How do I start this?
Well, the game itself is really good as it's used to be, some mechanics were Again removed from the previous one we had and added something new, to mention counterattack (which is block with counter), added mixed playstyles or rather pushed us to choose in what form we want to play, ultimate style (allows us to use ultimates), awakening style (allows us to awake our ninja - true form and basic form (basic awakening and full awakening), and a drive type (allows us to cooperate with our supports (they spawn to counter dashes, guard while charging chakra and attack knocked enemies, while also allows us to seal enemies - which restricts them from using awakenings, ultimates and reduces their chakra usage and substitution charge).
The most annoying to be honest to deal with.
As it stands, gameplay itself is even more fun that it used to be to the previous one for me at least, which is storm 2 (but storm 2 was essentially harder to be honest).
When it comes to story, there are 2 types of off,
The first one is split into 3 short stories, really good btw.
The 2nd one is based on tournament island and has an additional Mecha Naruto mini story included, and we have to clear those, it's fun on the first take and with each it's getting slightly overtaking, not to say you're bored but you're quite too used to it.
I have to mention that once again I've completely finished the game with everything it has and had to offer, got it and ended those with an S score at the end, which was ridiculously fun, and annoying both at the same time, but I handled it.
You may a little bit cheat those tournaments with some ninjas but realized it after completely finished the game and I feel kind of vanished.
I'm still gonna need a few more hours to get to complete those 2% missing collectibles, which I will get only via playing rankeds, not fun imho.
Need to mention every character has its own finisher scene 1-4, which you can change and save for 3 separate slots to choose from, you can also change the substitution as well.
Ah, also not a big deal but may bother some at least right at the beginning, especially if you've played other storm games, this one is capped at 30. You can't change to 60.
It's due a PS3 port and never releasing HD one for better platforms, strict 30.
It's super smooth 30 tho, after few hours I got used to it and enjoyed it at its best. Tho, I haven't touched any other game with higher frames, so that's why. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to.
Anyway, how would I rate this game above others? Well, dunno.
However because I'm the biggest fan of the series on its own, I'll rate it as 8/10.
Would rate it lower to 7 If not so, since it's messy for those tournaments and 3 other ninjas are rather focusing on you not on themselves making chaos.
Have fun,
Enjoy!
PS. Played and Finished the game on the Steam Deck OLED.