Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 boasts an expansive roster of characters, each with their own unique move sets and combo potential. Mastering these abilities is crucial for dominating in both single-player and multiplayer battles. This section will guide you through understanding and executing effective combos for various characters.
Basic Attack Strings and Their Purpose
Every character has a basic attack string, typically executed by repeatedly pressing the attack button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox). These strings vary in length and speed, with later hits often dealing more damage or having better range. Experiment with these basic combos to get a feel for your character's reach and timing. Many characters have unique properties on the final hit of their basic string, such as launching the opponent or pushing them back.
Special Jutsu and Their Integration
Special Jutsu (Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox) are the bread and butter of a character's offensive arsenal. These consume Chakra and can be chained into basic attack strings or used independently. Some Jutsu can be charged for increased power and range. Learning which Jutsu best complements your basic attacks is key. For instance, a fast, short-range Jutsu might be ideal for starting a combo, while a projectile Jutsu can be used to extend pressure or punish a distant opponent.
Awakening and Ultimate Jutsu
When your character's health drops to a certain point, or by consuming Chakra, you can enter an Awakened state. This significantly boosts your character's speed, power, and often unlocks new combo routes or enhanced Jutsu. In Awakening, you can typically perform an Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle + Circle on PlayStation, Y + B on Xbox), a devastating cinematic attack that deals massive damage. Learning the conditions and optimal times to activate your Awakening, and subsequently unleash your Ultimate Jutsu, is paramount for securing victories.
Support Characters and Combo Extensions
The ability to call in support characters adds another layer of complexity and combo potential. Supports can be used to extend combos, interrupt enemy attacks, or even set up your own offensive pressure. Understanding the synergy between your main character and your chosen supports is vital. Some supports have Jutsu that can launch opponents, allowing your main character to follow up with an aerial combo, or provide defensive buffs.
Advanced Combo Techniques
Beyond basic chaining, advanced techniques include jump cancels, dash cancels, and substitution cancels. Jump canceling allows you to reset your combo mid-air, enabling further aerial attacks. Dash canceling can interrupt the recovery of certain moves, allowing for quicker follow-ups. Mastering the substitution system is also crucial; successfully substituting out of an opponent's attack can open them up for a devastating counter-attack and combo.