Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Destiny is the most recent outing for the 4 heroes in a half shell. These reptilian ninjas have skilled a rebirth of late, with video games like Shredder’s Revenge and the Cowabunga Assortment faring nicely on the Change, plus Mutants Unleashed heading our manner in October. Within the meantime, Splintered Destiny is right here to take the traditional beat-’em-up system we all know and love and thrust it into an isometric, roguelike expertise. Dangerous? Possibly. Does it repay? Just about.
their names: Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello. 4 mutant heroes residing within the sewers of New York Metropolis below the tutelage of their sensei, Grasp Splinter. We’ve skilled numerous outings that includes this workforce and their allies since 1989. One factor we haven’t skilled is a roguelike tackle issues. It’s not vital whether or not or not we want such an outing. What issues is that Splintered Destiny takes the turtles we all know and love and efficiently integrates it into one thing recent and enjoyable.
The plot, which appears to be loosely primarily based on the 2023 comedian ebook collection of the identical title, entails the kidnapping of Grasp Splinter. Naturally, it’s as much as the turtle brethren to rescue their sensei, sending them on a cross-dimensional journey via the sewers, streets, and rooftops of New York Metropolis. Alongside the best way, they meet Foot Troopers, Mousers, and loads of different foes to beat up.
The story is enjoyable and quick paced, with a terrific script that’s filled with humor. I additionally respect the terrific voice performing used all through. It provides numerous persona, culminating in a real foray into the world of TMNT. Many acquainted characters are current, together with April O’Neil, Metalhead, Casey Jones, Leatherhead, and, after all, Shredder. Should you’re a fan, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling.
Let’s tackle the roguelike aspect of issues. Admittedly, this isn’t my normal style of alternative. Nevertheless, Splintered Destiny balances issues so nicely that it nearly serves as a neat introduction to this model of gameplay for these unfamiliar. It has the principle components, like randomized ranges and limited-time power-ups on every run. What helps Splintered Destiny stand aside is the best way the story continues after every run.
Fairly than perish when your well being expires, gamers discover themselves despatched again to their base to regroup. Right here, you’ll be able to chat with April or Metalhead to get an replace on the story. You can too completely improve your abilities utilizing cash collected in the course of the earlier run. This makes the subsequent run barely simpler, pushing you additional alongside every time you bounce again in.
Regardless that runs are randomized, there’s additionally a familiarity about them. Layouts and enemy configurations range barely, as do the ability ups obtained after clearing every room. Mini bosses are randomized, too, although chapter bosses stay the identical. What I really like concerning the boss fights is that the dialogue adjustments; the bosses know you’ve already fought them. These little touches make the entire expertise really feel much less like a typical roguelike, serving as the perfect of each worlds.
Importantly for a TMNT recreation, the fight feels pure. My solely preliminary qualm was the shortcoming to leap, one thing I’m very accustomed to when it comes to the traditional TMNT outings. I rapidly grew used to the best way Splintered Destiny works, although. There’s your customary assault, together with two particular strikes and a touch. Particular strikes must be charged through the use of your customary assault, whereas the sprint costs over time. These are all upgradeable throughout your run, creating personalized strikes which can be tremendous satisfying to make use of.
There are just a few methods to play, particularly solo, multiplayer, and on-line modes. I might have most well-liked the power so as to add gamers throughout your solo outing with out having to give up and return to the menu, however at the very least you’ll be able to proceed your solo story (together with everlasting upgrades) by way of multiplayer mode. Taking part in with a few buddies in native multiplayer is as enjoyable as you’d count on. Though I didn’t discover a lot lag, it may change into chaotic when there’s numerous on-screen enemies. I misplaced myself just a few instances!
Sadly, I additionally encountered just a few glitches. Most disturbingly, the sport fully crashed a number of instances throughout play. On the plus aspect, I used to be in a position to restart from the earlier room, and my in-run skills had been intact. On the draw back, this wasn’t the case for gamers two and three; solely participant one’s non permanent upgrades returned. This occurred in the direction of the top of the sport, leaving two thirds of our workforce woefully underpowered as we encountered Shredder. It’s a disgrace, and spoils an in any other case terrific outing. One other glitch left me invisible for a boss battle as a result of my character was lower off by a barrier in the course of the transition to the second part.
Total, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Destiny brings a brand new manner of taking part in to followers of the inexperienced, teen heroes. The story, visuals, and gameplay are all nice, although just a few bugs do hamper the expertise. Nonetheless, it’s a enjoyable time, using easy roguelike components that gained’t be too jarring for followers of the everyday side-scrolling model of gameplay.
