A Fresh Take on the TMNT Franchise: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown Review
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a beloved franchise for decades, with a wide range of games, TV shows, and movies. But, in a surprising twist, the latest installment, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown, takes a departure from the usual fast-paced action and introduces a turn-based tactics game. In this review, we’ll dive into the game’s unique features, strengths, and weaknesses to see if it’s a fresh take on the franchise or just a fleeting experiment.
A New Kind of TMNT Experience
At first glance, Tactical Takedown might seem like a departure from the usual TMNT formula. Gone are the real-time battles and replaced with turn-based combat on small, grid-based maps. Each mission features one turtle fighting his way through the level, with enemies spawning and moving on their own turns. The goal is to clear out the baddies and reach the end of the level. While this might seem slow-paced, the developers at Strange Scaffold have done an excellent job of infusing the game with flourishes and ideas that make it feel exciting and fast-paced.
Level Design and Movement
One of the standout features of Tactical Takedown is the level design. The maps are constantly changing, with new areas opening up and old ones disappearing. This forces you to keep moving forward, similar to an old-school beat ’em up. You can even take advantage of the changing levels by kicking enemies off the edge of the map, watching them fall into nothing on your next turn. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as you need to think ahead and plan your movements carefully.
Turtle Power
Of course, any TMNT game is going to star the Turtles themselves, and Tactical Takedown is no exception. The Turtles are separated for most of the game, with each one having their own unique moves and abilities. While this might seem strange, it actually adds a new layer of depth to the game. You need to think carefully about which turtle to use in each situation, as each one has their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Story
The story of Tactical Takedown is surprisingly engaging, with the Turtles dealing with grief, loss, and trying to pick up the pieces together. The cutscenes are excellent, with the Turtles talking to each other and sharing their thoughts and feelings. The conflict between the brothers is the core of the tale, and it’s shocking how invested you can become in their story.
Barebones Experience
Unfortunately, Tactical Takedown feels a bit barebones in some areas. The levels are simple and rarely feature varying locations or details. The sound effects are also reused, and the combat animations are stiff. Additionally, the levels can go on for too long, which can make the game feel like it’s trying to trick you into thinking it’s more than it is.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is a unique and enjoyable spin on the franchise. The turn-based combat is frenetic and fun, and the Turtles are depicted in a way that feels true to the franchise. While the game could benefit from more polish and attention to detail, it’s a solid foundation for future DLC or sequels that could add more.
Actionable Insights
- If you’re a fan of turn-based tactics games, Tactical Takedown is definitely worth checking out.
- The game’s level design and movement mechanics are a highlight, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.
- The Turtles’ personalities and abilities are well-done, making each one feel unique and valuable.
- The story is surprisingly engaging, with the Turtles’ conflict and relationships being a core part of the tale.
Summary
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is a fresh take on the franchise, offering a unique spin on the usual TMNT formula. While it’s not perfect, the game’s turn-based combat and level design are highlights, and the Turtles are depicted in a way that feels true to the franchise. If you’re a fan of turn-based tactics games or the TMNT franchise, Tactical Takedown is definitely worth checking out.