filed in Europe by Bandai Namco claims the name “Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections,” suggesting theUltimate Ninja Stormseries may be scheduled for a return. While the trademark only suggests the pending title, Bandai Namco and CyberConnect2 have continued to create plenty of anime-themed fighting games sinceNaruto’s last appearance. CyberConnect2 recently broughtJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battleto modern consoles, previously developing games based on popular anime franchises likeDemon SlayerandDragon Ball Z.
WhileNarutohas not seen a game of its own release in several years, the franchise has still remained prevalent in gaming culture.Fortnitelaunched its first majorNarutocrossoverlast year with a variety of challenges, items, and cosmetics based on characters from the anime. Later updates would introduce even more fan-favoriteNarutocast members like Gaara, Itachi, and Orochimaru.Narutowas even referenced duringApex Legends' anime event with a new skin for Wattson based on the iconic ninja franchise.
A return toNaruto: Ultimate Ninja Stormwould not only see one of anime’s most popular franchises coming back to gaming, but one of CyberConnect2’s as well. TheNaruto: Ultimate Ninja Stormseries has been popular among fans of the franchise and fighting games as a whole, with many ofCyberConnect2’s most highly-praised gamescoming fromNaruto. A newUltimate Ninja Stormcould also be the firstNarutogames made specifically for the newest console generation.Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm’s revival would surely please many of the massive franchise’s most passionate fans.
