Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution Preview: Learn the origins of the Akatsuki

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series from developer CyberConnect2 are easily some of the best true-to-source-material games ever made. If I chose to skip out on watching the anime and learn about the Shippuden storyline based off the games, I'd be caught up in no time.

CyberConnect2 has full access to the full database of Naruto manga and anime, which allows them to make the most authentic and true to the show experience possible. The series will continue with Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution, though this time the main story takes a backseat to a completely original storyline written by Masashi Kishimoto himself.

As to the events in the story, very little detail was given. We do know it will revolve around a Ninja Tournament of sorts. Oh yeah, and a mechanized Naruto is one of the main bad guys. Awesome! Seriously, this character, as weird as it sounds, was absolutely a blast to watch and play as. All of his moves are a variation on Naruto's moves, and hearing him say Naruto phrases in his high pitched robot voice was absolutely priceless.

The Ninja World Tournament will task players with trying to become the ultimate ninja by entering into four man tournaments, which is a first for the series. Now four characters will duke it out in various arenas as players progress through the story.

However, the biggest and arguably most interesting aspect of Revolution is the brand new Akatsuki storyline. The Akatsuki are one of the main evil factions fighting against the various ninja clans in hopes to capture all tailed beasts. The anime and manga sort of glazed over its inception, but the game will finally and fully reveal the formation of the Akatsuki, which should be a real treat to fans of the show. This story will also feature completely original animation from the team that produces the anime.

Even though the game offers up an original storyline, those looking for a true to form experience will still get to experience the whole storyline from the beginning of Shippuden extending just a bit past where Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 ended.

Revolution sets itself up to be the biggest Naruto game yet. Like it's un-numbered predecessor, Generations, it will feature a roster of both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden characters, spanning the number of playable characters to over a 100, including some newly playable characters.

New to Revolution are the new Combo Ultimate Jutsus, which, as you can imagine, are an even bigger spectacle to watch than standard Ultimate Jutsus. When paired up with specific characters, you'll be able to unleash a devastatingly powerful Jutsu as a team. Naruto and Sasuke both team up and each unleash their signature moves, the Rasengan and Chidori, upon a helpless enemy. There are apparently an insane amount of character combos you can combine to unleash these special finishers.

Bandai Namco will have some exclusive Day 1 Edition content, where players who will purchase on the launch day will get access to two special costumes for Naruto and Sasuke, with each of them wearing each other's clothing. Other pre-order incentives include special Samurai armor for Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. All of these were designed by Kishimoto himself.

Revolution will be out this September on Xbox 360 and PS3. It'll also be the second game in the franchise to be released on Steam.