Developed by Tribute Games and published by the same company that brought us the fantastic Streets of Rage 4, Dotemu arrives with another classic based upon a retro arcade game of yesteryear. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a fine example of bringing a classic formula into the modern era with two modes, Story, and Arcade.

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shredder, Bebop & Rocksteady are once more causing havoc in Manhattan, and it’s up to the brotherly quartet and gang to put an end to Tin Heads’ dastardly plans once and for all. That’s as long as they can stop Krang’s robot head from being reattached to its body. Yes, the story is as simple as chasing Krang’s robot’s head, and I love it!

This game is based upon the arcade game from 1989, which in turn is inspired by the 1987 animated series. Shredder’s Revenge is a retro side-scrolling action brawler with wonderful pixel art visuals, this style never gets old. To add further authenticity, each of the Turtle’s voice actors returns to reprise their roles.

teenage mutant ninja turtles

Credit: Dotemu/Tribute Games

Furthermore, Shredder’s Revenge also features a banging soundtrack featuring the likes of Ghostface Killah and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan to name but two. Oh, and the intro to this game features a reimagining of the 1980s introduction, which will no doubt bring a beaming smile to your face.

Shredder’s Revenge is an easy pick-up and play, as it was back in the 80s and 90s. However, you will have a choice of various difficulty settings to better suit your preference. Throughout the 16 levels in Story, you are battling various forms of the Foot Clan, picking up collectables, discovering hidden characters and taking on stage-specific challenges.

Players will be able to choose from Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, as well as Splinter April O’Neil. Once you complete the Story Mode you will also unlock Casey Jones. Up to six players can play together for some co-op action both online and locally.

teenage mutant ninja turtles

Credit: Dotemu/Tribute Games

Each of the playable characters in Story Mode will have its own abilities such as speed, power, and range. The characters will also level up individually learning new moves, and becoming even more kick-ass as your progress with your personal favourite. Everyone will have their favourite character, but it doesn’t matter who you play with, each not only has their own distinct style, but the combat is so satisfying, that you won’t be putting down the controller until you’ve finished your run.

Story Mode is more accessible for most players with enough lives and continues to carry you through to its brief two or so hour run. In most cases having a two-hour campaign might be seen as a negative, but not here. Its bite-sized run is perfect for its old-school inspiration and can be easily blasted in one sitting. Story and Arcade mode consists of 16 chapters each with its own unique level and a classic end-of-stage boss fight.

Arcade Mode takes it back to how it used to be. Here you will have a limited number of lives and continue. In modern terms, it’s not too dissimilar to a gauntlet mode. In hindsight, the coin gobbling arcades were an ultra-challenging gauntlet/survival mode before we even knew that such a genre existed. Arcade Mode has no progression, other than speed, power, and range, each of the playable characters are all pretty much on a level playing field.

teenage mutant ninja turtles

Credit: Dotemu/Tribute Games

Reminiscing of a bygone era, back when arcades were more common, if you weren’t playing a game with a friend, you’d probably be more than happy to play the game with a complete stranger. In fact, I’d say that many friendships were formed over some good old arcade gaming.

Sure, it’s unlikely that most of us will experience that again. However, the co-op of Shredder’s Revenge is as close as we’ll probably get. Of course, nothing can beat couch co-op with a friend or family member. That being said, the unintrusive online co-op is just as easy as jumping into a complete strangers game to kick some Foot Clan ass.

teenage mutant ninja turtles

Credit: Dotemu/Tribute Games

Despite getting flashbacks of frustration with returning hoverboard levels, and questions over replayability being brought into question, Shredder’s Revenge is easily one of my favourite games to release this year. It not only reminds me of how much simplistic fun we used to have playing arcade brawlers, but the developers at Tribute Games have also managed to modernise a classic formula without losing an ounce of its integrity.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is one of the most charming, stylish, and fun games I’ve played in years. So, what are you waiting for, go buy it, dude!