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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants
Item: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAction, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 23, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperRaw Thrills

Overview

A port of the arcade game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles released in 2017 which was based on the the 2012 Nickelodeon TV series. This port adds three new stages and six new boss battles to the gameplay of the original arcade game.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" nails the visual style and humor of the 2012 animated series, impressing some fans. However, critics overwhelmingly slam its shallow narrative, lack of character development, and minimal storytelling elements, leaving a disappointing experience for those expecting a rich story. Enjoyable gameplay can't compensate for the barebones plot.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" reveals a few positives that critics acknowledge. For instance, several reviewers, including NintendoWorldReport and XboxEra, highlight the game's connection to the 2012 TMNT animated series, noting its faithful adaptation of the visual style, humor, and voice acting from notable actors like Seth Green and Sean Astin. This connection to a beloved franchise may appeal to fans of the series, as it captures the essence of the characters and settings they are familiar with. Additionally, the game's non-linear level selection, mentioned by Finger Guns, allows players to engage with the content in a way that deviates from traditional progression, which some may find refreshing. However, the negatives overwhelmingly dominate the critics' opinions regarding the story. Many reviewers, including GameSpew and IGN, criticize the narrative for being shallow and lacking substance. The absence of significant plot twists or character development is a common complaint, as noted by IGN Adria, who points out that the game lacks the deep narrative focus typically expected in modern titles. Furthermore, critics like WellPlayed and GameCritics emphasize the lack of cut-scenes or storytelling elements that could have tied the action together and provided a more engaging experience. The consensus suggests that the game feels barebones in its narrative approach, with Cubed3 describing it as typical of arcade titles that prioritize action over story. In summary, while "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" successfully captures the aesthetic and humor of the 2012 animated series, critics largely agree that it falls short in terms of storytelling. The minimal narrative and lack of character connection, as highlighted by Stevivor, leave much to be desired. Overall, the critics convey a sense of disappointment regarding the story, indicating that while the game may offer enjoyable gameplay, it does not provide the engaging narrative experience that many fans of the franchise might expect.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants offers nostalgic beat 'em up gameplay with unique character abilities and fun multiplayer, but ultimately disappoints with its repetitive combat, limited moveset, and frustrating controls. Critics agree it's a shallow experience that may entertain casual players, but fails to engage those looking for depth and challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

46%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has garnered a mix of opinions, with some critics highlighting a few positive aspects. For instance, IGN and WellPlayed noted that the game offers classic arcade beat 'em up mechanics reminiscent of titles like Turtles in Time, and features multiple characters with unique abilities. NintendoWorldReport appreciated the longer levels, mid-boss encounters, and the variety of Turtle Power moves, suggesting that there is some depth in character abilities that can enhance the experience. Additionally, the local multiplayer aspect was praised by IGN Adria, indicating that the game can be enjoyable in a social setting, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise. However, the overwhelming sentiment among reviewers is that the gameplay lacks depth and variety. Finger Guns, Game Informer, and GamingBolt all expressed disappointment with the simplistic mechanics, citing a limited moveset and repetitive combat as major drawbacks. Critics like GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis pointed out issues with unresponsive controls and poor collision detection, which contribute to a frustrating gameplay experience. The consensus is that while the game attempts to capture the essence of classic beat 'em ups, it often falls short due to its formulaic design, tedious linear stages, and a lack of engaging combat mechanics. Overall, the critics are largely in agreement that Wrath of the Mutants struggles to deliver a compelling gameplay experience. While it retains some nostalgic elements and offers a degree of fun, especially in multiplayer settings, the repetitive nature of combat and simplistic mechanics have led to a general perception of the game as dull and lacking in challenge. Critics such as GameSpew and Gamereactor UK emphasized the bare-bones nature of the gameplay, suggesting that it may appeal more to casual players than to those seeking a deeper and more rewarding experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" features vibrant environments and captures the 2012 series' aesthetic, but critics largely agree that its character designs are bland and outdated. While some praise the visuals, many find them unimpressive and lacking polish, leading to a mixed reception from fans and newcomers alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" have garnered a mix of opinions from various critics, with some positive notes highlighting the game's vibrant environments and faithful recreation of the 2012 Nickelodeon series. Critics like Cubed3 praised the bright and vibrant visuals, noting the recognizable locations and well-designed bosses that resonate with the TMNT universe. Finger Guns also mentioned the bright presentation of levels and good scenery interaction, suggesting that the game does capture some engaging visual elements that align with its source material. Additionally, IGN acknowledged the incorporation of visuals inspired by both the 2012 series and the classic "Turtles in Time," which could appeal to fans of the franchise. However, the overall sentiment regarding the game's graphics leans significantly toward the negative. Many reviewers criticized the character designs for lacking charisma and appeal, with Game Informer and GameSpew both describing the visuals as bland and unimpressive. Critics like TheSixthAxis went further, calling the visuals "basic 3D" and "ugly," while Gamereactor UK lamented the outdated presentation that fails to elevate the design from the original series. Even those who appreciated certain aspects of the visuals, like GamingTrend, noted that the sound and music design were weak, indicating a broader issue with the overall presentation. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants" successfully captures the aesthetic of the 2012 series, it ultimately falls short in terms of visual appeal and character design. Many reviewers, including IGN Adria and Impulsegamer, pointed out that the graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern titles. While some critics found merit in the game's vibrant environments and nostalgic elements, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the visuals do not meet the expectations of both new players and long-time fans, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants features nostalgic voice acting from original cast members that fans appreciate, it ultimately suffers from irritating sound design and generic music. Critics highlight repetitive voice lines and glitchy audio mixing, leading to a frustrating experience that fails to match the quality of classic titles. Overall, the game's audio elements disappoint, overshadowing the nostalgic charm of its voice cast.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

42%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants received some praise, particularly regarding the voice acting. Critics such as IGN and XboxEra highlighted the return of the original voice cast from the beloved TV series, noting performances by actors like Gilbert Gottfried and Rob Paulsen, which added a nostalgic touch to the game. Impulsegamer also acknowledged the strong representation of the voice actors, suggesting that their contributions were a highlight amidst other audio elements. Additionally, GameGrin described the music as upbeat and energetic, fitting the action-packed gameplay, which some players might find appealing despite other criticisms. However, the overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music was predominantly negative. Game Informer criticized the audio for being irritating, with repetitive enemy lines and obnoxious Turtles' screams leading to a lowered volume during play. GamingBolt echoed similar sentiments, pointing out issues with glitchy audio mixing and inconsistent volume levels. Critics like GamingTrend and Shacknews noted that the music was generic and forgettable, failing to live up to the quality associated with classic Konami productions. Moreover, several reviewers, including CGMagazine and WellPlayed, remarked on the repetitive nature of the voice lines, which detracted from the overall audio experience. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting provided a nostalgic and enjoyable aspect of the game, the sound design and music fell short of expectations. Many reviewers noted the repetitiveness of voice lines and the lack of variety in the audio experience, leading to a sense of irritation over time. The soundtrack was frequently described as unremarkable or generic, failing to enhance the gameplay as intended. Despite some positive remarks about the voice cast, the overwhelming feedback indicates that the audio elements of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants do not meet the high standards set by its predecessors, leaving players with a less than satisfying auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants features a split reception in voice acting. While critics like IGN and XboxEra praise the nostalgic performances from original cast members, others, like Finger Guns, slam the dialogue as "awful and borderline racist." Repetitive lines and uneven character portrayal, particularly Leonardo's lackluster delivery, detract from the experience. The voice acting is a nostalgic highlight for some, but a significant pitfall for others, leaving fans divided.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has received a mixed reception from critics, with several highlighting its positive aspects. Notably, IGN praised the voice acting for effectively capturing the essence of the beloved TV show characters, suggesting that the performances resonate well with fans of the series. Critics like XboxEra and VGC also emphasized the authenticity brought by the original cast members, including notable actors such as Seth Green and Sean Astin, which adds a layer of nostalgia and credibility to the game. Additionally, Cubed3 noted that the voice actors from the 2012 series delivered their lines with enthusiasm, further enhancing the overall experience for players familiar with the franchise. Conversely, there are significant criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Finger Guns described the dialogue as "awful and borderline racist," indicating a severe misstep in quality that detracts from the game's enjoyment. Other critics, such as WellPlayed and PlayStation Country, pointed out the repetitiveness of the voiced quips, which can become annoying and diminish the overall experience. CGMagazine specifically called out the unenthusiastic performance of Leonardo, suggesting that not all characters were given the same level of care in their voice work. The limited number of lines available for the characters has also been a common point of contention, with many reviewers noting that the lack of variety leads to a feeling of monotony during gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants. While some reviewers, like IGN and NintendoWorldReport, celebrate the return of the original voice cast and the nostalgic charm they bring, others, such as Finger Guns and WellPlayed, highlight serious flaws in quality and repetitiveness that undermine the experience. This dichotomy suggests that while the game may appeal to die-hard fans of the series, the execution of the voice acting may leave a significant portion of players feeling disappointed. Ultimately, the voice acting serves as both a nostalgic highlight and a potential pitfall, depending on the perspective of the player.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants delivers mixed technical performance across platforms. PS5 faces critical co-op bugs but remains mostly stable; Switch offers smooth gameplay but suffers in handheld visuals; Xbox Series X is bug-free but criticized for design quality; PC shines with stability and automatic saving but lacks online co-op. Overall, while playable and enjoyable, experience quality varies significantly by platform, leaving room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants varies across platforms, but there are notable positives for each. On the PS5, while IGN reported a level-breaking bug in co-op mode, both IGN Adria and Stevivor highlighted a generally stable experience, indicating that gameplay is largely free of major issues. The Nintendo Switch version, as noted by Cubed3, is technically sound with no slowdown and delivers a pixel-perfect arcade experience, although NintendoWorldReport mentions that the visuals suffer, particularly in handheld mode. The Xbox Series X version, according to Gamereactor UK, is bug-free, which is a significant positive, although they criticize the overall design quality. On PC, GameGrin emphasizes a stable experience with features like automatic progress saving, while Worth Playing praises the performance on Steam Deck, consistently achieving 60fps. Despite the positives, there are several negatives that critics have pointed out for each platform. The PS5 version has a critical bug reported by IGN that can disrupt co-op gameplay, which is a significant concern for multiplayer fans. For the Switch, while the game runs well, NintendoWorldReport points out that the graphics do not meet expectations, especially in handheld mode, which may detract from the overall experience. On Xbox Series X, Gamereactor UK criticizes not just the design quality but implies a lack of effort in the game’s development, which could affect player immersion. On PC, Shacknews points out the absence of online co-op support, a notable drawback in a genre that thrives on multiplayer interactions, and also mentions design flaws that impact gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are generally stable with some reported bugs and design criticisms, the Nintendo Switch offers a solid experience but suffers from visual shortcomings. The PC version stands out for its stable performance but is hampered by the lack of online co-op and some arcade design flaws. Critics like GameGrin and Worth Playing highlight the positives of the PC performance, while others like Shacknews and Gamereactor UK emphasize the need for improvements. Ultimately, while the game is playable and enjoyable across platforms, the varying levels of technical performance and design quality suggest that players may have different experiences based on their chosen platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has some replay value through local co-op and high score challenges, but overall, it suffers from a short completion time, repetitive gameplay, and lack of content, leading most critics to deem it forgettable. While a few enjoy the social aspect, the consensus is that this game lacks the depth and variety needed for lasting appeal compared to other TMNT titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

65%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants reveal a few positive aspects that some critics acknowledged. For instance, GameGrin highlighted that the game offers replay value through local co-op play and the opportunity to beat high scores, which can be appealing for players looking to challenge themselves. Similarly, Shacknews noted that the addition of content not present in the arcade version provides some replay value, particularly for fans of the 2012 TV show. Additionally, GamingTrend mentioned that the game can be enjoyed once or twice with friends, suggesting that the social aspect may enhance the experience for some players. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics leans towards the negative when it comes to replay value. Many reviewers, including Finger Guns and Game Informer, pointed out the game's short completion time—often cited as under an hour—which significantly limits its replayability. Critics like GamingBolt and IGN emphasized the lack of variation in gameplay and the absence of additional modes or content, which further diminishes the incentive for multiple playthroughs. GameSpew also echoed this sentiment, stating that the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of character differentiation reduce the desire for players to return to the game after the initial experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants suffers from limited replay value due to its short length, shallow gameplay, and lack of compelling content. While a few critics noted some potential for replayability through high scores or local co-op, the majority, including Stevivor and ZTGD, criticized the game for not offering enough variety or incentive to revisit it. With many reviewers suggesting that other TMNT titles provide a better experience, it is clear that this game may not hold lasting appeal for players seeking depth and replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants reveals a mixed bag of opinions, with some critics finding redeeming qualities in the game. For instance, IGN describes it as a "solid beat 'em up" with enjoyable gameplay and visuals, suggesting that it does manage to capture some of the fun associated with the TMNT franchise. Additionally, GameGrin notes that the game can be a "fun arcade experience" for up to four players, indicating that there is some enjoyment to be had, particularly in a multiplayer setting. Similarly, VGC highlights the game's appeal in local co-op, pointing out that it can be enjoyable for fans of the series when played with friends. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives, as many critics express disappointment with various aspects of the game. Finger Guns and Game Informer both emphasize that the game fails to capture the essence of classic TMNT arcade experiences, with Game Informer specifically citing "uninteresting gameplay" and "poor audio design." Critics like GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis highlight the game's core mechanics and lack of engaging content, suggesting that it doesn't offer enough depth or variety to keep players invested. Furthermore, several reviews, including those from Gamereactor UK and TheXboxHub, strongly advise against purchasing the game due to its poor quality and lack of value for the price, indicating a consensus that the game does not meet expectations. In summary, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily towards disappointment, with many feeling that Wrath of the Mutants is a missed opportunity for the TMNT franchise. While some reviewers acknowledge moments of enjoyment, particularly in co-op play, the game's shortcomings in gameplay mechanics, content depth, and technical performance are frequently cited as major flaws. Critics like Stevivor and WellPlayed suggest that fans of the franchise would be better served by exploring other TMNT titles, such as Shredder's Revenge, which are seen as superior alternatives. Ultimately, the game appears to struggle to find its place in a competitive genre, leading to a largely unfavorable reception.

TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is a letdown for many critics, with disappointing gameplay and poor audio design overshadowing its few enjoyable moments, especially in multiplayer. While some find it a decent beat 'em up for local co-op, the overall consensus is that it fails to capture the classic TMNT spirit. Critics recommend fans seek better alternatives, like Shredder's Revenge, due to its lack of depth and value.

MONSTER

Reviews

59 reviews found

Worth Playing

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants offers a good fighting system, additional stages, and bosses, making it a fun experience for fans of the arcade game. However, the short length and lack of additional content may deter some players, especially at the $30 price point.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is considered a subpar entry compared to other TMNT games like Shredder’s Revenge and The Cowabunga Collection, lacking depth, variety, and lasting appeal.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is considered a solid enhancement of the 2017 arcade game, suitable for kids and fans of the original, but lacking depth and replay value for adults.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A quick turtles experience, especially enjoyable with local buddies, but the experience was short-lived

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WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the series but falls short in providing substantial content and modern features, especially compared to recent releases like Shredder's Revenge.

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IGN

PlayStation 5

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is a solid beat 'em up with enjoyable gameplay, visuals, and voice acting, but falls short in terms of replay value and technical performance.

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GameGrin

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is a fun arcade experience for up to four players, despite its short duration and some dated graphics.

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God is a Geek

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fun for a while but begins to get repetitive, offering some enjoyment for fans of the franchise and younger gamers.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is a faithful but somewhat stale scrolling beat 'em up that pays homage to the TV show. While it excels in representing the show, its gameplay lacks depth and may not stand out among other recent genre releases.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Apr 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A decently enjoyable modern arcade game that falls short compared to other TMNT arcade games on the Switch.

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