Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate has been available as a mobile game for a while. However, this is the first time I’ve dipped my toe into the murky mutant-filled waters. Consequently, I had no idea of what to expect and how challenging the “normal” mode would be. This title kicked my ass repeatedly, and I had to stop myself from swearing. Yet, once I got into the swing of things, I couldn’t put it down.
This action rogue-like was developed and published by Super Evil Megacorp. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively. The latter option is where the game excels, but I spent most of my time as a lone warrior. This didn’t undermine my experience, but I’d have loved some backup during the more challenging stages.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate tells a tale of despair.
If you are familiar with the franchise, you’ll know how close the protagonists are. They are like a family and when one is hurt or in trouble, the team works together to help. Things take a turn for the worse when their father and Sensei Splinter is ratnapped. When he is taken to a mystical dimension by a strange being, the turtles begin to panic. However, they quickly pull themselves together and create a plan to save their master and the world.
The outlandish plot incorporates many of the moralistic cartoon elements. What’s more, the characters are full of sass and there are plenty of witty and sharp one-liners to endure. On top of this, the action is fast-paced and there is a sense of beat ’em up gameplay. Now, this may not feel like a traditional rogue-like, but 90% of the action sits firmly in this camp. Accordingly, if you are a fan of the genre, you’ll adore this Jr Hades experience.
Plenty of upgrades.
The action revolves around a repetitive gameplay loop. Though the rooms vary and no playthrough is the same, there are deja vu moments. 4 chapters and 4 bosses stand between you and Master Splinter. Yet, it wouldn’t be a rogue-like if there wasn’t a sting in the tail. As the action comes to its inevitable conclusion, your prize is stolen from you again. Subsequently, you must complete run after run in the hope of completing your quest.
You may select one of the turtles for each run. Each of the heroes has strengths and weaknesses and you must exploit these if you are to succeed. En route, you will upgrade your tools and unlock new skills. Water, ooze, fire, and more support you as you tackle waves of tough foes. Additionally, there are mini-boss battles to face, challenges to overcome, and a shop to buy new gear.
If this wasn’t enough, there are artefacts to give you buffs and the ability to improve an array of character skills permanently. Each of these elements was amazing as they let you create a hero to match your play style. Though there were layers of planning, luck played a massive part. Consequently, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate can be disgustingly cruel or spectacularly easy.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate looks amazing.
Each room was packed with hordes of manic enemies and obstacles to avoid. Moreover, the latter levels are hectic and this should have caused problems. Luckily, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate never stuttered or failed. I experienced no glitches and the frame rate was consistently high. On top of this, the contrasting colours help you to navigate each claustrophobic stage. Though things can get a little out of hand, the smooth animation and excellent camera angle help you to play this with ease.
The audio was harsh, loud, and in your face. It was exactly what I expected and I loved the aggressive soundtrack and the wonderful ambient sounds. Moreover, the sound effects have a fantasy edge that matches the superhero theme. My only complaint was the constant one-liners. The turtles never stop yapping and this was distracting. Yet, if you can ignore their talking, you’ll love the atypical superhero edge.
Exceptional controls.
Though I expected the action to be more refined, the developer has done a great job with the control layout. There is plenty of button-bashing because of the hack-and-slash style of combat. Yet, once you understand how each element supports your cause, you will slow down and let the magic get to work. Though this isn’t aimed towards a younger audience, I believe children aged 10+ will be able to master the complexities in no time.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate oozes replay value. Each run is unique and there are drip-fed mechanics and new ideas throughout. What’s more, there are many secrets to discover and plenty of mini-bosses to eliminate. If you then add in the multiplayer gameplay and the various character builds, there is plenty to keep you coming back for more.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is an excellent rogue-like experience.
This genre has grown on me over the years. I find the loss of progress challenging but I adore the sense of risk vs reward. Consequently, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate gets its approach spot on. Aesthetically it hits the right notes. Furthermore, the combat is slick and I love the various character builds and different upgrades. Death is inevitable, but this simply makes you come back for more. Subsequently, though it is tough, I loved it and I recommend buying it here! Can you restore balance and rescue Splinter? Choose your hero, master your skills, and defeat Shredder.
