Info about NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER:

Official game description:
Latest Updates
==============
Celebrate NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER's 8th anniversary! Naruto Uzumaki (Sage Mode) joins as a playable character in a free update!  
Purchase Season Pass 10 and receive Secret Technique Majestic Attire: Susano'o as a bonus! Learn ninjutsu from 4 different masters including Jiraiya (Sage Mode) and Naruto Uzumaki (Sage Mode) and train your own original ninja!
Deluxe Edition & Ultimate Edition
=================================
The Deluxe Edition includes:  
• NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER (full game)  
• Season Pass 1  
The Ultimate Edition includes:  
• NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER (full game)  
• Season Pass 1  
• Season Pass 2  
• Season Pass 3  
• Season Pass 4
About the Game
==============
The Naruto franchise is back with a brand new experience in NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER! This new game lets gamers battle as a team of 4 to compete against other teams online! Graphically, SHINOBI STRIKER is also built from the ground up in a completely new graphic style. Lead your team and fight online to see who the best ninjas are!

Release date: Jun 29, 2023

Categories: Hero Shooter, Class-based Combat, Character Customization, Gacha System, Cooperative Multiplayer, Team-based Combat, Anime-themed Gameplay, Pay-to-Win Monetization

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 95; verdict: Predatory Pay-to-Win Gacha; summary: The reviews provide direct evidence that this is a paid game with substantial post-purchase monetization: pay-to-win DLC/season pass characters and jutsus, real-money gacha scrolls for randomized weapons and gear, and FOMO-driven rotating meta releases. Free-to-play routes exist and a few reviewers dispute the pay-to-win label, but the dominant pattern is paid power, paid randomization, and content gating. Technical issues, hackers, matchmaking, and base-price complaints were noted but excluded from the monetization score.
- Proton/Linux: score 90; verdict: Broken / Unsupported due to EAC blocking Linux; summary: The Linux and Steam Deck feedback is dominated by Easy Anti-Cheat blocking login and online multiplayer. Users report that the game may run on Linux, but EAC is configured to disallow Linux despite Linux EAC support, and standard Proton runtimes, Proton DB settings, and EAC Proton runtime installation do not fix the issue. Because affected users cannot reach online gameplay or progress through login, Linux support is effectively non-functional for the multiplayer experience.
- Steam Deck: score 90; verdict: Broken on Steam Deck due to anti-cheat and online connectivity barriers; summary: The filtered reviews indicate a severely compromised Steam Deck experience. The dominant issue is EAC being configured to disallow Linux/SteamOS, which blocks login and online matches even after Proton and EAC runtime attempts. Always-online connectivity failures and offline save loss further prevent normal progress. Denuvo is repeatedly blamed for stutters and instability, while ineffective anti-cheat allows cheating that degrades online play. Controls and camera behavior are also criticized for controller/handheld use, but the anti-cheat and connectivity barriers are the primary reasons the game is not reliably playable on Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Windows cohorts with lower VRAM skew negative, with reports of lag, server kicks, freezes, and loading problems, while the higher-VRAM cohort is positive despite crash complaints.
  - Sample size: 75 (4% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 49 reports): Reports describe laggy camera and movement, long loading waits, and online lag despite current updates.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (negative, 16 reports): The available report describes being kicked from servers, freezing in place, and joining a mission with a black screen.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 8 reports): The available report recommends the game and calls it great, though it notes frequent crashes due to the game's age.
  - Caveats: 75 of 1723 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The positive price signals cluster around deep discounts: roughly $3-$6 equivalent or R$13-R$25, and multiple reviewers explicitly say to wait for a sale. Negative price signals reject $10-$14 sale prices and full MSRP of $50/€50 or $79.99 CAD. One reviewer suggests about $24.99 CAD (~$18.50) as a more reasonable tag, but this is an outlier against repeated 'wait for sale' sentiment. The community fair base-game range is therefore roughly $5-$15, with the current $19.99 base price sitting above the comfortable range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 2.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 200.0h
  - Reasoning: The campaign quote directly supports storyCompletion at 2 hours. The Chinese review's 'about ten hours to clear' supports gameCompletion around 10 hours; another review mentions missions ending around 8.5 hours, so this is a representative main-completion estimate. The PvP quote supports a sessionLength of about 2 hours for an extended play session. The 200-hour still-fun quote indicates long-term/endgame engagement; no explicit endgame start time is given, so this is used as a veteran endgame playtime estimate.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players broadly report that Shinobi Striker is fun from the start, especially in team-based multiplayer or co-op with friends. Repetitive PvE, pay-to-win elements, and matchmaking problems create friction, but the core multiplayer loop is the main immediate enjoyment driver.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: Playing with friends
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive PvE missions and few, repetitive maps; Pay-to-win jutsu, powers, and trainers; Low player base and long matchmaking queues on PC; Weak or missing single-player story and a small, basic hub; Bugs such as black-screen loading in co-op; Grindy progression and repetitive menus
  - Unlock drivers: Switching to friend-focused multiplayer or co-op; Entering PVP private rooms with friends; Focusing on team-based PvP instead of repetitive PvE; Embracing custom ninja and Naruto jutsu or characters; Playing co-op missions with friends to redeem repetitive PvE
  - Conditions: Playing with friends; Focus on multiplayer or PvP rather than story; Access to PVP private rooms; Being a Naruto fan; Tolerance for repetitive PvE and grind; Acceptance of pay-to-win elements; Good multiplayer match availability; Not seeking a story-driven experience
- Player Archetypes:
  - Social Naruto Co-op Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: To live out a Naruto power fantasy with friends through custom ninja, co-op missions, and 4v4 battles.
    - Playstyle: Plays co-op PvE missions and casual team PvP with friends, customizing a ninja and trying different jutsus.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Competitive Ranked PvP Duelist (sale)
    - Motivation: Competitive mastery and rank progression through team-based ninja combat.
    - Playstyle: Plays ranked 4v4 modes, coordinates team roles, learns jutsu interactions, and chases meta builds.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Solo PvE-Seeking Newcomer (no buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy Naruto PvE missions and solo progression without being forced into high-level PvP.
    - Playstyle: Tries solo PvE missions, low-rank content, and sometimes casual PvP, but avoids coordinated clans and meta play.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: solo player; noob
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Monetization-Critical Budget Naruto Fan (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To get fair value from a Naruto multiplayer game without being forced into DLC, gacha, or meta power creep.
    - Playstyle: Plays base or free content, evaluates DLC and gacha value carefully, and either sticks to discounted purchases or avoids PvP meta.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and Enjoyable Gameplay (weight 0.29): The core gameplay loop is frequently described as fun, entertaining, and satisfying. Combat feels smooth and stylish, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience.
- Deep Character Customization (weight 0.26): The game offers extensive character creation, letting players build their own ninja with adjustable appearance, jutsu, weapons, and outfits. This feature is frequently praised as a standout element that enhances immersion in the Naruto universe.
- Ideal for Naruto Fans (weight 0.17): Many reviewers consider this a must-play for Naruto enthusiasts, citing its faithfulness to the anime and manga. It delivers an authentic Naruto experience that resonates strongly with fans.
- Fun Cooperative and Solo Play (weight 0.12): Players enjoy the game alone or with friends, noting that multiplayer enhances the fun. It provides a great social experience whether teaming up or playing solo.
- Excellent Combat and Jutsu System (weight 0.08): The combat system is well-crafted, with a wide variety of jutsus that feel powerful and satisfying to use. Smooth animations and stylish moves make battles enjoyable.
- Visually Appealing Graphics (weight 0.08): Reviewers consistently praise the game's graphics as beautiful and well-finished. The visuals hold up well and enhance the overall experience.
- Regular Content Updates (weight 0.05): The game receives consistent updates with new characters, weapons, events, and cosmetics. This keeps the game fresh and prevents content droughts.
- Variety of Playstyles and Modes (weight 0.04): The game offers a range of playstyles and game modes, adding replayability and keeping the experience diverse. Players appreciate the freedom to choose how they play.
- Untapped Potential (weight 0.04): Some reviewers feel the game has a lot of unrealized potential. While enjoyable, it could be even better with further development.

Common complaints:
- Pay-to-Win Monetization (weight 0.22): The game is heavily criticized for its pay-to-win elements, where spending money is required to build strong characters or access top abilities. This monetization model significantly impacts the overall experience.
- Broken Matchmaking (weight 0.22): Matchmaking is often broken, taking extremely long times to find matches or failing entirely. New players sometimes cannot find matches at all, and the system often pairs low-level players with high-level veterans.
- Repetitive Mission Design (weight 0.13): Missions are highly repetitive, often looping the same objectives with only increased difficulty or more enemy waves. This makes the singleplayer experience boring, especially when played solo.
- Hackers Ruin Experience (weight 0.05): Hackers and cheaters are a significant problem, ruining the experience for many players. Their presence undermines fair play and enjoyment.
- Lack of Story Mode (weight 0.05): The game lacks a proper story mode, which is a disappointment compared to other Naruto games. The absence of a decent singleplayer narrative reduces the overall value.
- Unresponsive Developers (weight 0.05): Developers are perceived as not listening to the player base or caring about fixing the game. This lack of communication and action frustrates players.
- Uninspired PvE Mode (weight 0.05): The PvE mode is considered a grindfest with little purpose beyond unlocking a few shop items. There is not much to do, and it feels unnecessary.
- Inferior to Other Naruto Games (weight 0.05): The game is often compared unfavorably to other Naruto titles, with many stating it is not recommended over them. It is not considered the peak of Naruto games.

Gameplay feedback:
- PvP and PvE modes available (weight 0.17): The game offers both PvP and PvE modes, with PvP being the primary focus. PvP includes multiple sub-modes such as Combat, Base, Flag, and Barrier, as well as 1v1 and 2v2 formats.
- Online multiplayer with matchmaking (weight 0.14): The game features online multiplayer with matchmaking, supporting both ranked and casual play. Multiplayer is a core component, with lobby-based sessions and the ability to play with friends.
- Gacha system for items (weight 0.12): A gacha system is used to obtain weapons, costumes, and other gear. Players can acquire gacha scrolls for free or through real money transactions.
- Smooth and stylish combat (weight 0.09): The combat system is described as smooth, fast, and stylish, with a mix of simplicity and depth. It is considered well-crafted and satisfactory.
- Jutsu abilities and secret techniques (weight 0.09): The game features permanent jutsu and secret techniques, many inspired by Naruto characters. These abilities are powerful but may have downsides.
- Supports solo and friend play (weight 0.07): The game supports both solo play and playing with friends. It is often best experienced with friends, but solo play is viable.
- Class-based combat roles (weight 0.06): Characters are divided into classes such as Attack, Defense, Ranged, and Healer. Each class has distinct roles and playstyles.
- Ranking and progression system (weight 0.05): The game includes a rating/ranking system with tiers, points, and a ranking board. Ranked mode offers competitive play with progression.
- Weapon rarity tiers including SS+ (weight 0.05): Weapons have rarity tiers such as SS and SS+, with higher tiers providing extra abilities. SS+ weapons are highly sought after.

Performance notes:
- Frequent Game Crashes (weight 0.23): Players report crashes happening every few hours, often without warning, making the game unplayable for many. Crashes occur during matches, missions, and even at crucial moments, leading to lost progress and frustration.
- Black Screen Issues (weight 0.11): Black screens occur during missions, matches, and after loading, sometimes with only audio. This bug often forces restarts or makes the game unplayable.
- Lag and Performance Issues (weight 0.09): Lag, high ping, and stuttering affect matches and lobbies, even on good connections. Some attribute this to poor optimization or Denuvo.
- Loading Problems and Stalls (weight 0.07): Long loading times and stalls are common, with screens freezing or not progressing. Some players cannot start the game due to loading screen issues.

Recommendations:
- Strong Naruto Fan Appeal (weight 0.2): Many reviewers recommend the game specifically to Naruto and Boruto fans, calling it a must-try for followers of the series. It is frequently described as fun mainly for those already invested in the franchise.
- Avoid at Full Price (weight 0.18): A recurring theme is that the game is not worth its full price and should only be purchased during a sale or discount. Multiple reviewers explicitly warn against buying at full price.
- Not Recommended Overall (weight 0.17): Several reviewers strongly advise against buying the game, calling it a waste of money or a terrible purchase. Some recommend avoiding it entirely unless heavily discounted.
- PvP and Character Customization (weight 0.09): Players who enjoy PvP and customizing their own character find the game appealing, especially within the Naruto universe. Online play and fast-paced PvP are highlighted as main draws.
- General Recommendations Positive (weight 0.09): Some players give the game a straightforward recommendation, calling it worth buying or worth playing. These endorsements are often brief and without detailed reasoning.
- Better Naruto Games Exist (weight 0.09): Several reviewers suggest avoiding this title in favor of older Naruto games, which they consider superior. It is only recommended for diehard fans who want to experiment with jutsus.
- Anime Fans Only (weight 0.08): The game is recommended for anime fans but explicitly not recommended for those who dislike anime or are uninterested in the genre. Enjoyment is strongly tied to anime affinity.
- Deluxe Edition on Sale (weight 0.08): The Deluxe Edition is recommended when discounted, with some players specifically suggesting it over the standard version during sales. It is seen as a better value proposition at a reduced price.
- Weak Single-Player Experience (weight 0.03): Those seeking a solid single-player story are advised to look elsewhere, as the game is not considered strong for solo play. Story-driven alternatives are recommended instead.
- Fun with Friends (weight 0.03): A number of reviewers note that the game is enjoyable when played with friends, especially for long sessions. It is seen as a social experience rather than a solo one.
- Base Game Only Advice (weight 0.03): A few reviewers advise buying only the base game and avoiding all DLC, citing poor value or lack of necessity. This contrasts with others who recommend season passes.

Other player notes:
- Excessive paid DLC content (weight 0.29): The game has a large amount of paid DLC, including deluxe packs, season passes, and separate character packs. Players feel that many abilities, jutsus, and cosmetics are locked behind these purchases.
- Naruto franchise adaptation (weight 0.13): The game is based on the Naruto and Boruto series, with many noting it matches the movies or shows. However, some criticize its lack of show accuracy compared to other Naruto games.
- Developer support and abandonment (weight 0.13): While some players note frequent updates and developer support, others feel the game has been abandoned after the first two seasons. Updates are often limited to paid DLC characters and microtransactions.
- Frequent sales and low price (weight 0.1): The game frequently goes on sale and can be bought for a low price, making it a common recommendation to wait for a discount. The deluxe version is often considered cost-effective.
- Small and dying player base (weight 0.09): The online player base is dead, with low population on PC (often only hundreds of players) and an overall dying community. This makes matchmaking difficult for an online-centric game.
- Unfavorable comparisons to Storm series (weight 0.07): Many compare the game unfavorably to Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 and the Storm trilogy, often recommending the latter instead. It is seen as a different multiplayer Naruto experience but lacking in quality.
- Aged 2018 title with potential (weight 0.07): The game is considered old, having been out for many years, but some still find it worth it for a 2018 title. Players see potential for more content like maps and missions if the series advances.
- Microtransactions and purchase popups (weight 0.06): The game includes microtransactions and intrusive purchase pop-ups, which many players find annoying. Movesets and CACS are sold as microtransactions.
- Endless game time and teen suitability (weight 0.05): Players report that game time is endless or unlimited, and the content is suitable for teens and adults, and even kids. This makes it appealing for long-term play.
- Published by Bandai Namco (weight 0.04): The game is published by Bandai Namco, which is noted by several players. This is a factual detail that some mention in reviews.
- Lack of crossplay support (weight 0.03): The game does not support crossplay between PC and console platforms, limiting the multiplayer experience. This is a common complaint among players.
- Limited character customization (weight 0.03): Character creator options are largely limited to clothing and hairstyles already found on canon characters. Players feel customization is restricted and lacks depth.
- Available on PlayStation (weight 0.03): The game is available on PlayStation and is considered a PlayStation game rather than a PC-native title. This is relevant for platform availability.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.29): Players are frustrated by persistent connection problems, rampant cheating, and matchmaking that pairs them against far stronger or pay-to-win opponents. Monetization through DLC and gacha systems locks essential abilities and characters behind paywalls, while bugs, crashes, and bans without explanation make the game feel broken and unfair. Long queue times and toxic players further compound the inability to enjoy matches.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Players feel disappointed by the game's wasted potential: shallow gameplay, lack of story mode, and repetitive missions fail to live up to Naruto franchise expectations. Heavy reliance on DLC and gacha monetization locks fun abilities and characters behind paywalls, while unresolved bugs, dead online modes, and developer neglect make the experience feel unfinished. Many note that the game abandoned its promising concept for cash-grabbing updates.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the game for its fun combat, character customization, and the ability to create their own ninja with unique jutsu combinations. Playing with friends in PvP or co-op missions, using anime characters, and the addictive gameplay loop provide hours of entertainment despite flaws. The flashy action, variety of abilities, and faithful Naruto elements make it engaging for fans.
- Anger (weight 0.06): Anger stems from rampant cheating, absent anti-cheat, and pay-to-win monetization that prioritizes donations over skill. Developers ignore known issues, release DLC instead of fixing bugs, and the support team fails to address complaints or unfair bans. Unbalanced combat, random crashes, and monetization popups in a kids' game fuel intense frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players feel satisfied with the deep character customization, regular updates, and enjoyable DLC content that enhances the Naruto experience. The game offers a comprehensive ninja world with fun combat, co-op play, and a steady stream of new features that keep it fresh. Many consider it the best Naruto game and worth the investment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance arises from technical issues like game files failing to load, freezes, and black screens, along with long queue times and dead lobbies. Excessive paid DLC and gacha monetization constantly remind players of additional costs, while minor irritations like scrolling ability descriptions and chat spam add to the frustration. The need to buy DLC for techniques and a lack of playable Tenten are specific grievances.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Players find the game boring due to repetitive missions, lack of new maps, and monotonous PvE against bots. The gameplay becomes stale after a few hours, with limited diversity and slow pacing outside combat. Repetition in PvP and single-player content fails to hold attention long-term.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement comes from creating custom shinobi, equipping Naruto items, and unleashing powerful jutsus in fast-paced combat. The smooth mechanics, anime-like action, and upcoming characters like young Rock Lee generate hype. Coordinated team play and exceeding expectations make players feel like they're in a Naruto episode.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game for letting them create their own ninja, immerse in the Naruto universe, and use techniques from the series. The character customization, art style, and nostalgic connection to the anime foster deep affection. Despite flaws like pay-to-win, the core experience remains beloved.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's ongoing updates, fun combat, and extensive customization that keeps gameplay fresh. The variety of jutsus, Naruto lore, and online content make it highly recommended for fans. It's seen as an underrated gem with stylish action and plenty of replay value.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the game's faithful graphics, anime soundtrack, and wide variety of jutsus and outfits for customization. Developers still release updates and balance changes, showing ongoing support. The art style and movement mechanics contribute to an authentic Naruto experience.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy comes from the high-speed combat, wall-jumping, and addictive gameplay that makes players feel like they're in an anime. Playing with friends and fulfilling childhood wishes to be Naruto brings pure delight. The freedom to shape characters and experience hype moments creates lasting happiness.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction stems from pay-to-win design, duplicate characters, and lack of crossplay, which limit the experience. The online mode feels empty and repetitive, with grindy PvE and poor mission design. Graphics resembling Fortnite and broken mechanics further diminish satisfaction.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness arises from the game's decline, with few players online and bad graphics causing disappointment. Losing items like Moonlight Scrolls due to connection issues or character deletion adds to the sorrow. The inability to run multiplayer on certain platforms deepens the feeling of loss.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Players find the game fun for its smooth battles, dynamic combat, and enjoyable PvE missions, especially as Naruto fans. Playing with friends and using powerful weapons adds to the entertainment. The addictive gameplay loop keeps them coming back.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is directed at the developer's profit-first approach, churning out DLC while ignoring bugs and meaningful content. The game is seen as a disgrace to the Naruto license, with microtransaction prompts and cash-grabby behavior. Pay-to-win monetization and unfinished quality repulse players.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret stems from spending money on a game that turned out to be pay-to-win with little content, often realized too late for a refund. Purchasing DLC or the base game only to find it broken or unrewarding leads to wasted money. Players wish they had avoided the investment.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by the game's resemblance to Ninja Saga, its basis in childhood anime, and memories of early access when it was good. Returning players feel a fond connection to the Naruto universe and the jutsu they grew up watching. The game captures the spirit of the series, prompting a desire to revisit.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from narrative inconsistencies like being a rogue Akatsuki terrorist helping the Leaf, and technical errors such as 'Not connected to Steam network'. Players feel unsure what to do after returning, and the game itself can be confusing at times.}