TMNT: Mutants Unleashed (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch & PC)

Once in a while, even mighty franchises release entries to welcome newer users into the series. Such games offer simplistic gaming designs coupled by a series of repetitive tasks. Following this principle, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle has gone beyond their capacity to deliver such an entry. TMNT: Mutants Unleashed is an entry that is thriving among the young TMNT players. At this juncture, let’s get into an in-depth review to identify whether TMNT: Mutants Unleashed is a fan-based, fiery welcome basket. 

Turtles on a Mission

TMNT: Mutants Unleashed builds on the world of the recent Mutant Mayhem movie, bringing a fresh storyline to the franchise. The game is set in New York City, where new mutants are suddenly causing chaos by their unpredictable behavior across the city. Now, the chaos leads the Turtles and their ally, April O’Neil, to investigate the cause of the disturbances. This sets the stage for a mix of action and mystery as the heroes work to restore peace.

In contrast to the classical TMNT stories, this fighting adventure title takes on a more modern approach. The Turtles are highly acquainted with the current slang. Its plot touches on issues that are more relevant to a younger audience. While this might be a change for longtime fans, it helps make the characters more relatable to a new generation. The overall tone remains light and fun, keeping the story easy to follow and enjoyable for players of all ages.

The game also introduces new side characters, each with their own stories to add fun to the world. These characters offer side quests and help the Turtles on their mission. Notably, the game doesn’t dive too deep into complex themes. It balances action with moments of exploration and character interaction. 

A Throwback

Mutants Unleashed brings back memories of the classic TMNT games from the PS2 era, with its blend of 3D action and beat ’em-up mechanics. Like those earlier titles, this game focuses on fun, fast-paced combat and light exploration. 

The game features a fixed camera reminiscent of the older co-op games. However, this approach can feel outdated, often causing issues with visibility during fights and platforming sections. It’s a throwback for sure, but not always in the best way, as the clunky camera can sometimes diminish the overall experience.

The platforming and exploration aspects also take us back to those early 2000s TMNT games. Those days when players would navigate levels with wall jumps, skateboards, and other traversal mechanics. These elements add variety to the gameplay, but much like the camera, the platforming sections can feel imprecise. Occasionally, players may find themselves over or under-jumping targets due to awkward camera angles or a lack of responsive controls.

In terms of the overall design, Mutants Unleashed captures the spirit of those classic TMNTs. Nevertheless, the game doesn’t quite manage to modernize the experience. The gameplay could have benefited from tighter controls and more polished execution. The game lacks the smoothness expected from a modern fighting game.

Where’s the Full Squad?

Co-op gameplay has always been at the heart of TMNT games. The series has traditionally allowed players to control all four Turtles, either on their own or with friends. That’s part of what made these games so special: teaming up with three other friends and unleashing turtle power. Unfortunately, Mutants Unleashed offers only two-player co-op instead of the four-player mode many fans expect.

The two-player direction seems more of a missed opportunity and a letdown. The core appeal of TMNT games has always been the ability to play with the entire team. Therefore, limiting the fun to just two players feels restrictive. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the chaotic fun that comes from controlling all four brothers at once. In the game, it’s difficult not to feel a bit disappointed when missing that full-team vibe, especially when it’s such a big part of the Turtles’ identity.

Additionally, the co-op mode feels restricted, as players can’t rotate through all four Turtles, reducing the sense of teamwork and mayhem. Ultimately, the adventure feels more half-baked, leaving players wanting for more every time. Limiting the game to two co-op players might have been made to simplify the gameplay. Consequently, it strips away a lot of what made past TMNT games special.

Classic TMNT Charm

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed embraces its beat ’em-up heritage. Thanks to AHEARTFULOFGAMES for delivering the fast-paced combat that fans of the franchise expect. Each of the four Turtles has their own set of abilities and fighting styles. Players can mix and match combos and special moves. As you progress, a skill tree lets you unlock new attacks and upgrades, giving the gameplay a sense of progression and variety.

Additionally, the combat is engaging, with satisfying combos and a mix of standard enemies and unique bosses. The game encourages experimenting with each Turtle’s strengths, adding fun to the action. However, a few limitations prevent it from reaching the heights of classic TMNT games. For example, the lack of an online multiplayer option is a letdown, especially for fans who want to team up with friends remotely.

To mix things up, the game includes platforming elements like rail grinding, wall jumps, and other traversal mechanics. These features add variety to the gameplay but can be inconsistent due to camera issues and imprecise controls. While these mechanics aim to bring a modern twist to the classic vibe, they don’t always land as smoothly as intended.

Overall, Mutants Unleashed delivers enjoyable beat ’em-up gameplay with moments of nostalgic fun. Despite its limitations, it captures the essence of TMNT action and provides a decent mix of combat and exploration. While not a perfect execution, it’s still a satisfying experience for those who enjoy the chaos of a classic fighting game.

Hits and Misses

One thing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed does well is its art direction. The game nails the graffiti-inspired look from Mutant Mayhem. The game’s vibrant colors and urban aesthetic fit the Turtles’ world perfectly. Visually, it stands out, capturing the street-smart vibe of the recent movie. Younger players might enjoy the game’s style and appreciate its various progression systems. There are different upgrades for each Turtle, offering enough to keep kids engaged and feeling like they’re building up their heroes.

However, Mutants Unleashed has several shortcomings that hold it back from being a standout TMNT experience. The enemy variety is limited, with the same types appearing frequently throughout the game. This lack of diversity can make combat feel repetitive, especially during longer play sessions. Additionally, the game’s narrative is predictable and doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises or memorable twists, leaving older fans wanting more depth.

The co-op experience, a core element of past TMNT games, is also lacking. The two-player limit prevents players from experiencing the full squad dynamic that made previous games so engaging. Similarly, the absence of an online multiplayer option further limits the game’s replayability for those who want to connect with friends remotely.

For longtime fans, these shortcomings are difficult to overlook. While the game offers moments of fun, it doesn’t fully capture the spirit or excitement of classic TMNT titles. For those looking for a more engaging and polished experience, Splintered Fate, released earlier this year, is a stronger choice. It retains the essence of the Turtles and provides a deeper, more challenging adventure. While Mutants Unleashed may keep younger audiences entertained with its vibrant visuals and simple progression systems, older fans might find it lacking in substance.

Verdict: Mutants Unleashed

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed delivers a visually appealing experience, capturing the energetic and graffiti-inspired look of the recent Mutant Mayhem movie. The game successfully appeals to younger audiences with its vibrant art style and straightforward gameplay systems. Each Turtle’s unique skill set and progression paths offer kids a sense of accomplishment as they explore and unlock new abilities.

Despite its visual charm, the game falls short in several key areas. It struggles with repetitive gameplay, lacking the depth and variety that older fans might expect. The two-player co-op mode and missing online multiplayer limit the social and chaotic fun that TMNT games are known for. Technical issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, also hinder the overall experience, making combat and exploration less fluid than they should be.

While the game provides enough to keep younger players engaged, it misses the mark for fans seeking a more complex or nostalgic experience. Ultimately, Mutants Unleashed works best as an introduction to the TMNT universe for a younger crowd rather than a full-blown return to classic TMNT players.

For die-hard TMNT fans or those looking for a more refined title, exploring other recent releases in the series might be a better choice. However, for those looking for a casual beat ‘em up with the Turtles and don’t mind some rough edges, Mutants Unleashed could still offer some fun.