Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 heading to PS3 and Xbox in March

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 heading to PS3 and Xbox in March

SAN JOSE, Calif., (January 4, 2013) – Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announce that NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™: Ultimate Ninja® STORM 3 will be available throughout North America and South America on March 5, 2013 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  Based on the hit NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animated series from VIZ Media, LLC, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 unleashes a tornado of electrifying ninja action and adventure that the franchise is known for, along with over 80 playable characters, advanced online modes and enhanced fighting mechanics allowing anyone to become a ninja master.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 will feature the most extensive character roster of any game so far in the series, letting fans engage with a huge number of their favorite personalities from the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN universe, be they friend or foe.  In story mode, players will be thrown into a series of thrilling adventures as they delve into the Fourth Great Ninja War.  For the first time in Ultimate Ninja STORM history, players will be able to relive the most exciting series of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime as it airs in Japan and streams online.  Experience new one-versus-many action stages to test players’ ninja skills, while electrifying fights will be punctuated with cinematic boss battles ranging from nefarious villains to massive beasts.  Players will also be able to battle against the world through extensive multiplayer modes.  Compete in user created tournaments, set up friendly player matches and check out the competition with player cards to view win/loss records and fighting styles.

“NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 brings the highly successful NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series straight to the hands of console gamers,” said Carlson Choi, VP of Marketing for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.  “The talented team at CyberConnect2 has once again merged break-neck action and fluid animation into a thrilling fighting action-adventure title that’s fun for everyone.”

As a special bonus, first-run copies of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 will feature a code to download an exclusive Dragon Ball Z® Goku costume for Naruto and collectible trading card.  These special items mark the first time the two mega anime franchises have crossed over in North America and will only be available for a limited time.  Pre-ordering the game is highly recommended to guarantee access to these special bonuses.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3 is rated “T” for teen by the ESRB and will carry a MSRP of $59.99.  For more information about NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 3, please visit http://www.namcobandaigames.com, http://www.facebook.com/namco and http://naruto.namcobandaigames.com/forum