Do characters play teased?
Yesterday, publisher Dotemu jumped out of the sewer (erm … no offense) with the announcement of a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade fighters.
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is currently being developed for computers and consoles at Tribute Games – a studio that is not only responsible for the enjoyment Mercenary Kings, but which also houses developers who worked on Ubisoft’s amazing warrior in 2010 Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game. Driven by this trinity of brand, studio and insane fan nostalgia, it is fair to say that much of the internet lost its collective mind when the trailer dropped yesterday morning.
From the short game teaser it is clear that TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge hope to capture the amazing multiplayer action of Konami’s 1989 arcade classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its continuation from 1991, Turtles in time. While fans at the announcement are in serious shock, there are some details in the trailer that have passed them by.
Strikingly, the animated prologue features a series in which April O’Neil lays waste on two Foot Clan pistons, with the Channel 5 news reporter giving a sweet-jumping side-kick. This is followed by a shot from the Turtles’ tutor, Master Splinter, who pushes ninja through a sewer tunnel and swings his walking stick like a maniac. These scenes imply – even if it pure speculation – that both characters can play in the new warrior. After all, it is rare that Miss O’Neil is portrayed in such a way that he kicks on his own. I definitely hope these icons join the roster, and I’m sure many of you will agree.
As for villains, we see The Shredder and his Foot Clan, as well as the gruesome duo of Bebop and Rocksteady. Convicted scientist Baxter Stockman, a Triceraton and a destroyed ‘Mouser’ – Stockman’s troublesome, sharp jawbones. Most importantly, during April’s close-up, we see the grim face of Dimension X ruler Krang, briefly on a TV screen behind her.
Perhaps the most surprising appearance of Faith No More singer and avant-garde musician Mike Patton, whose performance of the TV show’s iconic theme is the preview sound. While TMNT is certainly far from the works of Mr. Bungle of Fantomas, the addition of Patton adds a delightful element of … well … frenzy to the whole matter.
Dotemu’s work with recent releases such as Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and the excellent Strate of Rage 4 earned them the reputation of retro remake masters. Afford mechanics for deep fighting, fun features, a solid selection of characters, and lots of fans who are pleasant and Easter eggs, (Casey Jones, anyone?) TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge can be the best digital Turtles release since 1993s Tournament Fighters. One thing is for sure … it’s going to take a long time …
If you do not mind, I should start my online petition for Irma DLC.
