Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles delivers fast-paced, 3D beat-’em-up action that captures the spirit of the Fox anime series while offering depth for seasoned players. You can choose from Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, or Donatello, each with a distinct fighting style: quicker, lighter strikes contrast with slower, more powerful blows. On top of basic attacks, turtles can unleash Ninja Shuriken throws and execute Jump-Kick moves, making combat feel dynamic and varied.

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The game shines in its cooperative mode, allowing up to four players to team up locally. Coordinated attacks and tag-team combos add a strategic layer—pairing Donatello’s reach with Raphael’s furious close-quarters barrage can turn the tide against tougher Foot Clan members and boss encounters. If you’re flying solo, AI-controlled partners will join your battles, though their tactics sometimes feel a bit simplistic in more chaotic skirmishes.

Level design strikes a balance between linear progression and exploration. You’ll traverse New York’s sewers, streets, and rooftops, with hidden alleys and secret vents rewarding curious players. Each stage culminates in a boss fight against memorable villains like Baxter Stockman’s robotic creations or the menacing Shredder. While some enemies respawn in predictable waves, the variety of goons and mid-level mini-bosses keeps combat fresh throughout most playthroughs.

Graphics

Visually, the game embraces the bold, anime-inspired aesthetic of the Fox cartoon. Character models are crisp and colorful, with each turtle sporting the signature bandana hues and expressive battle cries. Environmental textures lean toward a slightly cel-shaded look, reinforcing the show’s cartoon vibe and making the cityscapes pop with vibrant graffiti, neon signs, and steely sewer grates.

Animations are fluid and impactful, with each attack landing with satisfying weight. Leonardo’s twin-sword slashes leave motion trails, Michelangelo’s nunchaku spins blur delightfully, and Donatello’s staff sweeps arc through multiple enemies in a single motion. Cutscenes that advance the story use the same in-engine graphics, maintaining consistency between gameplay and narrative moments.

Performance is generally stable, though minor frame dips can occur when four players and a handful of enemies converge in tighter spaces. Load times between stages are reasonable, and the user interface is clean, displaying health bars, special meters, and player icons without obscuring the action. Overall, the graphics do an excellent job of capturing the show’s energy while ensuring readability during frantic brawls.

Story

Drawing directly from the newer anime-styled Fox cartoon, the game’s narrative centers around the four turtle brothers—Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello—emerging from their sewer lair to protect New York City. The plot escalates from stopping Baxter Stockman’s mechanical mayhem to confronting Shredder’s Foot Clan in a climactic showdown. It’s a straightforward storyline designed to be accessible for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Dialogue is delivered through brief, action-packed cutscenes that intercut between missions. Character interactions capture the turtles’ distinct personalities—Michelangelo cracks wise about pizza breaks, while Leonardo maintains a more disciplined, tactical tone. Though the script is light on deep character arcs, it succeeds in conveying team camaraderie and the high stakes of their urban crusade.

Villains receive enough spotlight to feel threatening but not overly convoluted. Baxter Stockman appears as the mad inventor pulling experimental strings, providing a more public face to the chaos, whereas Shredder lurks in the shadows, orchestrating the Foot Clan’s most dangerous moves. While the story doesn’t break new ground for TMNT lore, it skillfully adapts core elements of the anime, offering fans a familiar yet engaging campaign.

Overall Experience

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles succeeds as a family-friendly brawler that captures the arcade-style fun of classic beat-’em-ups while incorporating modern visuals and cooperative play. The unique move sets for each turtle encourage experimentation, and the mix of ranged and melee combat ensures that no two play sessions feel identical. It’s ideal for group gaming nights or solo runs with AI support.

Some technical hiccups—occasional frame rate dips and repetitive enemy waves—prevent this title from reaching perfection. However, the game’s strengths in presentation, faithful adaptation of the anime’s art style, and robust multiplayer appeal make it a compelling pick for fans of the franchise and genre enthusiasts. Hidden collectibles and alternate costumes add replay value for completionists.

In the end, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles offers an engaging, action-packed journey through the sewers and streets of New York, delivering exactly what fans want: turtle power, pizza jokes, and plenty of shell-shocking combat. Whether you grew up watching the show or are discovering these heroes in a half shell for the first time, this game provides an accessible, entertaining adventure worth diving into.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10