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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
Item: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAction, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 17, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperSuper Evil Megacorp

Overview

Splinter is captured. The Foot Clan are on the attack. New York City is in chaos! Enter the FIGHT, ADAPT, REPEAT portal loop of Splintered Fate to set things straight. A roguelike action game with 4 player co-op where no two runs are the same with randomized power-ups, room layouts and boss modifiers. Each turtle has unique powers and abilities that can be upgraded once they have been unlocked. Face off against a host of classic TMNT foes as you fight through the sewers to the rooftops of New York City for an epic final battle.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate appeals to long-time fans with a nostalgic premise of rescuing Master Splinter, bolstered by witty dialogues and a nod to the IDW comics. However, critics argue the narrative execution is weak, feeling uninspired and repetitive, with unresolved plot threads. While it has a solid foundation, the story lacks depth and complexity, leaving many wishing for a more engaging experience. Overall, it offers fun for fans but falls short of being memorable.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly in its appeal to long-time fans of the franchise. Reviewers like Cubed3 and GAMINGbible highlight the familiar premise of rescuing Master Splinter from Shredder, which resonates well with the established lore of the TMNT universe. Critics such as Pure Nintendo and Areajugones also commend the inclusion of witty dialogues and character interactions that enhance the narrative, alongside a meta-narrative that adds depth to the plot. The game’s incorporation of elements from the IDW comic series, as noted by Impulsegamer and Worth Playing, is seen as a positive nod to the franchise's roots, providing a sense of continuity and engagement for fans. However, many critics express concerns about the narrative's execution, pointing out its limitations and lack of depth. COGconnected and GameSpot specifically mention that the story feels somewhat uninspired and lacks the narrative power to draw players in, with GameSpot comparing it unfavorably to more memorable titles like Hades. The repetitive nature of the plot is echoed by TheSixthAxis, who describes it as not very gripping, while RPG Fan notes that the story feels incomplete, with unresolved mysteries that leave a sense of dissatisfaction. Critics like Gamers' Temple and Nintendo Life also emphasize that while the story is functional, it lacks the depth and complexity that could elevate it beyond a simple rescue mission. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate has a solid foundation and appeals to fans of the franchise, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. The familiar plot of rescuing Master Splinter is seen as both a strength and a weakness; it provides a nostalgic touch but lacks the innovation and depth that could make it memorable. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Vandal highlight the need for a more engaging storyline, indicating that the game could benefit from a deeper exploration of its characters and themes. Thus, while the game has its merits, the story remains a point of contention, with many reviewers wishing for a more robust narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate impresses with its fluid combat and strategic turtle abilities, earning praise for its engaging roguelite mechanics. Critics love the fast-paced action and customization options but note shortcomings like limited enemy variety and a lack of depth, making some combat feel shallow. While it's a fun ride for franchise fans, it often leans on luck over skill and could benefit from more challenge. Overall, it delivers addictive gameplay with a nostalgic twist, but not without some flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and strategic depth. Reviewers from COGconnected and Game Informer praised the combat system for its fluidity and meaningful progression, while GameSpew and Gamers' Temple noted the fast-paced action and variety of upgrades available for each turtle. The unique abilities and playstyles of the four turtles were frequently mentioned, with critics like IGN Spain and NintendoWorldReport emphasizing the strategic choices players can make during runs. The roguelite structure, which allows for randomized elements and a "one more go" mechanic, was also well-received, keeping players engaged and encouraging experimentation with different abilities (Cubed3, GameGrin). However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay experience. Digitally Downloaded and GamingTrend expressed concerns about the lack of energy in the action and the limited variety of enemies, suggesting that combat can feel shallow or reliant on luck rather than skill. Additionally, some reviewers, including God is a Geek and Tech-Gaming, mentioned that while the combat mechanics are solid, they sometimes lack the weightiness or depth expected in a game of this genre. Try Hard Guides echoed this sentiment, stating that the roguelike mechanics could feel straightforward and easy, detracting from the overall challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate offers a fun and engaging roguelike experience, particularly for fans of the franchise. While the game excels in providing a compelling combat system and distinct turtle abilities, it does exhibit some limitations in enemy variety and challenge. Critics like Shacknews and Vandal noted the game's similarities to Hades, which may appeal to fans of that title, but also highlighted the need for more depth in the roguelike mechanics. Despite its flaws, the game is recognized for its addictive gameplay loop and strategic elements, making it a worthwhile experience for players looking for action-packed fun with a nostalgic twist.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate impresses with its faithful visuals and nostalgic design, winning praise for its colorful art style and character models. However, critics lament a lack of unique style, muddy graphics during gameplay, and performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. While it successfully taps into TMNT lore, its visual execution falls short compared to other titles, indicating room for improvement in future releases.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for their adherence to the TMNT lore and aesthetic. Critics like Cubed3 commend the "authentic visuals" that resonate with the franchise, while GameGrin highlights the "improved graphics" that reflect the beloved TMNT cartoon and earlier games. The game is noted for its colorful art style, with RPGamer mentioning a blend of classic and modern TMNT aesthetics that successfully captures different eras of the franchise. Additionally, Pure Nintendo praises the visuals for integrating the TMNT world into a fresh isometric roguelike experience, and Vandal points out the detailed environments and character models, showcasing the game's effort to enhance the visual experience on the Nintendo Switch. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks in the game's visual execution. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the visual design for lacking a unique art style, comparing it unfavorably to Hades, while GameSpot notes that the visuals are "decent" but not particularly memorable. Critics like God is a Geek and IGN Spain mention issues with muddy visuals during intense gameplay and frame rate drops, which detract from the overall experience. The environments have also been described as dull by Impulsegamer, and Nintendo Life mentions that the visual style can become cluttered during combat. These concerns reflect a broader sentiment regarding the game's technical limitations, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate offers a visually engaging experience that pays homage to the franchise, it also suffers from notable shortcomings. The game presents a mix of improved graphics and character design, as highlighted by GameSpew and Shacknews, but it is marred by performance issues and a lack of visual variety, as noted by several others. Critics like GamingTrend and Movies Games and Tech appreciate the effort to engage players with the TMNT world, yet many agree that the visuals do not reach the heights of other titles in the genre. The game ultimately strikes a balance between nostalgic appeal and technical execution, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate shines with exceptional voice acting that brings characters to life, earning praise for its engaging performances and humor. However, critics flag issues with repetitive voice lines and lackluster music that fails to leave an impact, suggesting an imbalance in the audio experience. Overall, while the voice work elevates immersion, the soundtrack needs significant improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate have received a largely positive reception from critics, particularly regarding the voice acting. Reviewers such as Cubed3 and GamingTrend praised the engaging voice performances, highlighting the passion and authenticity brought by the actors, which adds depth to the characters and enhances the overall gameplay experience. Critics like GameGrin noted the high-tempo soundtrack that captures the energy of the game, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Additionally, RPGamer emphasized the authentic performances of the voice talents, further solidifying the game's appeal through its character-driven dialogue and humor. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the audio experience, particularly with the music and the repetitiveness of voice lines. COGconnected pointed out that the frequent repetition of voice lines can become tiresome, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Critics such as Hobby Consolas and Vandal described the music as unremarkable or understated, suggesting that it does not leave a lasting impression. Moreover, RPG Fan mentioned that the constant quips from the turtles can overshadow the music, indicating a potential imbalance in the audio design that could detract from the game's atmosphere. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting is a standout feature that enhances character engagement and immersion, the music and sound design are somewhat lacking. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo acknowledged the strong voice performances but also noted that the music could be easily drowned out or fail to make a significant impact. The mixed reviews on the soundtrack indicate that while it serves its purpose, it may not resonate as strongly with players as the voice acting does. Thus, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate presents a dynamic auditory experience, albeit with room for improvement in its musical composition.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is widely praised for its quality and character depth, with standout performances like Yuri Lowenthal's Michelangelo. Critics appreciate the humor and immersive traits the actors bring, enhancing the game’s charm. However, concerns about repetitive dialogue detract from the experience for some, potentially breaking immersion. Overall, the voice performances are a significant asset to the game, despite the noted drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate has received predominantly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the quality and passion behind the performances. Reviewers such as GameGrin and Gamers' Temple praised the exceptional voice acting that enhances the distinct personalities of each character, allowing players to feel a genuine connection to the Turtles. Nintendo Life specifically noted the lively performances, with Yuri Lowenthal's portrayal of Michelangelo standing out as a highlight. Additionally, Pure Nintendo and RPG Fan emphasized how the voice actors successfully imbue each character with unique traits, making the TMNT world feel authentic and immersive. The humor infused through the voice lines, as mentioned by Hobby Consolas, also adds a layer of charm that resonates well with fans of the franchise. However, some critics pointed out notable drawbacks related to the voice acting. COGconnected and Movies Games and Tech raised concerns about the repetitiveness of voice lines during gameplay, suggesting that this could detract from the overall experience. PC Gamer echoed this sentiment, noting that while the characters' personalities shine through, the constant banter can become a distraction. This sentiment is further supported by the observations of critics like TheSixthAxis, who acknowledged the effectiveness of the voice acting but did not overlook the potential for repetitive dialogue to detract from immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is largely commendable, contributing significantly to the game's charm and character, there are some concerns regarding the repetitiveness of certain lines. Reviewers like NintendoWorldReport and Vandal highlighted the effective capture of each character's essence, creating a polished feel that enhances the gameplay experience. Despite the noted issues with repetitive dialogue, the overall sentiment leans positively, with many critics appreciating the dedication and quality of the voice performances that breathe life into the beloved franchise.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate" shows uneven technical performance across platforms. The Nintendo Switch delivers smooth gameplay in some modes but suffers significant frame rate drops, bugs, and crashes, especially in multiplayer. While the PC version runs well with stable performance, it also faces input delays and visual glitches. Critics agree the game has potential but needs major improvements to fix these frustrating issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The technical performance of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate" varies significantly across platforms, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and PC. On the Nintendo Switch, some critics noted that the game runs smoothly in both handheld and docked modes, with Hobby Consolas praising its performance despite occasional slowdowns when the screen is filled with enemies. Additionally, Impulsegamer highlighted that the online co-op feature works flawlessly, allowing for easy drop-in and drop-out play. GAMINGbible also mentioned a cinematic mode that caps the framerate at 30fps, which can enhance image quality for players seeking a more stable experience. On PC, critics like Movies Games and Tech reported a smooth performance with no glitches or frame rate issues, even during intense gameplay moments, while Worth Playing noted stable 60fps performance on the Steam Deck. However, the negatives for the Nintendo Switch are substantial. Multiple reviewers, including GameGrin and NintendoWorldReport, reported issues with frame rate drops, particularly in multiplayer modes where multiple characters are present. Gamers' Temple pointed out the presence of numerous bugs that can lead to soft-locks, which significantly disrupt the gameplay experience. Additionally, RPGamer and Pure Nintendo mentioned crashes and glitches that negatively impacted gameplay, with RPG Fan noting overheating issues leading to crashes. On the PC side, while the performance is generally good, critics like Try Hard Guides pointed out input delays and control issues, which can detract from the overall enjoyment, possibly due to the game’s mobile port origins. PC Gamer also noted visual bugs and a confusing array of meta-currencies, suggesting a lack of polish. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate" struggles with technical performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. While there are some positive aspects, such as stable performance in specific modes and features like local multiplayer, the frequent crashes, frame rate drops, and bugs reported by critics like NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo create a frustrating experience for players. On PC, the game performs better, but issues like input delays and visual bugs, as noted by Try Hard Guides and PC Gamer, suggest that it is not without its flaws. Ultimately, while the game has potential, its technical performance across platforms leaves much to be desired, with many critics urging for improvements to enhance the overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate boasts strong replay value with varied gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and multiplayer options, praised by critics for encouraging multiple playthroughs. However, concerns about repetitive environments and limited enemy diversity may dampen long-term engagement, with some reviewers warning of potential frustration from unfair difficulty spikes. Overall, while the game is engaging and addictive, its longevity could be challenged without additional content or updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's varied gameplay mechanics and progression systems. Reviewers like COGconnected and GameSpew emphasize the appeal of different playstyles, interchangeable skills, and multiplayer options, which contribute to an engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. Additionally, critics such as GameSpot and Hobby Consolas mention the interesting builds and challenging boss variations that keep gameplay fresh and exciting. The roguelike structure, as noted by God is a Geek and Pure Nintendo, adds an element of unpredictability with randomized levels and unique abilities, enhancing the replayability factor. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that may hinder long-term engagement. Cubed3 and Vandal note the repetition in environments and limited enemy types, which can lead to a sense of monotony over time. Digitally Downloaded and Tech-Gaming express concerns about the game becoming draining during extended sessions, lacking the depth found in similar titles like Hades. Furthermore, some critics, including Impulsegamer and NintendoWorldReport, highlight the potential for unfair progress hurdles and difficulty spikes that could deter players from wanting to replay the game, thus affecting the overall replay value. In summary, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate offers a compelling replay value through its diverse gameplay mechanics and progression systems, critics are divided on its longevity. The consensus suggests that while there are numerous incentives for replaying the game, such as varied abilities and multiplayer options, the repetitive nature of environments and enemy encounters may limit its appeal for some players. Critics like Shacknews and GamingTrend recognize the game's addictive gameplay loop but caution that the lack of variety could lead to diminishing returns over time, indicating a need for further updates or content to sustain player interest.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay and faithful representation of the beloved franchise. Reviewers like COGconnected highlight the game's playstyle variety and satisfying progression, while GameGrin emphasizes its addictive nature and challenging experience. The multiplayer aspect is also well-received, as noted by Shacknews, which appreciates the game's structural solidity and lasting appeal for both single-player and multiplayer modes. Many critics, including IGN Spain and Hobby Consolas, commend the visuals and the incorporation of TMNT elements, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of both the franchise and the roguelike genre. However, the game is not without its flaws. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and God is a Geek point out that Splintered Fate struggles with originality, often falling short of the high bar set by games like Hades. Technical issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch, are a recurring theme in reviews, with GameSpot and Nintendo Life noting performance problems that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including Game Informer and Gamers' Temple, mention repetitive voice lines and a lack of variety in gameplay as shortcomings that hinder the game's potential. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a solid addition to the roguelike genre, particularly for fans of the TMNT franchise. While it successfully captures the essence of the characters and offers enjoyable gameplay, it suffers from technical issues and a lack of innovation compared to its inspirations. Critics like Pure Nintendo and Tech-Gaming acknowledge the fun and engaging mechanics, but many agree that the game could benefit from improvements in depth and polish. Overall, the game is recommended for fans, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a groundbreaking experience.

TL;DR

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate earns positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and faithful franchise representation, particularly in multiplayer modes. Critics praise its addictive nature and visuals, but note flaws like limited originality, technical issues on the Nintendo Switch, and repetitive gameplay. While it's a solid pick for TMNT fans, it falls short of innovation compared to top roguelikes like Hades, making it a fun but flawed experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

80 reviews found

GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

Jul 29, 2024