The events of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 begin after Naruto Uzumaki returns to the Hidden Leaf Village following his intense training with Jiraiya. However, he finds no time to rest as he immediately faces new threats from the Akatsuki organization, which continues its pursuit of controlling the Tailed Beasts. The story escalates when the Akatsuki attacks Gaara, the leader of the Hidden Sand Village, kidnapping him through Deidara and Sasori. This prompts Naruto and his team to embark on a dangerous rescue mission. Along the way, players will battle formidable enemies like Kakuzu and Hidan while progressing through a story that also includes the formation of Team Hebi under Sasuke Uchiha’s leadership.

However, the game does not solely follow the anime’s storyline but also introduces an entirely original plot not found in the main series. This original story revolves around a mysterious man named Shinga, who seeks to use the power of a forbidden seed known as the Shinki Demon. This forces Naruto and his comrades into a decisive battle to save the world from a new threat. The combination of the anime-based narrative and the exclusive original story adds a unique depth to the game, allowing players to explore new angles of Naruto’s universe, enhancing the overall experience.

The game features a fast-paced 2D fighting style that blends speed and strategy, introducing improved mechanics that make combat smoother and more exciting compared to previous installments. Players can select their favorite characters from the Naruto Shippuden storyline and engage in battles set across multi-level arenas. In addition to basic actions like jumping and running on walls, players can execute various attacks and special moves. The combat system also includes four-player battles, making fights more chaotic and intense. Players can use basic attacks to unleash powerful jutsu techniques while dodging skillfully to evade enemy assaults.

The game boasts a roster of over 50 characters, making it one of the largest in the series. The selection includes prominent fighters like Naruto Uzumaki with his advanced Rasengan techniques, Sasuke Uchiha with his Chidori and Mangekyo Sharingan abilities, and Itachi Uchiha, who wields devastating techniques such as Tsukuyomi and Susanoo. Additionally, players can customize their fighting styles by selecting preferred jutsu techniques, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.

One of the standout additions to the game is the Master Road mode, which allows players to relive key events from Naruto Shippuden in an interactive way while introducing side battles and optional missions that grant rewards and new abilities. The game also offers unique mission-based gameplay that requires players to navigate arenas filled with obstacles that must be avoided or overcome. These missions add an exploration element to the Naruto world, allowing players to collect items that restore health, increase chakra, or grant ninja points.

Compared to previous entries like Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2, this installment features noticeable improvements in graphics and animation fluidity, along with an expanded character roster and new gameplay modes. The introduction of an original storyline involving Shinga adds a fresh narrative dimension, making the game more appealing to Naruto fans. Additionally, the combat system has been rebalanced, and multiplayer battles have been enhanced, increasing replay value and making the experience more competitive among friends. In the end, the game successfully delivers a rich and engaging fighting experience that will satisfy both anime fans and fighting game enthusiasts.