Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is a throwback title to the early arcade games based on the TMNT franchise. Developed by Cradle Games and published by GameMill Entertainment, this enhanced port of a 2017 game offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but its lack of substantial content and modern refinements might leave some players hungry for more. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Let’s start with the basics: Wrath of the Mutants wears its inspirations proudly, drawing heavily from the beloved 1991 arcade classic, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. From the vibrant visual style to the familiar faces of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, fans of the franchise will find themselves in familiar territory. The gameplay mechanics echo those of its predecessor as well, with standard attacks, throws, jumps, and special moves reminiscent of the classic arcade era.
However, while this adherence to tradition might evoke a sense of nostalgia, it also highlights the game’s simplicity when compared to more contemporary beat ’em ups – including ones based on the TMNT franchise like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. And while Turtles in Time remains a timeless gem, Wrath of the Mutants feels somewhat dated, lacking the depth and complexity of its modern counterparts – which is less easy to forgive than with a game that was made three decades ago.
One area where the game does shine is in its faithful portrayal of the Turtles’ personalities. Each character’s unique special move not only adds variety to the combat but also serves as a delightful homage to their individual quirks. Whether it’s Michelangelo’s pizza-powered onslaught or Donatello’s electrifying prowess, these moves capture the essence of each Turtle with aplomb.
Moreover, the addition of new stages and bosses for this new console release breathes fresh life into the familiar formula. The Amusement Park stage, complete with its rollercoaster dodging and haunted house escapades, injects a welcome dose of variety into the proceedings. Likewise, the revamped final boss encounter offers a fitting climax to the Turtles’ adventure – though ultimately this one is still very much on the short side.
Despite these highlights, Wrath of the Mutants falls short in several areas. Its brevity, even with the added content, leaves much to be desired, with the entire campaign still clocking in at around an hour. While this may evoke fond memories of quarter-guzzling arcade sessions, it’s a stark reminder of the game’s limited scope when played in a home environment.
Furthermore, the absence of online co-op is a glaring omission in an age where multiplayer experiences thrive across digital platforms. While local co-op offers a nostalgic throwback to couch gaming sessions and is arguably the best way to play this one, the inability to team up with distant friends feels like a missed opportunity.
Additionally, the game’s visual and audio presentation, while faithful to the source material, may not resonate with all players. Some may find the character designs and voice acting hit-or-miss, with certain elements feeling grating or uninspired.
In conclusion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants offers a slice of retro gaming nostalgia for fans of the franchise. Its classic beat ’em up action and faithful portrayal of the Turtles’ antics will undoubtedly delight longtime enthusiasts. However, its lack of depth, short duration, and absence of online multiplayer may leave some players craving a more substantial experience.
Score: 6.4/10
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