Developer: Super Evil Megacorp
Platforms: Apple Arcade, PC (Reviewed), PS54, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Strategy
Publisher: Super Evil Megacorp
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a fast-paced roguelike game. This game was developed and published by Super Evil Megacorp. TMNT: Splintered Fate recently released a major update with a new DLC release. This review was done for PC, but the game is also available for Switch, PS4/5 and Xbox.
The premise of the game is simple yet challenging, where you select one of the turtles, each with their own unique stats and abilities, and dive into run after run of intense, randomised stages filled with enemies and bosses. Every run offers a new opportunity to experiment with builds, mixing upgrades, tools and elemental effects to craft your own fighting style. Players who are not extremely familiar with the TMNT universe can enjoy the immersive storytelling and exciting character interactions by becoming one of these turtle heroes.
The controls are straightforward, ensuring that combat feels smooth from the very beginning. When you start the game at the beginning, you are given the option to play the tutorial, which does a great job at explaining the different mechanics and keybinds. Each turtle has a distinct kit that encourages players to experiment with new upgrades. For instance, my personal favourite was Leonardo’s balanced kit as it provided the perfect blend of defence and offence. My only issue with the combat in this game was that the attack speeds seemed slower than those of the enemies (even with upgrades). However, the fluidity of dodging incoming attacks and dashing was extremely fluid.
TMNT: Splintered Fate features up to four-player online and couch co-op, which allows you to team up with friends locally or across the globe. Cooperative play in this game elevates the experience significantly, as you introduce the ability to combine attacks, revive each other and work together to overcome swarms of enemies.
Visually, the game pays a great homage to the TMNT franchise with its vibrancy. The art style captures the cartoonish essence of the animated series, bursting with colours, expressive character designs and realistic-like environments. Each level, from the dark sewers to the streets of New York, is detailed and dynamic, providing cover during combat. Boss designs are creative, delivering that exaggerated cartoon energy. The occasional voice acting adds an extra layer of personality amidst the chaos. The soundtrack is exciting, featuring energetic beats that fit with the action-filled scenes. The boss battle music was especially great.
TMNT: Splintered Fate stands out for its balance of progression and challenge. You begin each run in the sewers and make your way through a series of themed chapters, encountering waves of enemies, minibosses and major bosses. The boss battles are particularly well-designed, being tough yet fair, with patterns that reward skilful dodging and smart use of abilities. I found myself dying in so many occurrences, whilst my friends were seamlessly dodging attacks. Between runs, players can spend earned currency and tokens to purchase upgrades, unlock perks and enhance the turtle’s stats. The number of upgrade options is impressive, especially with element effects (such as water, fire, ooze) that add unique twists to combat. A drawback of the game would have to be the scarcity of healing items. Health can be purchased at the shop, but it is hardly found throughout the run.
The two DLCs expand TMNT: Splintered Fate in many ways. The Casey Jones DLC introduces a vigilante as a playable character, complete with his own skill tree. It also adds a brand-new area, the Junkyard, which is a new chapter filled with new, gritty enemies. The Metalhead DLC adds another playable character with additional perks that allow players to delve into other characters.
Beyond the core roguelike experience, TMNT: Splintered Fate features additional modes for players to explore. The arcade mode is a free update for all players, where you start a game with players voting between three present skillsets, and whichever one wins becomes a shared ability for the entire team. From there, you go straight into a chaotic swarm of enemies and miniboss encounters, across three different stages. The new update also features new lore, new powers and enemies, and more levels. Personally, I found TMNT: Splintered Fate to be quite fun, especially as someone who is not a fan of roguelike games. The combination of the roguelike progression, smooth combat and the TMNT flair makes it enjoyable with much replayability.
Vroggo (another player we played with) had the following to say about TMNT: Splintered Fate: “TMNT: Splintered Fate shines as a multiplayer-centred action roguelike. The game’s structure had a strong foundation and plays similarly to other roguelites such as Hades. It features a compelling mix of lore, upgrade systems both within and outside runs and random elements that make each playthrough feel unique. This combination provides a fun and addictive gameplay loop that encourages replayability. I especially appreciated how the boss fights were slightly randomised, ensuring you do not encounter the same two bosses in a single run. The ability to choose between different iconic TMNT characters, each with their own distinct class and abilities, especially with the added DLC characters, adds another layer of depth. The art style is vibrant and well-suited to the TMNT universe, helping with the game’s lore and maintaining the cartoonish charm.
TMNT: Splintered Fate is enjoyable, but it did not stand out from other action roguelikes in a meaningful way. The gameplay lacks a defining mechanic that separates it from other titles. Additionally, the damage output against enemies sometimes feels slow, particularly in multiplayer sessions where fights can drag on longer than expected. There were also a few noticeable bugs, one of which prevented me from engaging in a boss battle with a friend that interrupted the flow of the game ”
If you are looking for a fast-paced action roguelike packed with chaotic combat, tons of upgrades and iconic characters to master, then this game is just for you. You can jump in solo or team up with up to four players, both online and locally. The game offers randomised levels, thrilling boss battles, and stylish cartoon-inspired visuals that capture the TMNT charm. If Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate sounds like a game for you, then be sure to check it out!
Overall: 8/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
