NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 gets release date

The storm is rising in the east with confirmation today from NAMCO BANDAI of the European Collector’s Edition of NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The special edition will be stuffed with indispensable treats for the fans alongside the greatest Naruto video game experience to date, with both standard and Collector’s editions of the game going on sale on October 15th.

The highlight of the Collector’s Edition is an individually numbered Laser Cell artwork featuring an original illustration of “Hokage-Naruto” drawn by the creator of Naruto himself, Masashi Kishimoto, to mark the 10th anniversary of the series’ first appearance in Shonen Jump magazine. Alongside this fan must-have comes the original soundtrack on a separate CD and a DLC card which gives players instant access to the playable character Minato, otherwise only available as the very last unlockable character in game. All of this, plus the game itself, is packed into the specially designed Collector’s Edition retail box. No fan should be without it.

Developed by acclaimed studio CyberConnect2, NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 is a tour de force of Naruto thrills and spills, and the first game based on the global hit Naruto Shippuden manga and anime to appear on both consoles. Impressively faithfully to the universe of the anime, the game takes players through the Naruto Shippuden story arc with new battle systems enhancing the gameplay. Players must choose the right companions to fight alongside for a greater chance of winning, and together unleash explosive Team Special Techniques to lay waste to opponents. The brand new online mode, a first for the Ultimate Ninja series, takes the full force of the fight to opponents around the world.

Players will meet a host of criminal Akatsuki characters in the game, and in an astonishing story twist even see Sasuke wearing an Akatsuki costume. Lars Alexandersson, of TEKKEN 6 fame, will also make a playable appearance wearing his TEKKEN 6 costume designed by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto. As an unlockable guest character, Lars brings his explosive signature moves to the game’s versus mode adding a ferocious new dimension to the experience.

Ninja Apprentice or confirmed Sensei will also be able to put their hands and exercise their skills on the playable demo available via PlayStation bNetwork and Xbox Live across Europe and the PAL regions on August 25th.