Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its Half-Shell Story and Music
This game adds so much that build off of one another. The game blends the 1990’s animated show with many references from the 90’s movies, and older games and shows. Shredder’s Revenge starts off with the Turtles trying to stop Bebop from kidnapping Vernon, a side character from the old 90’s cartoon show, and develops into Shredder aiming for revenge against the Turtles! Each level has very colorful and stylized designs that look amazing. Through each level you fight the Foot Clan and other enemies to save hostages and discover characters from throughout the series. The Foot Clan are just so full of energy doing many random things. You’ll spot them working in an editor’s room or as carnival staff until they see you and decide to attack — it’s wonderfully charming.
I’ve already mentioned the music, but it’s really worth discussing more. Tee Lopes did a fantastic job with composing. “Mutants over Broadway” (Tee Lopes & Anton Corazza) and “Panic in the Sky!” (Tee Lopes & Jonny Atma), are just two of the best this game plays for you. The Artists and musicians who contributed did much to make these songs best. And each song is either rock, rap, or some form of hip hop. And I can only speak for myself, but I personally found myself just jamming to each song with ease. If you cannot enjoy the style of songs used, you may find the 90’s like songs very lacking. But if you have a love for music, you will have many things to enjoy from this soundtrack.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Gameplay and Art
Movement and attacks are snappy with good response time, and this game does provide controller support. Chaining attacks feels natural while you build up your ninja meter, which will let you use special moves. Each character can be leveled up, and the roster covers all four Turtles and even Master Splinter, April O’Neil, and Casey Jones. To share the fun, you can have 6 player co-op! Story Mode can be played in co-op, but there’s also Arcade Mode for the challenge-seekers. Which requires a complete run without losing all of your lives, otherwise you have to start over again from the beginning.
If you want a break from the main story, you can get small quests involving collectables for side characters you rescue or find hidden in places on some levels. For long term TMNT fans, Shredder’s Revenge will keep pulling out all the stops to make you satisfied with everlasting joy as it links much from the series together! The bosses feature surprising cameos (that are more than just a character saying “hi”). For example, you have a fight with Tempestra from the 90’s cartoon who calls upon Rahzar and Tokka from Secrets of the Ooze! Even their attacks are true to their source material.
Nothing was expected; everything was a genuinely an amazing surprise. Even knowing what’s in store, I will still play this again and again with my friends if I can. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge takes so much history from the franchise and cohesively combines it into a perfectly-paced and fun game. But does that go the same way for someone who isn’t as attached to the series as I am or anyone else who is? That varies.
The Lacking Part of the Half Shell
Now if you personally are not a long time TMNT fan, you will definitely lose out on many references and additions this game provides. This will definitely be lost to you if that is the case, but it doesn’t mean the game is bad. The combat and enemies will be rough at some points, and keep you button mashing hard to survive. But for those who want many unique ways to fight, you will not get that here. This game is very much like old retro games, and it is a button masher. There is nothing skill based beyond just paying attention on who you have to fight next, or when you should begin attacking. Enemies swarm you, and sometimes its cheap. But it will still be fair mostly as you fight your way to the end of the game.
Conclusion
Would I say Shredder’s Revenge is worth $24.99 to play and buy? Yes. Buy it especially if you enjoy TMNT and fighting co-op games all in one! The game won’t be fun if you dislike retro-style games, or if you hate a challenge, but that takes nothing away from the game itself. It stands on its own as a genuinely fun game. Clearly the developers and staff all had much love for the franchise. With every reference, song, and level you cannot help but notice everything being sewn into the game like a tapestry! There are plenty more levels, bosses, and Easter eggs for you to find if you decide to pick it up. Get some friends and party up while you jam out to the game. But if you want something else, think about the downsides I mentioned and judge for yourself.
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