A storm is coming, but it did not quite hit home 8.5/10
At first glance the game feels as if it is still back on the playstation x with the other Ultimate Ninja titles, especially as you run around the world as if playing Final Fantasy 7. This was the biggest let down of the game, the tedious running around linier maps, it would of done much better if they had followed Rise of a Ninja's example, or even Bonds.
However! Unlike the sloppy rival titles also on the 360, Ninja Storm 2 proves it is the far superior fighting game, it system is very balanced, well thought out and good to look at. Anyone who thinks this is a simple mashing one button game will be in for a shock and a lot of losses online. There is a lot more depth to the fighting system than meets the eye, unlike a Street Fighter game for example. Without a lot of strategy, good calls and very well timed guards/substitutions you're going to end up being beaten into the ground.
The fantastic boss battles makes up for a bland and linier story line, occasionally straying from the canon of the anime, to much delight making this less of a manga chapter but more of a game, the subtle differences from the anime actually make the game stand out more on its own, as a fan of the anime I felt a little overloaded with information I already knew, but to anyone who is not a fan of the show or books, they may be after playing this.
A good multiplayer system, although as bad searching options as Gears of War 2 on release, but a good ranking system, with a nice little bit of customisation for your Ninja Info card, for most multiplayer has been ruined by cheap tactics although this can be overcome with the right strategy.
Other issues such as turbo controllers making your opponent dodge every hit can be a real let down and with no penalty for doing this, not even such a bit of chakra drain to discourage this along with the story feeling like your playing the old playstation system have dropped the close to perfect Naruto fighting game.
8.5/10 Overall