Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans have been treated over the last few years to a reinvigoration of the franchise. The current IDW Publishing comics came to an end but led into a new ongoing title, as well as a highly praised movie and TV series. The biggest treat, however, has been for gamers. New titles such as Shredder’s Revenge and Splintered Fate have both been applauded for their gameplay and nostalgia aspects (mostly by the one writing this). Does the latest game deserve a spot high above the city streets, or should it be resigned to the sewers? Sadly this one has aged like cold pizza.
Based on the arcade cabinet of the same name, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has been ported to the Switch. There is a plot…probably, but as with most arcade titles the main aim is to clear the area of as much fodder as possible and move to the right. Not an issue normally, but with current offerings, “barebones” feels like a massive understatement. This iteration of the heroes in a half-shell is based on the excellent 2012 series, with most of the voice actors who starred in the show reprising their roles here as well. If a fan of that show, this will certainly be a draw, and the majority of actors seem happy to be there, delivering their lines with enthusiasm. This isn’t the case for everyone, and as minimal lines were recorded it can become tiresome hearing the same shouts of “Cowabunga” and “Turtle Power” coming through the TV speakers repeatedly.
One positive aspect is the level variation over the ones available. With even a basic knowledge of the TMNT universe, the locations provided are what would be expected, all looking bright and vibrant (no doubt to draw players over and convince them to drop their quarters). From the city streets to an Utrom hideout, all of which are populated by recognisable villains and henchmen, each level provides a quick thrill with some well-designed bosses awaiting you as the final hurdle. Each stage can also be tackled in any order with the final one unlocked after all others have been completed. Variation can be explored in each Turtle’s move-set, but as with most arcade brawlers the standard button bashing will see most through.
The fact that this is an arcade port is the inherent problem with the majority of the experience. Yes, the port is a good one, with no real slowdown issues, and a pixel perfect representation of what would be expected if you were to play this in its original format. With so much to offer from the other TMNT instalments, however, this simply isn’t enough. With the exception of a high score table after the credits roll, there really isn’t any real replayability other than your own urges to try a playthrough with the reptilian of your choice. If for some absurd reason you didn’t pick Donatello to begin with, then the other three brothers are worthy of a run.
Runs should take no more than an hour, so even committing to each turtle, it is four hours in total, and that’s everything clocked. With the price point this is set at, in this day and age the time really doesn’t justify the price until it drops into the bargain bin.
