Namco Bandai Games America today announced a pre-order program for Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm at GameStop, EB Games and GameCrazy retail locations across North America. Gamers that pre-order the game at GameStop or EB Games stores or www.gamestop.com will receive a download card giving them access to The First Hokage support character and a new single-player mission, while those that pre-order at GameCrazy stores will receive download access to The Second Hokage support character and a different single-player mission. The only way that players will be able to get these exclusive support characters and missions, the download cards will be available with all pre-orders through the game’s ship date of November 4.

Evolving the head-to-head fighting action of the Ultimate Ninja series, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm introduces full 3D ninja combat across huge environments and all-new free-roaming gameplay in Naruto’s Hidden Leaf Village. Taking advantage of an original next-generation graphics engine, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm utilizes fluid animation and incredible high-definition visual detail that allow gamers to become a part of the world of Naruto like never before.

Whilst this is certainly going to prove a difficult choice for hardcore fans of the series wondering where to pre-order their game from, it only adds to the growing number of games releasing this holiday season with bonuses for pre-ordering at certain locations.