Developer & Publisher: Activision with Nickelodeon and Magic Pockets
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Rated: E for Everyone (ages 10 and up) MRSP: $39.99
by Chris Medrano
As a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT for short) fan, I was happy there would be two new games this year. Not remakes…but original games. Even though TMNT: Out of the Shadows (review here) was not the greatest game I still had fun playing it. I was really excited for the second one because it was based on Nickelodeon’s TMNT cartoon (which is really good series). The last series of TMNT cartoon-based games were really fun; great levels to explore, a lot of enemy variation and extras to unlock. Will this one be just as good? You will find out.
When I got to the main menu, I immediately notice the graphics are not the best in the world. I can understand; the cartoon has an unique art style. While I do not mind this if the game is amazing, it can still be better. The story is bit basic and to the point; you are the turtles thwarting Shredder and his foot clan’s evil plans. The game is really boring; it is comprised of simple, linear levels where you get from one objective to another. There is little room for exploration; only a little exploration for collectibles that unlock extra game types. Levels look ok, but would be better if they were bigger levels that allowed me exploration. One thing that stood out had you on top of the Shellraiser (TMNT car) but fell back to disappointment with fighting a few enemies and this happened twice. Bosses were good; I was glad I had different enemies like Dogpound, Fishface, Baxter Stockman and Shredder. Otherwise, the story is underwhelming and the level design does nothing to change that.
After completing levels you get points to spend to “upgrade” the turtles but it’s really just to increase health and damage in attacks that make combat faster. There are other modes to try out; mini games, time attacks and survival but they do not add much to the game. In fact, even those game variants are just as boring as the main campaign. On a side note, to help players with the game they added codes to some TMNT toys anyone can buy. I bought some, but found them to be simple codes like Up, Down, B, A. Players can probably get these codes online, so unless you want to buy the toys or have bought them don’t waste your money.
Now, you have probably guessed by now you probably should not buy this game, even if you are a hardcore TMNT fan. Or, if you still want to play it, let it drop down in price (even though its selling at $39.99). The game just feels like a boring arcade game you can buy on the Xbox Live Arcade or PSN, and it’s sad because the old TMNT cartoon games were so much fun. If the developers that make another TMNT game based on the cartoon take their time and look at the older games for influence it could be a lot more fun. Here’s hoping they do. Thanks for reading OLIVE JUICE!!!!