This game was a lot of fun. I played through it with my son Derek, and then David jumped in the last 3 levels or so and helped us beat Shredder. I guess this has up to 6 players, so I am going to try and do another run-through with 4 local and 2 online if that is possible.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – A Retro Review for PS5

Nostalgia has a new name, and it’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge for the PlayStation 5. In this throwback to the classic beat ’em up era, developers Tribute Games and Dotemu have created a love letter to the iconic 1987 animated series and the arcade hits of the 90s. As a parent, I had the unique opportunity to experience this game in a three-player co-op session with my two sons, and it was nothing short of a shell-shocking blast from the past.

Gameplay: Classic Brawler with a Modern Touch

Diving into the action with my two young sidekicks, we selected our favorite turtles (and allies), each character bringing their own unique feel and combo sets to the streets and sewers of New York City. The controls were intuitive, allowing for easy pick-up-and-play fun that’s critical for a family-friendly game. The PS5’s DualSense controllers vibrated with every nunchuck hit and bo staff slam, adding an immersive layer to the retro-inspired beat down sessions.

The game supports up to six players on-screen simultaneously, which is a chaotic delight. With three players, the screen was busy but never felt overcrowded, allowing each of us to shine as we fought through waves of Foot Clan soldiers, iconic bosses, and new adversaries.

Graphics and Sound: A Pixel-Perfect Renaissance

Shredder’s Revenge shines with its pixel art style, reminiscent of the 16-bit era but with the smooth performance and high fidelity that the PS5 can deliver. Each level is vibrant, and animated with an attention to detail that captures the spirit of the original cartoon. The character animations are fluid, and the special moves are a visual treat that never got old, even after repeated playthroughs.

The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of retro chiptunes and modern beats that perfectly complement the on-screen action. The theme song, performed by none other than the original TMNT theme song artists, sets the tone for an authentic experience.

Story and Longevity: Simple Plot, Endless Fun

While the story is straightforward — stop Shredder and his nefarious plans — it’s the journey that counts. Each level brings new environments and challenges that kept us engaged. The difficulty curve was just right, providing a challenge without frustration, which is crucial when playing with kids.

The game also offers plenty of reasons to come back, with different difficulty settings and the allure of mastering each character’s move set. Playing with my sons, we found ourselves discussing strategies and character choices long after the console was turned off.

Multiplayer: Bonding Over Pizza and Punches

Playing Shredder’s Revenge with my sons was an experience that transcended simple gaming. It was a bonding activity, filled with high-fives, shared strategies, and the occasional playful ribbing. The game’s design encourages cooperation, with combo moves and revive mechanics that require players to work together, much like the Turtles themselves.

The ease of dropping in and out of the game was perfect for our family setting, allowing us to take breaks when needed without disrupting the flow of the game. It’s clear that the developers understood the importance of flexible gaming sessions for a title like this.

Final Thoughts: Cowabunga!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is more than just a retro-inspired beat ’em up; it’s a modern classic that brings families together with its accessible fun and cooperative play. On the PS5, the game looks and feels fantastic, and it’s a testament to how timeless gameplay mechanics can be enhanced with current hardware.

For those looking to share a piece of their childhood with a new generation, or for younger players discovering the Turtles for the first time, this game is a must-play. It captures the spirit of Saturday morning cartoons and classic arcade fun, making it an essential addition to any PS5 library.

As I watched my sons learn the ropes and eventually dish out shell shock alongside me, it was clear that Shredder’s Revenge had achieved something special — it brought the Turtles back for another round of pizza-fueled adventure, and we were all too eager to answer the call to action.

source