As an old saying goes, absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, this was a long time coming, there really hasn't been another Turtles game in a long time, let alone a true sequel to the arcade games. But now that wait has finally paid off.
This game is of course based on the 80s cartoon which makes sense as that's what the two arcade games were based on and also fitting as technically the 80's series is going on it's 35th anniversary, yeah, it's that old; but the fact that we're still making games and even currently have a comic miniseries from IDW comics based on this TV series shows how timeless it truly is.
Really like the story which feels like I'm watching a new episode arc for the 80's series. I wouldn't say it's anything surprising as it's pretty much the typical Turtles fare as Shredder is once again up to no good, as he sends out his cronies to find the parts for Krang's robot body and Krang himself to complete his dreams for conquest. That's it in a nutshell, why the hell Krang would have his robot body parts hidden all over is anyone's guess but it's really not important as by its nature that scavenger hunt is really just a McGuffin by its nature, like with the series and the game were all here for one thing, to kick some Shell.
The graphical presentation is just superb, here they really get the rendition of the 80's cartoon spot on with a touch or two of modern updates but accurate all the same. Everything just feels right to a tee, from those brief cut scenes after a few of the levels with brief dialogue. The intro which is great as it plays out and looks like it could have been an intro to another season of the 80's carton, in a way the whole game you could say is that new season.
But just the character designs, liveliness, humor, and each of the levels and just the great amount of detail is just beautiful, that just scream out 80's turtle goodness. For the rookie fans it's a nice glimpse into one of the versions of the Turtles. But for us the veteran fans, it's a love letter to anyone that ever grew up in the 80's and 90's era and were part of "Turtlemania". Best of all for me it really transports me back to a time when I played both Turtles arcade games in the arcade.
The gameplay is spot on, it's the same as with the first two turtles arcade games where you can pick to play any of the characters depending on your preference. Your constantly moving and button mashing to beat the crap out any baddies that come your way. However, this game adds some features that make this game unique like some different move sets like back or forward flipping and then executing a sidekick. Power weapon swinging while in midair.
But also, for each of the characters there is a power bar, this bar is the energy level for you power ability, this power ability by it's nature is more of an equalizer as it does clear all the opposition from the screen or drain the life bar of the bosses. You can refill it but it takes time to refill which is why you should still use it for emergencies only.
You can also level up in the game, as you fight more, get further, or set a bigger record your gain things like your life bar growing a notch, another power bar, and even some new moves for your character.
Each of the levels are colorful and different as they showcase different parts of New York from the show but most importantly are all a different kind of challenge. Really like the variety of enemies in the foot soldiers as usual as you see different kinds with different abilities even in different battle vehicles like the Spider Tank from the toy line. I even like how there are bits of humor as they enter the pictures like seeing foot soldiers in one level seeing a couple of foot soldiers come down with a mall food tray; never thought the robot foot soldiers had to eat but I guess they do.
Even like the boss battles that aren't too hard but not too easy, you have some of the usual ones from previous games like Bebop, Rocksteady, the Rat King, no surprises there. But also, some new ones we haven't seen in either of the games like Tempistra and others rogues from episodes of the 80's show; that I thought was awesome and a nice change of pace. Makes me wonder when a sequel comes out who's going to me next that is destined for an appearance.
There are even two more character in the roster from Splinter who is armed with a cane. And April whom despite having a rather daft weapon a video camera, I know in the 80's cartoon she's a reporter but still you couldn't give her a ninja weapon. Despite this we see her kick some ass for one and use some martial arts skills which makes sense from the amount of time she spends with the guys but in the old and current comic book series April does learn martial arts. You can also play other characters from the cartoon depending on if you can find them in the levels, like one of my favorite supporting characters Casey Jones.
Of course, one of the highlights are the voice acting, there are verbal cues from Bebop, Rocksteady, and the Turtles themselves who are voiced by the actual cast from the 80's series. It was just a dream come true just hearing those voices of the characters once more just that sense of completion. And of course, that music which is another of the best video game tracks I've ever heard. It's almost hard to decide favorites as each of them are memorable and each of them just sing out Turtle action; and once again I can add tracks to my workout music collection.
The turtles are back in fine form and a new classic that's timeless fun.
Rating: 4 stars.
