Who doesn’t love a surprise treat? This year’s movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, was exactly that in my household. My kids and I were thrilled with the film, so when Outright Games announced they were releasing TMNT Mutants Unleashed, a game inspired by the movie, we could barely contain our excitement. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly fizzled because, although the game has potential and captures the movie’s style, its execution is scattered.
The game’s narrative ambitiously picks up right after Mutant Mayhem, showcasing the turtles’ new challenges following their victory and newfound acceptance. With new mutants popping up—dubbed "Mewbies" by our shell-clad heroes—the game sets up a classic beat-’em-up environment. This setup brings in fresh characters, including a crew of teenage friends for the turtles to bounce off of. True to Outright Games’ reputation for crafting children-friendly experiences, the voice acting shines, successfully capturing the film’s charm. While more of a side story than a major plotline, it remains engaging.
Historically, TMNT games in the beat-’em-up genre are a blast, so I was eager to dive into co-op brawls. However, the game’s blend of character action and traditional brawler elements doesn’t quite hit the mark. Each of the four turtles boasts unique skills and abilities, yet the multiplayer mode only accommodates two players. While the combat is accessible for a wide audience, it lacks the depth and complexity that older players might expect. This is especially noticeable since, unlike Outright Games’ toddler-focused titles like Bluey or Paw Patrol, this game is targeted at a slightly older crowd.
Another surprising turn in Mutants Unleashed is its interactive social segments, reminiscent of games like Persona and recent Fire Emblem titles. Players can engage in events to form bonds with friends, but this part of the game is sluggish, often lacking voice narration, which stalls the game’s momentum. It’s a shame the multiplayer aspect doesn’t tie in well here, as it makes the game stretch into the 15-20 hour range, without enough compelling content to justify it. This is compounded by the technical struggles of the Switch port, where extended load times and technical glitches occur—initially, I thought the game had frozen during startup!
While TMNT Mutants Unleashed offers some intriguing concepts, they never quite gel into an outstanding experience. Combat is serviceable but not memorable, and the social RPG elements feel half-baked. It’s disheartening because the plot, which is quite engaging, could have elevated the game if only it were more polished. There’s an amazing game lurking beneath the surface, but in its current state, it doesn’t quite make it out of the sewers.
