Oh boy, so here’s the thing: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans have been drowning in video games lately, and I mean that in a good way? I guess. Anyway, the newest addition to the PlayStation lineup is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. Imagine mashing up TMNT with Hades. Weird combo, right? But somehow, it fits. You’re basically running around trying to save Splinter (again), while tackling all those usual TMNT villains. It’s kind of addictive in that way only a rogue-like can be. Like, if the gameplay doesn’t hook you, honestly, what’s the point?
Here’s the deal: these kinds of games live or die by how fun they are to play. Imagine doing the same thing over and over — but not in a boring way? That’s the magic trick here. Splintered Fate nails it with combat that’s actually enjoyable. You’ll find yourself zigzagging away from enemy hits, upgrading your ninja moves to unleash… I dunno, fire or electricity? Not sure I ever figured out what it was. Anyway, you’ve got special attacks too, which kind of spice things up. Oh, and about smashing that attack button? Yeah, you can hold it down and unleash some combo. Makes dodging feel less like a chore. Each turtle — plus Casey Jones (didn’t see that coming) — controls differently, which is cool if you’re into trying them all out, you know?
But, oh man, those boss fights? Wild stuff. You think you’re just cruising through and suddenly — BAM! There’s Karai or Shredder trying to toss you off the map. Super tricky on first encounter, but with some upgrades, it’s like going from fighting a bear to handling a slightly angry kitten. Figuring out their attack patterns is key. Or at least that’s what I kept telling myself during… failed attempts.
So, you know how games can get repetitive sometimes? This one? Not so much. They toss in challenge rooms that seem like they’re designed just to keep you on your toes. Cool rewards, though. Even when my run crashed and burned early, I’d just smack that restart button. ‘Cause, maybe this time, right? I swear I was always on the verge of cracking the perfect strategy — never quite did, but hey, that’s what these games are all about.
Here’s a little cherry on top: co-op mode. Yeah, you heard right. You can drag a friend into the chaos with you, either online or sitting right next to you (remember that?). Cooking up tactics together adds a whole new layer. Seriously, pulling off synced attacks feels like high-fiving your past 12-year-old self. Not that I counted, but it’s rare for this game style to nail co-op so well.
So, what about TMNT: Splintered Fate — is it a "must-play"?
Look, if you’re into roguelikes, this is a no-brainer. PS5 has something special here. The charm of these characters, the story sprinklings, they’re instantly endearing. Plus, playing with friends just ups the ante. It’s challenging, sure, but that’s part of the thrill, right? Jump in, try not to save Splinter alone.
Oh, disclosure moment (because I have to): The publisher tossed a digital copy our way for this review. Think we played it on version 1.000.000? Not sure what that number means, but there you go.
