Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee shifts the traditional TMNT beat-’em-up formula into a fast-paced arena brawler that supports up to four players simultaneously. Instead of the usual one-on-one duels, you’ll duke it out across various enclosed stages where positioning, timing and opportunistic special moves can turn the tide of battle in an instant. Whether you’re launching an enemy into the air for a juggling combo or scrambling to grab the treasure chest in Keep Away mode, Mutant Melee delivers frantic action that’s easy to pick up but offers layers of chaos once multiple turtles—and Foot Clan grunts—are on the same battlefield.

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The game features two distinct modes: a solo-focused Adventure mode and a multiplayer-centric Melee mode. In Adventure mode, you guide one of ten selectable fighters (six of which must be unlocked) through 100 incremental bouts. These encounters range from straight combat scenarios to timed objectives like dodging bombs or protecting a specific area. As you clear these challenges, you not only gain access to additional characters and stages but also develop a feel for each fighter’s unique move set, making later matches in Melee mode more strategic and varied.

Melee mode offers four multiplayer variants reminiscent of familiar shooter and party-game formats. The Knockout mode is a classic deathmatch where points accumulate with each KO, while Last Man Standing puts a premium on survival. King of the Hill tasks players with controlling a glowing zone, and Keep Away turns into a frantic scramble to hold onto a bouncing treasure chest. The depth emerges from stage hazards—such as crumbling platforms and environmental traps—and the diverse cast of unlockable characters, each bringing distinct reach, speed and special attacks to the fray.

Graphics

Visually, Mutant Melee closely follows the aesthetic of the 2003 animated series, with cel-shaded character models that replicate the show’s clean lines and vibrant colors. The turtles exhibit smooth animations during punches, kicks and acrobatic flips, capturing the agility and swagger fans expect. Versus combat is enlivened by over-the-top special moves—Leonardo’s spinning sword whirlwind, Raphael’s devastating sai barrage—each accompanied by bold visual effects that punctuate the action.

The nine basic and fifteen unlockable arenas range from sewer lairs and city rooftops to the Shredder’s fortress, offering variety in both layout and theme. Each stage features dynamic elements such as falling debris, rotating platforms or lurking enemies that can impact gameplay. While the textures feel dated by modern standards—especially on the PS2 and original Xbox releases—the overall presentation retains a cartoon-like charm that aligns neatly with the source material.

Performance is generally stable, but with four characters exchanging blows and environmental hazards active, occasional frame-rate dips can occur. These hiccups rarely interfere with the core experience, though they may surface during the busiest on-screen moments. Overall, the graphical package accomplishes its goal: faithful representation of the animated series, functional stage design and enough eye candy to keep combat engaging.

Story

Mutant Melee’s narrative is minimal, serving primarily as a structured lead-in to its combat encounters rather than a full-blown TMNT saga. Adventure mode loosely strings together ten character-specific story arcs, each featuring brief cutscenes that set up your next battle. These vignettes channel the spirit of the 2003 series by highlighting the turtles’ camaraderie and rivalry with villains like the Foot Clan and Baxter Stockman, but they stop short of delivering a deep or memorable plot.

Rather than focusing on long dialogue sequences or branching paths, the game’s storytelling emphasis is on context for each fight—why Splinter and the turtles are ambushed in the junkyard, or how Donatello ends up defending a radioactive canister from underhanded foes. This stripped-down approach keeps the pace brisk, ensuring players dive back into the action without lengthy interruptions. Fans seeking rich TMNT lore may feel the story component is light, but those in it for arcade-style battles will appreciate the straightforward setup.

The voice acting, drawn from the animated series cast, adds authenticity to even the shortest exchanges. Grunts, combat quips and victory lines help deliver character personality in mere seconds, reinforcing each fighter’s identity. While the narrative framework won’t satisfy players craving cinematic storytelling, it succeeds in tying together the game’s primary focus: multiplayer mayhem infused with Turtle Power.

Overall Experience

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Melee shines as a multiplayer party game that captures the fun of four-way arena combat. Its blend of simple controls, character variety and stage hazards provides accessible but chaotic gameplay, making it an excellent pick for local gatherings. Unlockable fighters and arenas extend replay value, encouraging players to master different move sets and strategies in each game type.

On the downside, Adventure mode’s 100-fight gauntlet can feel repetitive, especially when certain challenges devolve into endurance tests rather than skill-based trials. Newcomers may also find the camera occasionally uncooperative in tight quarters, leading to frustrating moments when tracking opponents amid visual clutter. However, these issues are largely overshadowed by the enjoyment of multiplayer battles, where unpredictability and friendly rivalry keep sessions fresh.

Ultimately, Mutant Melee delivers a vibrant, turtle-powered brawler that appeals most to fans of the 2003 series and groups looking for dynamic couch co-op. While it lacks the depth of traditional one-on-one fighters, its emphasis on party-style combat and unlockable content makes it a worthwhile addition to any TMNT enthusiast’s collection. If you crave fast-paced, turtle-themed skirmishes with friends, Mutant Melee provides plenty of sewerside fun.

Retro Replay Score

6/10