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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Item: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 16, 2022

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperTribute Games

Overview

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge reunites Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello to kick shell in a beautifully realized pixel art world invoking the turtles' classic 1987 design.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics generally praise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge for capturing the essence of the original 1987 cartoon series and delivering a nostalgic experience. The game's plot pays homage to the TMNT glory days with familiar characters and locations, though some critics feel the storytelling takes a back seat to the arcade-style beat 'em up gameplay. While some find the story lacking in originality and depth, the overall consensus is positive, making it a must-play for fans seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's ability to capture the essence of the original 1987 cartoon series and the nostalgic feel it brings. Critics such as CGMagazine and But Why Tho? appreciate the game's ability to combine older voice actors and a retro look with a brand new tale, reminiscent of watching an episode of the classic 80s cartoon. The game's plot, according to critics like Game Informer and Comicbook.com, serves as a lovingly crafted homage to TMNT's glory days, with Shredder and the Foot Clan causing chaos in New York City and the Turtles teaming up with other characters to stop them. The game's narrative also pays tribute to the 1987 cartoon series and the 1989 arcade game, featuring familiar characters and a series of episodes where the heroes beat down minions and thwart enemies' evil plans, as mentioned by Siliconera. While the majority of critics appreciate the nostalgic and faithful representation of the story, there are some negative opinions as well. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and GameGrin mention that the story is not the focal point of the game, with a lack of extensive storytelling and a focus on the arcade feel and beat 'em up gameplay. Slant Magazine criticizes the game for retreading much of the plot of prior entries in the franchise, with Bebop and Rocksteady taking over the Channel 6 news station and kidnapping April's co-worker, Vernon, before taking the turtle protagonists on a wild goose chase across New York and beyond. NintendoWorldReport also notes that there isn't much in the way of story across the game's 16 stages. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge successfully captures the spirit and nostalgia of the original 1987 cartoon series. The game's plot, while not the main focus, is praised for its homage to TMNT's glory days and the inclusion of familiar characters and locations. Critics appreciate the game's ability to combine older voice actors and a retro look with a brand new tale, providing a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise. However, some critics note the lack of extensive storytelling and the retreading of familiar plot elements as potential drawbacks. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is positive, making it an appealing choice for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge gameplay receives high praise for its intense, addictive, and accessible beat 'em up experience with smooth combat, tight controls, fun combos, and unique character variations. While some critics mention limitations in power attacks and similarity among characters, overall consensus highlights the game's well-executed mechanics, replay value, and fan-friendly nods.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, highlighting its well-crafted blend of retro and modern elements. Carole Quintaine commends the game for being intense, addictive, and accessible, with enjoyable nods to the fans. Power Unlimited describes it as a fighting game with a retro-pixel style, while PlayStation LifeStyle praises the smooth and satisfying combat that adds new layers to the old TMNT arcade games. ZTGD and App Trigger both emphasize the superb gameplay, with tight controls, fun combos, and co-op play. GamingTrend and CGMagazine appreciate the fast and exciting combat, satisfying combos, and unique variations for each character. Slant Magazine mentions the modernized mechanics, such as charge attacks and screen-clearing special moves, that provide players with a wide range of options in beat 'em up scenarios. Xbox Tavern and But Why Tho? highlight the great beat 'em up experience, with various enemies, bosses, and enjoyable boss battles. PC Invasion and Impulsegamer praise the air-tight controls, variety of strikes, throws, and evasion maneuvers, showcasing the depth of the fighting mechanics. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the gameplay. CGMagazine mentions that power attacks are limited, making the game feel button-mashy. Video Chums notes that the different characters play too similarly, which can be seen as a drawback. Game Informer mentions that battling flying enemies can be frustrating. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is highly enjoyable and well-executed. The majority of critics praise the game for its smooth and satisfying combat, tight controls, and fun combos. The variety of moves, abilities, and unique playstyles for each character is also appreciated. The game's accessibility, replayability, and nods to the fans are mentioned as positive aspects. While there are a few minor criticisms, they do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. Critics such as Carole Quintaine, Power Unlimited, PlayStation LifeStyle, ZTGD, App Trigger, GamingTrend, Slant Magazine, Xbox Tavern, But Why Tho?, PC Invasion, Impulsegamer, Video Chums, GameGrin, GameSpew, GameSpace, TheSixthAxis, Easy Allies, Comicbook.com, GameSkinny, Starbit, God is a Geek, Nintendo Insider, Switch Player, and NintendoWorldReport all contribute to the consensus that the gameplay of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is highly enjoyable and well-received.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously rave about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge graphics, praising its superb retro-pixel style, vibrant colors, and nostalgic nods to the original series. Despite minor critiques, the majority applaud the game's fantastic design choices, attention to detail, and overall visual appeal, capturing the essence of the classic 80s comics and modern adaptations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, considering it to be very good. The visuals were described as superb, colorful, vibrant, and animated with fantastic design choices. Critics such as Carole Quintaine, ZTGD, App Trigger, CGMagazine, But Why Tho?, PC Invasion, Impulsegamer, Video Chums, Screen Rant, Siliconera, Game Informer, Push Square, GameGrin, GameSpace, TheSixthAxis, Easy Allies, Comicbook.com, GameSkinny, Starbit, God is a Geek, Nintendo Insider, Switch Player, and NintendoWorldReport all highlighted the positive aspects of the graphics and visual design. The positive aspects mentioned by the critics include the retro-pixel style, reminiscent of the early 90s arcade games, which was praised by Power Unlimited and GameSkinny. The handcrafted pixilated graphics with attention to detail, bringing back an older visual style in a way modern fans can love, were appreciated by But Why Tho?. The game's resemblance to its source material from decades ago, being gorgeously crafted and drawn, was mentioned by Impulsegamer. The clean, chunky, and vibrant art with additional flair and environmental variety was praised by Push Square. The presence of Easter eggs, well-executed fanservice, and nods to the original 1987 animated series were highlighted by Siliconera, Game Informer, and Comicbook.com. The attention to detail in character sprites, backgrounds, and animations was mentioned by GameSpace and Switch Player. The bright and punchy visuals, detailed animation, and visual variety in each mission were appreciated by TheSixthAxis and NintendoWorldReport. While the overall consensus of the critics is positive, there were a few criticisms mentioned. GamingTrend felt that the game lacked creativity and felt too familiar. However, this was a minority opinion compared to the overwhelmingly positive response from other critics. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge were highly praised by the majority of the critics. The game's retro-pixel style, attention to detail, vibrant colors, and nods to the original series were highlighted as positive aspects. While there were a few criticisms, the overall consensus is that the graphics and visual design are very good, capturing the spirit of the classic 80s comics and the modern takes on the source material.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the nostalgic and retro-inspired music in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, praising its energetic tunes that capture the essence of the 90s arcade era. While some critics had minor gripes about audio quality and variety, the overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the music's ability to evoke nostalgia and enhance gameplay. The original voice cast returning was also a hit. Overall, the game's sound design and music received high praise, making it a must-play for fans of the iconic franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge are predominantly positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, highlighting its nostalgic and retro-inspired elements. Carole Quintaine describes the music as nostalgically delightful, capturing the essence of the 90s. ZTGD mentions that the music feels like it came straight out of a 1994 arcade machine. CGMagazine states that the game has a blazing retro score that infuses the right energy and spirit in each scene. Game Informer ranks the retro-inspired soundtrack among their favorites of the year. Push Square describes the music as spot on, with funky, upbeat tunes that exude real energy. The majority of the critics appreciated the music for its ability to evoke nostalgia and enhance the gameplay experience. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is positive, there were a few critics who had some negative points to mention. Xbox Tavern criticizes the audio quality of the characters, stating that it is muffled and not enjoyable to hear. They suggest either leaving it out entirely or improving the audio quality. The SixthAxis criticizes the lack of variety in the taunt soundbites, noting that this aspect could have been improved. Switch Player mentions that some tracks are repetitive and less inspired, and the voice acting is a little shaky in places. Despite these minor criticisms, the negative aspects mentioned by the critics are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. The majority of the critics praised the game's soundtrack for its nostalgic and retro-inspired elements, with many highlighting the energetic and catchy tunes. The original voice cast from the 1987 cartoon returning to voice their classic roles was also appreciated by several critics. While there were a few criticisms regarding the audio quality of certain elements and the lack of variety in taunt soundbites, these were minor issues compared to the overall positive consensus. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge were highly regarded by the critics, adding to the enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge features original voice actors from the 1987 cartoon, praised by critics for adding charm, nostalgia, and authenticity to the game. While some mention minor hiccups, overall, the voice acting enhances the TMNT experience, capturing the essence of the beloved franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, it is evident that the majority of critics have positive views. The game features voice-overs from the original TMNT cast, with the original voice actors from the 1987 cartoon returning to voice their classic roles. Critics such as CGMagazine, But Why Tho?, PC Invasion, Impulsegamer, Screen Rant, Game Informer, GameGrin, GameSpace, Comicbook.com, Starbit, God is a Geek, and NintendoWorldReport all highlight the inclusion of the original voice actors as a significant positive aspect. This adds an extra layer of personality, authenticity, and nostalgia to the game, bringing the Turtles to life and enhancing the overall experience. While the majority of critics express positive sentiments, there are a few mentions of some minor drawbacks in the voice acting. Switch Player notes that the voice acting can be a little shaky in places, but overall, it complements the action extremely well. This suggests that while there may be occasional inconsistencies or minor issues, they do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a strong and positive aspect of the game. The inclusion of the original voice actors from the 1987 cartoon is widely praised, with critics emphasizing the added charm, nostalgia, and authenticity it brings to the experience. The positive reception of the voice acting supports the notion that it effectively enhances the game's overall appeal and successfully captures the essence of the beloved TMNT franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge for its solid technical performance on various platforms, with smooth gameplay, consistent network connection, and manageable difficulty levels. Minor bugs and issues mentioned do not overshadow the overall positive experience. Despite some criticisms, the game's art, playability, and online play receive high marks from reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, the reviewers had mostly positive things to say across different gaming platforms. On the Xbox One, ZTGD mentioned some minor issues with starting the game and playing co-op, but it was unclear if these were technical performance or stability issues. On the PS4, Gamers Heroes experienced some bugs such as enemies getting caught in a grapple and players being invisible at the start of a level, but they did not encounter any frame drops or crashes. Siliconera found the game to be balanced with distinguishable foes, telegraphed attacks, and manageable difficulty levels, both when playing alone or with others. Nintendo Insider praised the surprisingly consistent network connection when playing with up to five other players locally and online on the Nintendo Switch. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance on certain platforms. Game Informer, playing on PC, mentioned that while the game runs smoothly even with a full squad of six players and mobs of enemies on screen, it can be mildly frustrating to lose track of oneself in the chaos. The Sixth Axis noted that online play on the PS4 was smooth and quick to set up but prone to crashing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge has solid technical performance across multiple platforms. The frame rate largely holds up during chaotic battles, and online play is seamless. The netcode for online co-op is praised for being tight and feeling as sturdy as local play, as mentioned by Push Square. There were some minor bugs and issues mentioned, but they did not significantly hinder the overall enjoyment of the game. The positive aspects of the technical performance, such as smooth gameplay, consistent network connection, and manageable difficulty levels, outweigh the negatives. The game's art, playability, and vehicles were also praised by GameSpace. Overall, the technical performance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge seems to be well-received by the critics across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge has critics divided on its replay value. Some praise the game for its diverse characters and challenges, while others criticize its simplicity and lack of additional modes. Overall, the game offers decent replayability with features like distinct stats, special moves, challenges, and online leaderboards, making it enjoyable for fans of the franchise looking for nostalgic fun with friends.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge are varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. Carole Quintaine, from her perspective, states that the game offers a good amount of replayability. App Trigger describes the game as a powerful love letter to the franchise that players will want to return to again and again. GamingTrend mentions the story mode's replayability through challenges and playing with different characters. Xbox Tavern also praises the game's replayability, thanks to several character options and upgrades, recommending playing with friends for more fun and laughs. Game Informer appreciates the objectives in the story mode and the leveling up of characters through completing quests. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the lack of replay value in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. Power Unlimited describes the game as short and simple, giving little reason to replay the levels. Impulsegamer criticizes the game for not allowing switching characters between levels, which limits the replayability. Video Chums suggests that the game lacks replay value besides challenges and could benefit from additional modes such as Versus. TheSixthAxis mentions the need for a survival mode in the future to enhance the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge offers a decent amount of replay value. The game's positive aspects, such as playing with different characters, distinct stats, and special moves, are praised by critics like But Why Tho? and GameGrin. The inclusion of challenges, collectibles, and hidden secrets, as mentioned by CGMagazine and Screen Rant, also adds to the replayability. The presence of an arcade mode with online leaderboards, as highlighted by NintendoWorldReport and Switch Player, provides additional reasons to replay the game. However, some critics express concerns about the game's length and limited additional content, as mentioned by PC Invasion and GameSkinny. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge offers a satisfying level of replayability, especially when played with friends or when aiming for high scores and achievements.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall verdict of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game for its nostalgic charm, enjoyable gameplay, and faithfulness to the source material. Power Unlimited describes the game as a delightful fighting game with a retro-pixel style, while PlayStation LifeStyle hails it as a masterclass of nostalgia and new-age delight. ZTGD highly recommends the game for TMNT fans and beat 'em up enthusiasts, and App Trigger gives it a perfect score of 10/10, praising its ability to recreate the joy of encountering a Ninja Turtles classic arcade game. However, there are some criticisms raised by a few critics. CGMagazine mentions that the game lacks depth and character skills could be more robust, while Video Chums acknowledges the limited variety in character moves and limited replay value. Despite these minor flaws, the overall sentiment remains positive. The consensus among the critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a joyful experience that deeply respects the source material and captures the essence of the TMNT franchise. Xbox Tavern had a fantastic time with the game, highlighting its fast and fun action and high replay value. Game Informer describes it as a polished, raucously fun throwback that plays better than the original games, catering to Turtles fans nostalgic for the franchise's golden era. GameGrin considers it one of the best TMNT games to date, faithful to the source material and incredibly fun. In conclusion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is widely regarded as a successful homage and sequel to the classic TMNT arcade brawlers of the 80s and 90s. It successfully captures the spirit of the franchise, delivering enjoyable beat 'em up gameplay and a nostalgic hit for fans. While there are some minor criticisms regarding depth and replay value, the overall consensus is that the game is a must-play for TMNT fans and beat 'em up enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge earns glowing reviews for its nostalgic charm and faithful adaptation of the TMNT franchise, praised as a delightful fighting game with retro-pixel style. While some critics note minor flaws like lack of depth and limited character skills, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Described as a joyful homage to the classic arcade brawlers, the game offers fast and fun action with high replay value, making it a must-play for TMNT fans and beat 'em up enthusiasts.

MONSTER

Reviews

222 reviews found

100

App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Jun 19, 2022

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

The game is given a score of 10/10 and is highly praised for recreating the joy of encountering a Ninja Turtles classic arcade game and mixing in modern-day conveniences.

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100

GameSpace

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

There is very little to be angry about within this title. The vehicles, the art, and the playability, it is all on point.

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100

But Why Tho?

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a masterclass in handling nostalgia, combining classic characters and settings with a more modernized feel. It is highly enjoyable and likely to be highly regarded.

100

Starbit

Nintendo Switch

Jun 28, 2022

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

The review concludes that the game is one of the best beat'em ups in over ten years, with a balance between modern formula and nostalgia, enjoyable combat system, cooperative multiplayer, and impressive audiovisual environment.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is one of the best TMNT games to date, faithful to the source material and incredibly fun. It has a killer soundtrack, gorgeous pixel art, and easy pick-up-and-play mechanics.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

The review praises the game as a masterclass of nostalgia and new-age delight.

ZTGD

Xbox One

Jun 15, 2022

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

The game is highly recommended for TMNT fans and beat 'em up enthusiasts.

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

The game is described as absolutely outstanding, with character, charm, and gameplay that is enjoyable for both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans and side-scrolling beat 'em up fans.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jun 15, 2022

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

The game is praised as a terrific experience that reawakens a terrific franchise and reminds players of how cool and iconic the Turtles are.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Jul 5, 2022

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

DotEmu and Tribute Games have created a best-in-class beat 'em up. Whether your persuasion is TMNT or Streets of Rage, you can rest assured that the results from this partnership are excellent.

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