Upon its release, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact received a from critics. On Metacritic, it holds a meta-score of 68 based on 16 critic reviews, with a more positive user score of 7.5 . GameSpot gave it a 7.5/10 , praising the improved gameplay over previous PSP titles.
The game also features a surprisingly deep progression system via the "Card System." Players can collect over 300 different cards. These cards can be equipped to characters to grant significant stat boosts, enhance specific Jutsu, or even alter their visual appearance. These cards are earned by completing missions, purchasing packs from in-game stores, and mastering specific challenges. Completing 20 missions with a single character unlocks exclusive wallpapers for the PSP's home screen, adding a high level of replayability.
At the time of release, the roster size was mind-blowing. With over 80 playable characters, it was one of the largest Naruto rosters ever assembled.
For a late-generation PSP title, Ultimate Ninja Impact is a visual showcase. The character models are surprisingly detailed and capture the original designs of the anime well, supported by a that adds a new dimension to the action. The special effects for the Ninjutsu are particularly impressive, and the finishing moves are a sight to behold, offering some of the best graphics the handheld has to offer.