Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate Review - A Really Hip Roguelite That Does The Boys Proud

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The heroes in a half-shell try the roguelite genre on for size in . Super Evil Megacorp's new port features enough smart ideas and frisky combat to go toe-to-toe with 's best games, even while its unimaginative permanent upgrades and currency-grinding endgame could have used a post-mobile facelift. PC players have been walled off from until now, but the game is ultimately worth the wait, especially for longtime fans.

Originally releasing as an Apple Arcade exclusive (and eventually appearing on Nintendo Switch earlier this year), action roguelite finds the foursome fighting their way through the periodic table of street brawler environments — sewers, docks, streets, rooftops — to rescue Splinter from a mysterious unearthly threat. Some excellent comic art, dialogue, and recognizable voices help bring the game's characters to life, delivering a genuine-feeling experience that never comes off as a simple cash-in.

Super Evil Megacorp has developed isometric action-oriented titles for years, like the acclaimed MOBA and the upcoming game adaptation. The studio has particularly thrived in the mobile space, which may speak to some of the bugs I found clearing through ’s campaign on PC. I remain hopeful that a few patches should clear away those loose ends, especially when considering the announced roadmap of what’s to come post-launch, including new levels and playable characters.

Supergiant's is the most common reference point for , as both games feature proc-gen, permadeath, a range of different currencies, upgrades, and unlockables, all with that familiar fixed isometric perspective. Each also integrates a looping narrative concept to match the repeat playthroughs inherent to the genre.

Up to four players select a Turtle and fight through four biomes packed with randomized enemies, elites, bosses, and bonuses (and pizza), building up to a final fight that rolls you back to square one with some collectibles in tow. Runs are always structurally the same, but the game