Namco Bandai has announced Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4, the first video game based on the Naruto Shippuden anime series.

Featuring trademark one-on-one ninja battles, the game débuts a number of new characters as well as several new modes of play.

Set two and a half years after Naruto left the Hidden Leaf Village to undergo a strict training regiment with his mentor Jiraiya, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4 lets players this exciting new storyline for the first time. Returning to help save his rival Sasuke from the evil Orochimaru, Naruto is reunited with all his old friends, only to find that a mysterious organization known as Akatsuki now poses an even more ominous threat to the Village.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4 is set to feature several game modes that offer different play experiences as players immerse themselves in the world of ninja. The new Master Mode combines role-playing and action platforming elements, telling the story of how Naruto came to return to the Hidden Leaf Village after his training with Jiraiya. Players can collect items in this mode to unlock characters in Free Battle Mode, featuring one-on-one ninja battles for one or two players.

There will also be new Naruto Shippuden characters such as Deidara, Sasori and Chiyo as well as updated versions of fan favourites such as Gaara, Kakashi and Sakura. The game features 52 total playable characters to take into battle.

Developed by CyberConnect2, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja 4 is slated for release on PS2 this May 2009. For more information on the game, visit the official site, and don't forget to check out the screenshots below!