The roguelike action RPG has become a kind of new standard on which developers, especially those in the indie sector, make variations, improvisations and virtuosities at will. Mobile productions are also inserted into this kind of video game jazz, which often arrive late or entail specific adaptation needs, but which can still give rise to interesting solutions, if only for the type of use that is unique and can provide a plus. gear. There Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate Review must happen from this perspective, because there is no doubt that the game of Megacorp super mal He is greatly indebted to Hades, but that doesn't mean he should be demoted to a mere insignificant clone.
Meanwhile, we talk about the Ninja Turtles: the reference world and its characters have an undeniable charisma, which manages to emerge convincingly in the constant narration that accompanies the action of the game.
La history is based on a well-worn plot: Master Splinter has disappeared and it seems that Shredder and the Foot Clan are behind the crime for a change. In short, the premises do not really represent the cutting edge of video game narrative, but it is the dialogue that holds everything together convincingly, the typical banter (i.e. the chatter between the characters) capable of accurately capturing the different character characterizations. four fighters. We will have to choose one of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo and set off in search of the lost mentor, facing levels, enemies and bosses successively according to the typical rogue-lite scheme but with some reference to the scrolling fighting game that is the typical element of the Serie. An idea that could certainly lead to greater originality compared to a slavish repetition of certain elements already seen, but which nevertheless represents a very interesting proposal in the catalog of Apple Arcade.
Already seen gameplay, but still valid.
On the front of the game the reference to Hades is obvious, but the reference is generally to the entire rogue-lite subgenre in its new meaning that provides a basic progression against the constant threat of "semi-permanent death", so to speak. . Once the character is selected, we find ourselves faced with sequential levels within the series' typical settings, from the sewers to the rooftops of New York, with mini-bosses and major bosses arranged at regular intervals to mark the progression. and provide pivotal passing points in the story. Each time a section ends, exactly as in the Supergiant game, we can choose a bonus to apply among the proposed options, strengthening some statistics or expanding the attack and defense possibilities. The progress thus obtained is lost when the end of the game arrives, which inexorably sends us back to the Ninja Turtles' lair, forcing us to start over, but by investing special coins earned in combat it is possible to unlock some permanent improvements.
The action takes place along the lines of the hack and slash action RPG, although we are quite close to the scrolling fighting game in terms of rhythm and tactics: it consists of alternating the basic attack, linked to the specific weapons of each of the four. main characters - with additional and support abilities, which can be activated while respecting their recharge with the push of a button. No grand tactics required to tackle enemies and bosses, but some skill in timing and especially in the use of dodge becomes essential to survive in the more advanced levels.
Given the Accelerated pace and the need to act quickly and accurately, the controller is still the recommended option to take on TMNT: Splintered Fate, but truth be told, the developers have also done an excellent job with the touch screen controls, making them responsive and placed in a fairly comfortable position. , even if they become increasingly complex as screen size decreases. The presence of cooperative multiplayer is notable, which in a game of this genre can make a big difference in terms of involvement.
The display itself becomes a discriminating element to play to the fullest: the graphic style adopted is simple and clean, with a good characterization that refers to the typical colors and atmospheres of the Ninja Turtles, but the small size of the characters and some elements on the screen can hinder the best view of the action on smartphones. For the rest, on an aesthetic level, the 2D elements that recall the classic tradition of comics stand out positively, as well as an excellent English dubbing of the protagonists.
Conclusions
Tested version iPad 1.0.1 digital delivery App Store Holygamerz.com 7.5 Readers (11) 7.2 your voteDespite being clearly built inspired by Hades and similar titles and providing practically no significant innovation, TMNT: Splintered Fate works very well and the famous license on which it is based also manages to give it a notable identity. The combat system is less refined and more repetitive than that of other roguelikes, but thanks also to the characterization of the characters it manages to find a curious middle ground between a scrolling fighting game and an action RPG. Aside from some difficulties in terms of visibility on small screens and the touchscreen control system, overall this is an excellent addition to the Apple Arcade catalogue, which all subscribers are recommended to download.
PRO
- Rogue-lite mechanics are always fascinating.
- The charisma of the Ninja Turtles is there
- The introduction of cooperative multiplayer is good.
AGAINST
- Definitely derivative
- A combat with little variety can make it repetitive
- May appear confusing on smaller screens
