Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate review – a thrilling TMNT roguelite.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate Review – Heroes In A Hades Shell
I’ve been a diehard fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) for as long as I can remember. From the classic comics and beloved TV shows to action figures and even the less-than-stellar holiday specials, the TMNT universe has always held a special place in my heart. But it’s the video games that truly captivated me. Ever since I played Battle Nexus 2 on the PS2, I’ve made it my mission to experience every TMNT digital outing, from the iconic 1989 arcade game to the less memorable Wrath of the Mutants. So, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of the most intriguing TMNT titles had flown under my radar for more than a year – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate.
Originally released in 2023 for Apple Arcade, the first TMNT roguelite is finally shedding its iPhone exclusivity with a Switch port this year. Splintered Fate is essentially what you’d get if you mixed everyone’s favorite reptile warriors with Supergiant’s roguelite masterpiece, Hades. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights and adheres closely to that formula, its satisfying combat and loving portrayal of the Turtles make it one of the best modern TMNT games, leaving me kicking myself for missing out on it for so long.
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Finally Moving Away from the ’80s
Splintered Fate is set in an original universe inspired by the IDW comics rather than any of the TV shows. In this well-developed world, the Turtles are experienced heroes at the top of their game until a mysterious enemy kidnaps Splinter, forcing them through twisted trials to rescue him. Although the premise of rescuing Splinter from Shredder isn’t groundbreaking, the game’s established world and inclusion of deep-cut characters like Nobody and Slash breathe new life into the familiar narrative. As a long-time fan, I appreciated the fresh take on the Turtles, who are given memorable new layers to their classic personas.
Mikey remains the ‘funny one,’ but his position as the youngest brother is made clearer than ever, as he struggles the most with Splinter’s abduction. Raph is still hot-headed and rude, but he’s also portrayed as the least intelligent Turtle, which adds depth to his infamous attitude. The portrayal of these characters is bolstered by excellent voice acting, with Roger Craig Smith voicing Raph, bringing a familiar Sonic the Hedgehog vibe to the character.
The game’s world-building is rich and imaginative. It steps away from the often overused ’80s nostalgia and instead draws heavily from the more modern and mature IDW comics. This shift in tone is a breath of fresh air, making the game feel new and exciting while still being rooted in the beloved TMNT lore.
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Hades, But Make It TMNT
Splintered Fate’s unique interpretation of the Turtles makes it stand out from other TMNT adaptations, but the gameplay is what really makes it shine. Instead of going for a 2D side-scrolling beat-’em-up experience like most TMNT games, Splintered Fate switches things up significantly by positioning itself as a roguelite.
From character progression and perk-granting artifacts to buffs and boss encounters, if you’ve played even a little bit of Hades, then Splintered Fate‘s cycle of repeating challenging runs, slowly getting stronger with permanent upgrades, and getting drip-fed new story scenes will feel very familiar. The only thing that sets Splintered Fate apart from its inspiration is its multiple playable characters. Each Turtle has unique starting abilities, special abilities, and stats, like Donnie regaining health when he enters a room and Raph having a higher critical hit chance.
The Switch version of Splintered Fate also adds couch co-op, addressing the oddity of seeing the Turtles fight alone in single-player. Playing with friends feels natural and taps into the cooperative spirit that has always been a hallmark of the TMNT franchise.
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Satisfying Combat and Progression
The combat in Splintered Fate is crunchy, fast-paced, and satisfying, though not as complex as in Hades. Each Turtle has a relatively simplistic move set focused on basic attacks, dodging, tools, and a unique special move. The variety comes from the different buffs and modifiers you can equip, but there’s not as much depth compared to the rich, strategic layers found in Hades. Despite this, the combat remains engaging, especially for fans of the Turtles who will appreciate the unique abilities of each character.
The game’s roguelite structure means that each run offers something new, but the variety isn’t as extensive as in Hades. The repetition becomes noticeable after several runs, especially once you’ve leveled up your characters significantly. The game’s boss encounters, however, provide some of the best moments, with unique forms and challenges that keep the experience fresh.
Deep-Cut Characters and Fan Service
One of the standout features of Splintered Fate is its use of deep-cut characters from the TMNT universe. Long-time fans will appreciate seeing lesser-known characters like Nobody and Slash, who add depth to the story and make the world feel richer. The game’s narrative is filled with lore and fan service, which enhances the overall experience for those familiar with the franchise.
The Turtles themselves are given new layers that make them feel more dynamic. Mikey’s struggle with being the youngest and Raph’s portrayal as the least intelligent add depth to their characters. The voice acting is top-notch, bringing these iconic characters to life in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.
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Visuals and Art Style
Visually, Splintered Fate is a treat. The art style draws heavily from the IDW comics, offering a darker, more mature look while still retaining the vibrant colors and fun aesthetic that TMNT is known for. The character designs are detailed, and the environments are richly crafted, making the world feel alive and immersive. The visual effects during combat are particularly striking, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game.
Audio and Music
The audio design in Splintered Fate is equally impressive. The voice acting, as mentioned, is excellent, with each character brought to life by talented actors. The sound effects during combat are satisfying, adding weight to each hit and making the action feel more impactful. The music is fitting, with tracks that enhance the tension during battles and provide a sense of adventure during exploration.
Replayability and Longevity
Splintered Fate offers significant replayability thanks to its roguelite structure. Each run presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, encouraging players to keep coming back. However, the game does suffer from some repetition, especially once you’ve unlocked most of the upgrades and seen the majority of the content. Despite this, the game’s engaging combat, compelling characters, and rich world-building make it worth revisiting.
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Comparison to Hades
It’s impossible to talk about Splintered Fate without comparing it to Hades. While Splintered Fate doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Supergiant’s masterpiece, it does capture some of its magic. The combat, while not as deep, is still enjoyable, and the narrative, though less complex, is heartfelt and engaging. The game’s use of multiple playable characters adds a unique twist, and the addition of co-op play on the Switch is a welcome feature.
Conclusion
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate might not reach the same heights as Hades, but it offers a satisfying roguelite experience with one of the best interpretations of the TMNT universe in recent memory. Its unique take on the characters, engaging combat, and rich world-building make it a standout title for fans of the Turtles. While it won’t replace Shredder’s Revenge as the franchise’s best modern game, it comfortably sits in second place.
Pros
- Unique and memorable interpretations of TMNT characters
- Satisfying roguelite loop and crunchy combat
- Captures some of the magic of Hades
- Excellent voice acting and audio design
- Rich, immersive art style
Cons
- Not enough to set itself apart from its inspiration
- Runs get repetitive once leveled up
FAQs
Q: What platforms is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate available on?
A: Originally released on Apple Arcade in 2023, the game is now also available on the Nintendo Switch.
Q: Can Splintered Fate be played in multiplayer?
A: Yes, the Switch version includes couch co-op, allowing you to play with friends.
Q: How does Splintered Fate compare to other TMNT games?
A: Splintered Fate offers a unique roguelite experience, which sets it apart from the more common 2D side-scrolling beat-’em-up TMNT games. Its deep character development and rich world-building make it one of the best modern TMNT titles.
Q: Is the game heavily inspired by Hades?
A: Yes, Splintered Fate takes significant inspiration from Hades, especially in its combat mechanics, progression system, and overall structure. While it doesn’t reach the same heights, it captures some of Hades‘ magic.
Q: Who voices the Turtles in Splintered Fate?
A: The game features excellent voice acting, with Roger Craig Smith voicing Raph. The performances bring the characters to life in a way that feels fresh and engaging.
Q: What are the main strengths of Splintered Fate?
A: The game’s strengths lie in its unique interpretation
of the TMNT characters, satisfying roguelite gameplay, and rich world-building inspired by the IDW comics. The addition of couch co-op on the Switch is also a notable feature.
Q: What are some of the drawbacks of Splintered Fate?
A: The game suffers from repetition after several runs and doesn’t have enough unique elements to fully distinguish itself from Hades. Additionally, the combat, while enjoyable, lacks the depth found in Hades.
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Q: Is Splintered Fate suitable for all ages?
A: The game is suitable for a wide range of ages, though its darker tone and more mature themes drawn from the IDW comics may be better appreciated by older players and long-time fans of the TMNT franchise.
Q: How long does it take to complete Splintered Fate?
A: The game’s length varies depending on how quickly players progress through the roguelite structure. A full playthrough, including multiple runs and unlocking most upgrades, can take around 20-30 hours.
Q: Are there any notable differences between the Apple Arcade and Switch versions?
A: The main difference is the addition of couch co-op in the Switch version, allowing for a more traditional TMNT multiplayer experience. Otherwise, the core gameplay and content remain consistent across both platforms.
Q: What kind of upgrades and progression does Splintered Fate offer?
A: Players can unlock permanent upgrades for their characters, making each subsequent run slightly easier. The game also features a variety of buffs and modifiers that can be equipped during runs to enhance combat abilities and strategies.
Q: Does Splintered Fate have a strong narrative?
A: While the narrative isn’t as complex as some other games, it is heartfelt and engaging, especially for fans of the TMNT universe. The game’s world-building and character development add depth to the story, making it a compelling experience.
Q: Can you play as all four Turtles in Splintered Fate?
A: Yes, you can play as all four Turtles, each with their own unique abilities and stats. This adds variety to the gameplay and allows players to choose their favorite character for each run.
Q: Does the game include any fan-favorite characters from the TMNT universe?
A: Yes, the game includes deep-cut characters like Nobody and Slash, which long-time fans will appreciate. These characters add depth to the story and make the world feel richer.
Q: How does the game handle the TMNT’s lore?
A: Splintered Fate does an excellent job of incorporating TMNT lore, particularly from the IDW comics. The game’s narrative is filled with references and fan service, enhancing the overall experience for those familiar with the franchise.
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Q: What is the visual style of Splintered Fate like?
A: The game features a rich, immersive art style inspired by the IDW comics. It balances a darker, more mature look with the vibrant colors and fun aesthetic that TMNT is known for. The character designs and environments are detailed and well-crafted.
Q: How does the audio design contribute to the game?
A: The audio design is a highlight of Splintered Fate, with excellent voice acting and satisfying sound effects that add weight to the combat. The music enhances the atmosphere, providing a sense of tension and adventure.
Q: Is Splintered Fate a good entry point for new fans of TMNT?
A: While the game is particularly rewarding for long-time fans, its engaging gameplay and well-developed world make it accessible and enjoyable for new fans as well. The unique take on the characters and the rich narrative provide a good introduction to the TMNT universe.
Q: Are there any plans for additional content or updates for Splintered Fate?
A: As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding additional content or updates. However, the game’s success and positive reception could potentially lead to future expansions or updates.
In summary, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a must-play for fans of the franchise. It offers a fresh take on the beloved characters, engaging roguelite gameplay, and a rich, immersive world. While it may not reach the same heights as Hades, it captures enough of its magic to provide a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the TMNT universe, Splintered Fate is a game worth diving into.