Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed brings the iconic Turtles back into action in this 3D beat-’em-up adventure. Set shortly after the events of Mutant Mayhem (2023), the game follows the heroes as they confront a new wave of mutants, “Mewbies,” that have become aggressive, threatening the peace between humans and mutants. The story introduces a variety of villains, including a scheming mutant chameleon named Cammy Leon, who seeks to turn mutants into societal threats again.
The gameplay is divided into missions where players fight mutants, explore small arenas, and complete timed tasks. While the core combat is satisfying, some players may find it repetitive over time, as the game encourages button-mashing with little emphasis on strategy. Despite this, younger audiences are likely to enjoy the simple controls and fast-paced action.
The game’s vibrant, hand-drawn art style is a standout, capturing the grungy, energetic feel of the film. However, there are some rough edges, such as stiff animations and occasional issues with camera angles, making platforming sections frustrating. The soundtrack is upbeat and fitting for the game’s energy, but the repetitive dialogue might become annoying for some.
Ultimately, Mutants Unleashed succeeds in delivering a fun experience for fans of the Turtles, particularly younger players or families. While it may not offer much challenge for older gamers, its charm, humor, and engaging story make it a solid entry in the franchise.
Game Overview
- Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed
- Platforms: PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: 3D Beat-’em-up Platformer with RPG elements
- Developer: [AHEARTFULOFGAMES, aHeartfulofGames S.L.]
- Publisher: [Outright Games Ltd.]
- Release Date: [October 18, 2024]
Story and Setting
Mutants Unleashed takes place in a post-Mutant Mayhem New York City, where a new wave of mutants has emerged, causing chaos throughout the city. The game follows the four turtle brothers as they navigate this new landscape, battling foes and uncovering the mystery behind the sudden mutant uprising.
Key Story Elements:
- Continuation of the Mutant Mayhem movie universe
- Return of the movie’s voice cast, ensuring character consistency
- Blend of action-packed main story with slice-of-life side activities
Gameplay
Core Mechanics:
- Combat: Simple yet satisfying beat-’em-up action
- Light and heavy attacks
- Dodging mechanics
- Ability to summon allies
- Platforming: Navigate through New York’s diverse environments
- Exploration: Discover secrets and side quests throughout the city
Character Selection:
- Play as any of the four turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, or Michelangelo
- Each turtle has a unique fighting style and special abilities
RPG Elements:
- Day/night cycle affecting gameplay and available activities
- Character progression and skill upgrades
- Relationship building with supporting characters
- Mini-games and side activities to flesh out the world
Multiplayer:
- Two-player co-op mode available
Graphics and Sound
- Vibrant, comic-inspired art style consistent with the Mutant Mayhem movie
- Voice acting from the movie cast adds authenticity to character portrayals
- Dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the action
Final Verdict
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed is a solid entry in the TMNT franchise that successfully blends classic beat-’em-up action with modern RPG-like elements. While it may not fully satisfy hardcore gamers looking for a challenge, the game offers an enjoyable and charming experience that’s especially appealing to younger players and fans of the turtles.
The game’s strengths lie in its faithful representation of the TMNT universe, engaging co-op gameplay, and the added depth from its RPG elements. However, some technical issues and a lack of difficulty for experienced players prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Score: 7.5/10
Recommended for: TMNT fans, casual gamers, and those looking for a fun co-op experience.
System Requirements
Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 /Intel Core i3-7100
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB / Nvidia GTX 750
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 16 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card
Recommended:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2500X / Intel Core i5-8400
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon R9 280 / Nvidia GTX 960
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card
Pros
- Engaging story that captures the TMNT spirit
- Fun and accessible combat system
- Enjoyable co-op experience
- RPG elements add depth to the gameplay
- Strong voice acting and character portrayals
Cons
- Camera control issues in some situations
- Gameplay can become repetitive for experienced players
- Lack of challenge in combat for skilled gamers
- Technical issues, including bugs and frequent loading screens