The "TMNT" (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) franchise has became really hot these days. Same can be said for their video game branch, which has now currently grown a new one. This is another of my favorite "TMNT" games. This game is something slightly different in the "TMNT" department as this is a game that falls into the "Rogue Like" subgenre of gaming, it's pretty much "TMNT" doing "Hades". Whenever it comes to video game franchises branching out and doing something different, it can be like a chemistry experiment where some chemicals mix and either create a result or just nothing; this turned out to be a good mix.
I really like graphical presentations, which is detailed in both the background and characters, but I really like those comic snip cuts with the dialog, which give the feel of ether reading another comic or seeing another episode of one of their animated series. Voice acting in those scenes is solid, they all fit the characters and if they ever do another animated TV series adaptation, I wouldn't mind if the cast of that game does those voices once more.
I even like the story which almost feels like the kind that could be an arc from the comic series or even animated TV show adaptation, the story goes for the downright serious approach which I appreciate as the franchise never was a comedy. Music is also good as it feels right for this game as this sounds and feels like Turtle action. The only weak point about it along with the game is there aren't any or many memorable tracks which really can be a big minus because music is one of the best things about the franchise, the fact there are so few memorable tracks as Mikey would put it "major bummer dude"; though I can't say it's a total loss as there are a few good tracks worth a listen so
The gameplay is solid, it's nothing new that you haven't seen before if your familiar with the genre and the game "Hades" but it's everything done right and most importantly retains the spirit of the franchise. Each of the characters have their strengths and weaknesses as well as unique abilities and playing as each of them was cool. Whenever I go though the game I really like to sometime play as one of the different turtles just for a change of pace, though I really love to play as my favorite character the most "Raphel".
And of course, there are the RPG-like elements in the rogue like games, where after you clear a section, you are given a choice as to what powers abilities and powers you get to weld and add as you progress though the game. Like Raphel it's to commit multiple power thrusts, or Leonardo spinning katana propeller, and much more. These things give the game a bit of a replay value as there are so many things to experiment with and ways to win.
And like a lot of these rogue-like games, it's also one about trial and error. As you can't expect to get it right the first time and the game won't take it easy on you as you go though again and again it's never going to be the same runaround. So, when you have your next run around, make sure to always make it count and make sure you build up your character enough and equip them with enough of the works.
Whether you're a fan or even a non-fan of the franchise, this half-shell adventure is worth a venture.
Rating: 3 and a half stars.
