Stepping into the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, I was instantly hit with a wave of nostalgia and excitement. There’s something special about seeing the Turtles: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo brought to life in a game that both honors their comic book roots and pushes the franchise into new, roguelike territory. From the very first run, it’s clear that Splintered Fate is not just another beat-’em-up, it’s a bold experiment that delivers both chaotic fun and a surprising amount of depth.
The game’s premise is classic TMNT: Master Splinter has been kidnapped by Shredder, and portals have erupted across New York City. With April O’Neil and Metalhead working behind the scenes, the Turtles must fight their way through iconic NYC locales, battling the Foot Clan and other familiar foes. The stakes are high, the action is relentless, and the city is alive with danger and opportunity.
The roguelike structure is a perfect fit for the Turtles’ world. Every run feels fresh, with randomized power ups, room layouts, and boss modifiers that keep you on your toes. There’s a real thrill in diving into a new portal, never quite knowing what combination of enemies and challenges await. I loved how each Turtle has their own unique powers, allowing for a variety of playstyles and strategies. Whether I was unleashing Donatello’s tech prowess or Raphael’s brute strength, the gameplay always felt dynamic and rewarding.
Visually, Splintered Fate is a feast for the eyes. The art style is a gorgeous blend of the gritty Mirage Studios comics and the sleek lines of the newer IDW series. Every character and environment pops with personality, from the neon lit rooftops to the shadowy sewers. The boss fights are a particular highlight each one is distinct, challenging, and bursting with visual flair. The attention to detail in the animation and backgrounds is impressive, and I often found myself pausing just to appreciate the artistry.
However, not everything in Splintered Fate is as smooth as a fresh slice of pizza. One aspect that wore me down was the constant need to chat in text between scenes. While I appreciate the effort to flesh out the story and characters, having to read through dialogue after every action sequence started to feel tedious. I would have loved more voice acting or streamlined interactions to keep the momentum going.
The story itself is engaging, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The ending feels more like a setup for future expansions than a satisfying conclusion. While I’m hopeful that the developers will continue to build on this foundation, it left me wanting a bit more closure after all the effort to rescue Splinter.
Balance is another area where Splintered Fate could use some tuning. Armored enemies, in particular, often felt like damage sponges, dragging out encounters and disrupting the otherwise brisk pace. There’s a decent variety of power ups and abilities to experiment with, but some builds felt noticeably stronger than others, making certain runs feel either too easy or frustratingly hard.
Despite these issues, I found myself coming back to Splintered Fate again and again. The core gameplay loop fight, adapt, repeat is addictive, and the thrill of unlocking new upgrades and perfecting my favorite Turtle builds kept me engaged. The game’s sense of style, energy, and reverence for its source material make it a standout in the roguelike genre.
On a personal note, Splintered Fate reminded me why I fell in love with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the first place. It’s a game that respects its legacy while daring to try something new. The art is sublime, the boss battles are a blast, and the cooperative gameplay is some of the best I’ve experienced in a TMNT title. There are balance issues and some narrative rough edges, but the overall package is a love letter to Turtle fans and a genuinely fun roguelike in its own right.
If you’re a longtime TMNT fan or just looking for a fresh, energetic roguelike to play with friends, Splintered Fate is absolutely worth your time. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, beautiful, and bodacious just like the heroes in a half shell themselves. Cowabunga!