As a fan of beat-em-ups ranging from modern all the way back to the classics, I have a deep appreciation for a genre that doesn’t always get much respect. Reflecting back on the classic arcade days, yes, most of these games were designed to be reliable “quarter pumpers”, being just tough enough and stingy enough with healing to keep eager players adding credits to continue and get a little further. I suppose the genre’s lineage being tied to that mentality never tended to make for much depth, but that doesn’t mean that fans couldn’t have fun. 

Outside of the rock-solid X-Men unit, and the entertaining Simpsons, I’d say that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade machines were usually among the most popular out there, and various home conversions helped to further expand its recognition as one of the greats. Proof of the depth of its popularity and influence isn’t hard to find even now, given there are already at least 3 other Turtles-related titles out there in the eShop. You can now add this new one to the batch as well, in this case feeling like it’s trying to emulate the classic arcade feel, but using the versions of the franchise’s characters from the Nickelodeon show, no doubt looking to appeal to the younger generation.

Spending some time with it, I’d say the results are mixed from a high-level perspective, absolutely managing to include plenty of features of the old arcade titles, but all with a very different 3D look. Thinking about it from an inclusive family-friendly angle, it definitely does what it should, featuring plenty of characters, the easy opportunity to continue, and pretty simplified moves that just about anyone should be able to have a good time with. Players on the other end of the spectrum, who’ve come to expect a little more depth and nuance, will likely walk away thinking that it falls flat though. This feels like a positive case of the adage “know your audience”, and in that light it does fine, just for people looking for more depth the amazing Shredder’s Revenge will likely be a far better bet.