Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2007 Video Game) User Reviews

Similar, yes, but still fun

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 7/10 · 17 April 2009]

This is a review of the computer edition. No, I was not referring to the movie, in case you were wondering... this being licensed, it is obviously going to be reminiscent of that. It changes plot details, and two characters are noticeably entirely devoid from this, nevertheless, this is a fine companion to the theatrically released effort, and neither of them are necessary to enjoy or appreciate the other one. What I am talking about, in the summary, is that this is, as is clear to anyone who's tried both, rather similar to the new Prince of Persia trilogy, by the same company, with the leading man now having been given the appearance of one of four man-sized Mutant Turtles, perhaps in an odd twist on the old and popular Western fairy tale notion. There are no puzzles, however, and the emphasis is placed on speed, and the cool maneuvering, with scaling walls(think The Matrix), swinging on poles, climbing and using ledges to get around. This is much more of a platform title, with a classic arcade flavor to it. The feeling of this being the result of them just slapping a green skinned model on the heir to the throne of aforementioned franchise honestly isn't that strong, and hey, they're all entertaining. In this, you are rewarded for how fast you are, how many coins you get(they aren't used for anything, you are merely graded on them, like the others I mention here), how flawlessly you fight(all of the combat takes place in designated spots), and how well you work with the three brothers. It all adds up to gaining access to Challenges, of which there is one per mission(and you may replay anything you've completed at any time, and try to improve your performance), as well as collecting shells, which grant unlock-ables, including artwork, videos, and other goodies. The martial arts system is simple, though it is still great. It isn't unlike that of The Sands of Time and The Two Towers. Instead of defending, you can dodge. There is a main combo that you can utilize, achieved by continuous strikes, and each member of the quartet(who are all voiced by the same people as in the film, as the only ones of this) have different attacks, with unique qualities, with them exceeding the others in strength, range, speed or balance, depending on which you use. Usually, you can pick which of them you control, and you can even have two engage in a powerful, combined blow, individual to each of them... those entail all of them being available, of course, which, in the appropriate areas(not all allow the others, some only one, specific to that portion) only requires you to do well in the ninja ways, and the others will join Leonardo along the way(provided you don't slip up and set their enthusiasm back), in the order of most to least excited about the prospect of them as a team going out and battling crime. They also have an ability each, that add to how well they can all get around, meanwhile, these aren't used as often as they could be. This could be due to the length. This is fairly short. If one was so inclined, one could finish it the same day they started. The re-playability is reasonable, with the bonuses providing cause to go back and do better. This is also relatively easy, and without difficulty settings, this isn't going to be that complicated for experience. This does take skill, reflexes and patience, and in return it is exciting, awesome and utterly addictive. It's accessible, as well, with only few keys(and no mouse, outside of the menus, making this ideal for consoles) to memorize and functions that aren't hard to activate. Level design is excellent, and you are seldom, if not quite never, unaware of where you're supposed to go. You'll find yourself atop New York sky-scrapers, and down in the very depths of the city's sewers during this. The environments can also have rather particular lighting, and the time of day as well as the weather are also incorporated, and without any of it coming off as rushed or incomplete. The fire effect is really the only that is unsatisfactory as far as the sights go. I found no bugs or glitches in this. The graphics are gorgeous, and everything is kept in the style and look of the new flick, and this captures the humor and the action of it, well. This is not too mature for kids, but it isn't childish and stupid, either, so if you have the spirit, you can try this. The story-telling is well-done, almost entirely kept in comic book panels, with pans and other dynamic exploring of them. There are a few in-engine "cut-scenes". And there are several clips from the animated feature, as well. The camera largely follows you, and while it isn't your average over-the-shoulder 3rd person view, you may still not affect it, other than proceeding forward. There are a couple of points where it works against you. The audio is top-notch, with energetic and fitting music, rock and score, and everything sounds right. The acting ranges, albeit it is never outright poor. The saving is automatic, based upon checkpoints, and whenever you complete a full segment. Six slots are dedicated to it, each its own profile. The Bosses tend to be predictable, once you know one, the rest aren't exactly mysteries, to an extent. They're still well-done(and one is a magnificent and definitely welcome surprise) and only the very last one would I consider using the word "tedious" about(and that one is nice, and a worthy ending). There is no language, and nothing otherwise objectionable in this, the violence is in no way explicit, no blood or gore, PG or thereabouts all the way. I recommend this to any fan of fast-paced adventure video-games of recent times, the Teenage Ninjas, the concept and/or the cinema version of this, of the same year. 7/10

A really great game, if you don't mind climbing buildings

[brettshears · 7/10 · 6 April 2008]

OK well the new breed of turtles are here. Ever since I heard they were remaking the classic eighties cartoon into another movie, I and a lot of my friends we skeptical, but surprisingly the movie was actually really good, pretty good story, and excellent visuals, just like the game.

STORY The story of the game pretty much follows the movie's plot. The turtles have taken a sabbatical from their crime fighting duties and are not in the work force 'undercover' of course. Leo is re training overseas, Donatello helps people over the phone with technical needs, Michaelangelo dresses in a 'turtle' costume to entertain children's parties, and Raphael is a renegade masked crime fighter, fighting the mean streets of New York, only at night 'of course'. But now evil once again rears it's ugly head, and it's just in time for Leo's return, but first him and his brothers meet to reunite and put away their differences. The story has a lot of family values and has a very sweet and genuine premise, well as genuine as you can get with four five foot turtles.

GAMEPLAY This is first and foremost a platform game, thus making most the time spent, jumping on buildings, running around them, swinging on flags, 'most notably' American flags. I couldn't help but think of New York post 9/11 but that's getting off track. You play on different levels as each of the turtles, some levels require a bit of acrobatic talent to bring in your other brothers, before long you'll be able to play as all four and use their special abilities to fight the hoards of foot soldiers and gangs you'll soon face. The bag guys aren't randomly place over the levels either, they all come at once and you are graded on your performance. 'Poor' 'Average' 'Good' 'Excellent' 'Ninja' Each turtle has different special moves but they do get repetitive, the whole game is interesting, and fun for all ages, but quite repetitive with the jumping, swinging, crawling all over the city. This has been mentioned in over reviews but the camera angles can get quite annoying, it's really trial and error on some platforms weather you'll make it, of fall to your death. And it's seems like a city that's just been made for four ninja turtles to get around. But all in all a very cool game, but not too challenging.

VISUAL It varies from console, but the overall idea of telling the cut away story though a comic book style screen is not unique but works, plus random clips from the movie itself. Other than the camera angles being a bit of a pain, the look is quite exceptional. Don't even try to compare this look to any other turtles game out there, it PAILS in comparativeness.

OVERALL Not a challenging game at all to the experience gamer, but fun never the less, and a very sweet and cool game. ENJOY oh and COWABUNGA DUDES!

Great Nostolgic Fun

[marshamoore-1 · 9/10 · 10 August 2007]

TMNT was a great revisit for me and I think would be for all of us who grew up watching the turtles. It is all CGI animation so it was in essence like a ramped up two hour version of a cartoon episode. There is a new story, not just the same old rehash, and new bad guys. It was funny and our favorite hero's on the half shell did not disappoint, Raph was moody, Mikey was a goof ball, Donnie was to smart for his own good, and Leo struggles to be the "fearless leader" we all know he can be. Throw in Splinters wisdom, a visit from the foot clan, cameos by our favorite reporter and hokey wearing vigilantly and it was well worth the rental price and is one I will end up buying.