Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The heroes in a half shell return in an all-new adventure that cleverly balances classic beat ’em up action with modern twists. Players navigate four distinct campaigns, each centered on one of the turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello—whose levels play to their individual strengths. From Leonardo’s disciplined katana strikes to Michelangelo’s fast, playful nunchaku combos, the game encourages you to master each turtle’s signature moveset.

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Combat feels weighty yet responsive, and chaining together combos offers a real sense of satisfaction. Enemies range from the Foot Clan’s basic grunts to more challenging minibosses, and the end-of-level boss battles put your skills to the test. You’ll learn to block, dodge, and counterattack, and each turtle grows more powerful as you unlock upgrades for new abilities and stronger attacks.

Beyond side-scrolling brawls, the game injects variety with unique 3rd-person race modes. You’ll speed through the sewer system on hovercraft, blast enemies and collect power-ups, then switch gears as Donatello pilots the Shell Glider through airborne obstacle courses. Raphael even challenges Casey Jones to a high-octane cycle race. These interludes break up the main action and keep the pacing fresh throughout the adventure.

Graphics

The visual style pays tribute to the classic 1990s cartoons while leveraging modern hardware for crisp textures and dynamic lighting. Cityscapes glow under neon signs, sewer tunnels drip with dampness, and the Shell Glider’s aerial vistas showcase sweeping city skylines. Character models are detailed and expressive, capturing each turtle’s personality down to the stitching on their masks.

Animation quality is consistently high: attacks flow smoothly, enemies react believably to hits, and environmental hazards like crumbling platforms or spinning gears animate with satisfying physics. The transition from on-foot combat to racing segments is seamless, with camera angles that emphasize speed and danger. Occasional frame-rate dips appear during hectic boss fights, but they’re fleeting and rarely impact overall enjoyment.

Art direction extends to the user interface and menu design, which feature comic-book–style panels and vibrant colors. Health bars, special-attack meters, and upgrade menus remain clear and readable even during intense battles. Subtle visual cues—like a turtle’s shell glowing when their super move is ready—enhance gameplay without cluttering the screen.

Story

The narrative premise is straightforward but effective: Shredder’s forces have scattered the turtles across the city to weaken their unity. Each turtle embarks on a personal mission to defeat criminals, rescue allies, and reunite the team for a final showdown. This setup allows the story to shift perspectives organically, giving each hero a moment to shine.

Cutscenes blend in-engine animation with comic-style panels, offering bits of humor and character interaction between levels. Leonardo wrestles with leadership pressure, Michelangelo cracks wise under fire, Raphael’s rivalry with Casey Jones adds tension, and Donatello’s tech skills unlock key advantages. While the plot doesn’t break new ground, it captures the playful camaraderie that fans love.

Voice acting channels the spirit of the original show without feeling forced. Villains deliver taunts with gusto, and the turtles’ quips balance bravado with brotherly banter. Side objectives and collectible dossiers expand the lore, rewarding players who explore every nook of the city with character bios and hidden dialogue snippets.

Overall Experience

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles offers a well-rounded package that will appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike. The blend of tight combat, varied level design, and charming presentation keeps the adventure lively from start to finish. Whether you’re brawling through the streets or zooming through the sewers, the game delivers consistent thrills.

Replay value is bolstered by four unique campaigns and optional challenges that unlock extra abilities and cosmetic skins. Cooperative play (local or online) adds another layer of fun, letting you and a friend coordinate attacks as Leonardo’s disciplined swipes set up Michelangelo’s flurries or Raphael’s heavy hits. Even after the credits roll, there’s incentive to revisit tough boss encounters or collect every hidden item.

While the story remains light and some races can feel a bit repetitive, the overall package is polished and engaging. With its faithful art style, responsive controls, and genuine sense of turtle-powered teamwork, this title is a worthy addition to any action-adventure fan’s library. Cowabunga indeed!

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10