'Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4' release date, characters: Game to feature Hyuga Hanabi

The latest scan from Bandai Namco on the upcoming Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 title.Bandai Namco Europe

The latest news on the upcoming final title under the "Ultimate Ninja Storm" franchise tells hardcore fans that another Byakugan user will join the fray. 

According to the latest issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine, Hyuga Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, will also be a playable character for the upcoming "Ultimate Storm 4" title. The youngest of the main branch of the Hyuga clan will be one of the 80 playable and seven supporting characters in the "Naruto Shippuden" game universe. The game will also feature select character appearances from the manga series and the most recent "Naruto: The Last Movie," including the grown-up versions of Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. 

In announcing Hyuga Hanabi as the latest playable character, hardcore gamers of the series will add another name to their roster of powerful Byakugan users. Hyuga Hanabi is considered by her father as the legitimate successor to the main branch since she is reportedly more powerful than her older sister, Hyuga Hinata. Hinata will be the wife of Uzumaki Naruto and mother to Hiwamari and Boruto, or Bolt in the English scans of the manga series. 

The most powerful among their generation is their cousin Hyuga Neji who, unfortunately, is not of the main branch and therefore ineligible for succession. As Byakugan users, they are able to unlock and use the Kekai Genkai: Doujutsu Byakugan as their eyes' bloodline ability, and use the Taijutsu Gentle Fists as their hand-to-hand combat style when fighting. 

In the same Shonen Jump issue, it was also hinted that as part of the new gameplay, it might be possible to change controlled characters while in battle. However, much of this gameplay detail is still insubstantial, as there are no gameplay trailers yet available. The only recent updates for the newest title are concept arts and a video trailer showcasing the battle between Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara. 

"Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4" is expected to be released this year on the PS4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.