I thought I'd quickly get bored of TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan, given that so many reviewers panned this game upon release. However, I loved Platinum Games' Transformers: Devastation and figured this game was worth checking out, especially since my used copy was only $15.
The combat--while offering nothing new--is solid. It's a fun 3D beat 'em up that captures the spirit of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I'd rather play this game again than replay the vintage side-scrollers or Playstation 2 games that tackled the Turtles license. I know this is heresy for those who nostalgically adore the SNES and Genesis titles, but modern games are more fun for me. I'm not into enemy pattern memorization and throwing away hundreds of hours into a game that isn't a life-changing masterpiece (ie: Mass Effect 2).
The combat uses standard light and heavy attack combos. The fun really comes into play when you engage special attacks, that ninjutsu magic, Man! Some strategy is required when timing special attacks to beat the bosses. Speaking of...The boss fights are fantastic, and probably my favorite part of the game. It's essential that the Turtles work together as a team in order to prevail, something Mutants in Manhattan definitely gets right. I've never felt more like I was playing as TMNT. Go teamwork.
The voice acting is excellent, and the writing nails the turtles' personalities.
Not so great...
There's way too many items, and most are not worth choosing to carry over pizza /health refills.
The game lacks variety with only 4 playable characters that all play relatively the same. Devs shoulda allowed us to play as Splinter, Casey Jones, or even baddies. Would love to play as Shredder or that shark dude!
The RPG elements were not implemented well. By the time I got some of the cooler special attacks, the game was almost over, and it's not great enough to warrant a second play-through right away.
Story is pretty whatever. Wanted to see more Splinter and April.
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Overall I certainly enjoyed my time with Mutants in Manhattan and I will play the PS4 version as well. That would be wonderful if I could import my PS3 save file but I doubt that'll be possible. Oh well.
If you're considering buying TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan, do not wait much longer as prices for physical copies have gone up considerably in just the last year, as the option to grab the digital dowload was revoked. Negotiating licensing for popular IPs must be a b*tch. Remember those awesome Marvel Ultimate Alliance games? Yeah good luck seeing remasters on the PS5 now that Disney owns everything I once loved. And now you can't download Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan. Buy it now!
