PGC NEWS

PlatinumGames, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, has built a reputation for high-octane action and stylish gameplay. However, their partnership with Activision has yielded mixed results, with the excellent Transformers: Devastation standing in stark contrast to the lackluster The Legend of Korra. Sadly, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan falls squarely into the latter category, a frustrating and ultimately disappointing experience.

A Shell-Shockingly Buggy Experience

Before even discussing gameplay, a significant issue plagues Mutants in Manhattan: persistent data saving errors. Players are frequently greeted with a “Data writing error” message, meaning progress and settings can be randomly lost. This isn’t an occasional hiccup; it’s a recurring problem that undermines the entire experience. Imagine completing a challenging level, only to have the game fail to save your progress. This frustrating bug has persisted since launch with no official fix, showcasing a concerning lack of post-release support from both PlatinumGames and Activision.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan – Data Error

Shallow Gameplay and Uninspired Level Design

The core gameplay of Mutants in Manhattan is built around cooperative play. Unfortunately, the level design feels barren and repetitive, offering little to engage players whether they’re playing solo or with friends. Missions primarily consist of simple objectives like destroying bombs or defeating waves of enemies, lacking any real depth or challenge.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan – Combat

The co-op mechanics themselves are also underwhelming. While each Turtle boasts four special abilities, only one can be used in a cooperative attack. Executing these team-up moves feels clunky and often unintentional, disrupting the flow of combat. The AI of your turtle companions is equally disappointing. They mindlessly charge into battle, offering little strategic assistance and often hindering progress with their erratic behavior. Even boss battles are reduced to simplistic encounters with predictable attack patterns.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan – Boss Battle

Dated Visuals and a Disjointed Narrative

While Mutants in Manhattan attempts a stylized comic book aesthetic, the visuals feel dated and unpolished. Character models are clunky, animations lack fluidity, and environments are bland and repetitive. The game’s locked 30FPS frame rate and fixed resolution further detract from the visual experience.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan – In-Game

The narrative, penned by TMNT comic writer Tom Waltz, also falls flat. The game’s randomized mission structure disrupts any sense of narrative cohesion, leaving the story feeling disjointed and ultimately meaningless. Despite the involvement of a respected comic book writer, the plot fails to capture the spirit and charm of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan – Character Models

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan represents a squandered opportunity. Despite the pedigree of PlatinumGames and the beloved source material, the game is ultimately bogged down by technical issues, shallow gameplay, and a forgettable story. While flashes of PlatinumGames’ signature action shine through, they are ultimately overshadowed by the game’s numerous flaws. Fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are better off seeking their turtle power elsewhere.