The game is a 3D arena fighter game, with the player able to play as characters from the Naruto series. Fights are only between 2 players, but can have up to two supports, each of which can deal damage. There are also limited use items that can be used with the D-PAD for various effects. Each character has their own jutsu that allows them to play differently. Filling the chakra bar will allow the character to perform special strong moves. The most powerful ones will trigger a cutscene with inputs to increase/reduce damage, depending on who does them first. Ninja Dodges also use up some chakra. Only the second and third games have online modes, with the third being much more robust with ranked modes.
Each of the game’s story modes tells a different part of Naruto’s story. The game dubbed scenes, with options for English and Japanese. The game has the city as a center between chapters. In this city, the player can interact with characters, take on missions and do side missions. In addition to normal fights, the game also has special boss fights in large sectors and ninja-themed minigames.