DaRmaZat 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed brings a nostalgic yet modern beat-’em-up experience, catering to both longtime fans of the franchise and younger audiences. Drawing inspiration from the recent film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the game aims to capture the essence of the TMNT universe with its mix of fast-paced combat, story-driven missions, and vibrant environments. However, does it succeed in delivering a modern classic, or does it get stuck in the sewers of repetition?
Choose Wisely, but as Fast as A Ninja!
The plot of Mutants Unleashed is straightforward, leaning heavily on classic TMNT tropes with a few new twists. Players choose one of the four iconic turtles, each equipped with distinct combat styles and skills that contribute to gameplay depth. Set against a chaotic New York City plagued by curfews due to a new breed of mutants known as “Mewbies”, the story unfolds through missions that involve defeating mutated enemies, with simpler side quests in between. A day-night cycle adds a strategic layer, as players need to decide how to spend their time before tackling the biggest missions.
Fans will appreciate the skill trees and upgrade systems, fueled by collecting “Ooze flasks,” which become increasingly rewarding as these deliver a lot of special moves as the game progresses. In this installment, iconic figures — including bosses Bebop and Rocksteady — make their triumphant return, not only contributing to the already comedic storyline, but also to a formidable arena challenge, which will keep players on their toes.
However, while Mutants Unleashed’s combat system is generally solid and satisfying, it often suffers from a lack of enemy variety, leading to a sense of repetitiveness. The reliance on button-mashing simplifies battles, causing them to lack the depth found in more complex action games, regardless of the incorporated dynamic difficulty spikes. This straightforward approach can appeal to younger gamers, but more experienced players may find themselves craving greater variation.
Lastly, while Splinter’s Dojo challenges might offer valuable opportunities to refine your turtle’s most outstanding skills, the core gameplay sometimes feels constrained by its own obtuse mechanics. Especially since the attack combos are abundantly complemented by dialogue screens illustrating sometimes incomprehensible button press sequences.
Visuals and sound, cramped together in a mixed bag …
Vibrant and gritty visuals characterize the hand-drawn art style, a standout feature that evokes the spirit of the original TMNT comics while presenting a fresh look, which, honestly, not everyone will be able to appreciate. Each environment where our favorite heroes need to save the day — ranging from the polluted slime in the sewers to the blocked streets and bustling rooftops — is lovingly crafted, showcasing brightly colorful and playful settings that truly bring New York City to life. Unfortunately, various technical hiccups can detract from the overall experience, including frustratingly awkward camera angles that often struggle to keep pace with the action, particularly during intense combat sequences and the most challenging platforming sections.
For nostalgic fans, the optional 1987 classic skin pack enhances visual appeal by providing retro-inspired designs that align more closely with the classic series, offering a nostalgic charm that contrasts with the default character aesthetics; however, it requires a separate purchase. Mutants Unleashed’s sound design presents a mixed bag, as well. While the energetic background music fits well with the high-paced action, the incessant character quips, delivered in often too similar voices, can become tiresome. Although the humor may resonate well with younger audiences, some might find the dialogue a bit too frequent and grating.
In conclusion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed is a game filled with heart, designed to appeal to fans of all ages. Its enjoyable combat and silly pranks make it a solid choice for anyone seeking lighthearted action. However, the modern art style, lack of variety, and some technical issues may leave some players unsatisfied. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a worthwhile addition to the TMNT game lineup, though it ultimately falls short of achieving true greatness within the franchise.
Reviewed on PC.
Download code provided by the publisher.
