Fast-paced turn-based ninja RPG mixing Naruto and Boruto, with flashy battles and punishing gacha
Fast-paced turn-based ninja RPG mixing Naruto and Boruto, with flashy battles and punishing gacha
Vote (2 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Version 1.2.1
Works under Android
Vote
(2 votes)
Developer
Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Works under
Android
Program license
Free
Version
1.2.1
Pros
- Brings together characters from both Naruto and Boruto in a single roster
- Distinctive rotating-squad, turn-based combat system
- Flashy battle animations that stay true to the anime
- Large variety of ninjas to collect through missions and gacha
- Includes solo content, online modes, and PVP/cooperative play
Cons
- Gacha summon rates for strong characters are very low and can feel punishing
- Combat can be hard to master, with limited control over exact team compositions
- Overall content offering is relatively small
- Lacks several expected features and suffers from multiple issues
NARUTO X BORUTO NINJA TRIBES is a free Android role-playing game from Bandai Namco that brings together characters from both Naruto and Boruto in compact, turn-based battles. It focuses on fast squad combat, collecting familiar ninjas, and reliving iconic scenes from the anime.
It is best suited for fans of Naruto and Boruto who enjoy mobile RPGs with gacha-style character collection and tactical, turn-based team fights.
Two Eras of Ninja Stories in One Game
This game returns you to Konoha and the wider ninja world created by Masashi Kishimoto, combining the original Naruto cast with the newer Boruto generation. Missions are structured around key episodes and major events from both series, so story battles often feel like condensed replays of memorable anime moments.
You can send out squads including long-time favorites like Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi alongside Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, and many others. The appeal here is clear: a huge crossover roster that lets you build mixed-era dream teams and see how different generations interact on the battlefield.
Layered Turn-Based Combat Built Around Rotating Squads
NARUTO X BORUTO NINJA TRIBES is centered on team-based, turn-by-turn combat. Each battle uses a formation of nine characters, split into three smaller units that rotate every turn. At any moment you control three active fighters, while the rest wait to tag in.
During your turn, you choose actions using a color-based system that links to specific characters. Picking, for instance, a color shared by two of your ninjas lets both attack in that round. After they act, they rotate out and new party members slide into place. This creates a constant shuffle that keeps fights active and slightly unpredictable.
Legendary techniques from the series appear as powerful animations in battle, and coordinated attacks from compatible characters can trigger flashy “tribe” moves that hit much harder. The rules can seem confusing at first, and the shifting lineups make detailed planning tricky, yet underneath the surface the flow is quite straightforward once you adapt to it.
One drawback is that you do not always control exactly which characters fight together. Randomized team arrangements and automatic cycling add variety, but they can also make certain encounters feel harder to manage, especially if you like to fine-tune specific three-ninja lineups.
Collecting Ninjas with a Stingy Gacha
A big part of the experience lies in building up your roster. The game features an extensive cast drawn from both anime series, and you can obtain new ninjas by progressing through missions or by using a gacha system that awards characters at random.
On paper, this gives you plenty of options and combinations for different game modes. In practice, the gacha can be harsh. Reviews point out that summon rates for desirable characters are extremely low, which can turn long-term collecting into a grind. Dedicated players may still enjoy chasing rare units and optimizing team synergies for tribe attacks, but anyone hoping to gather favorites quickly is likely to feel frustrated.
Solo Play, Online Battles, and Cooperative Options
Beyond the main mission chains that revisit critical events in the ninja world, NARUTO X BORUTO NINJA TRIBES lets you play both alone and online. There are various multiplayer options, including PVP and cooperative modes, which add replay value for those who like to test their squads against other players or team up with friends.
These additional modes lean into the game’s core strengths: short, tactical fights and experimentation with different team compositions. They also give purpose to expanding your collection, since different challenges may favor different combinations of ninjas and tribe attacks.
Visual Style and Faithfulness to the Anime
One of the strongest aspects of this title is how it presents the action. The game delivers visually striking battle animations, especially when characters perform their trademark techniques or join together for tribe specials. The look and feel closely follow the anime, which helps the encounters feel authentic to the Naruto and Boruto worlds.
Fans will likely appreciate how battles and cut-ins echo specific scenes and relationships from the shows. This faithfulness, paired with the recognizable cast, can make even short fights feel like small playable episodes.
Fun Concept Held Back by Limited Content and Issues
NARUTO X BORUTO NINJA TRIBES has a compelling foundation: a large character pool, a distinctive rotating-squad system, and animations that respect the source material. When everything clicks, missions can be quite addictive, encouraging you to tweak teams and chase new tribe combos.
However, content depth is a clear weakness. Available material feels relatively thin for players who stay invested, and several expected features are simply not present. On top of that, the game reportedly suffers from multiple issues, which together with the tough gacha rates and occasionally unwieldy combat rules can turn enthusiasm into irritation.
For devoted Naruto and Boruto fans, the game can still be an enjoyable way to see beloved characters in action and revisit pivotal scenes, especially if you are patient with its shortcomings. Those looking for a rich, long-term RPG with generous rewards and extensive systems may find it less satisfying.
Pros
- Brings together characters from both Naruto and Boruto in a single roster
- Distinctive rotating-squad, turn-based combat system
- Flashy battle animations that stay true to the anime
- Large variety of ninjas to collect through missions and gacha
- Includes solo content, online modes, and PVP/cooperative play
Cons
- Gacha summon rates for strong characters are very low and can feel punishing
- Combat can be hard to master, with limited control over exact team compositions
- Overall content offering is relatively small
- Lacks several expected features and suffers from multiple issues