It really needs to be emphasized that this is an older game that is just now getting a port, and so those who are playing this after the release of Shredder’s Revenge may feel slightly underwhelmed. Wrath of the Mutant is a perfectly acceptable beat ’em up and has some neat elements as well, but is not as detailed as the recent games. This does make sense though, because the game was made for the arcades and not the home consoles and so was designed to be a quick quarter muncher, complete with stage selection.
Wrath of the Mutants is heavily inspired by the classic TMNT titles such as Turtles in Time, to the point of trying to recreate some of the iconic stages from that title. One feeling I got when playing Wrath of the Mutants was that it felt like Turtles in Time Re:Shelled in terms of how it looked and somewhat in terms of play, but in a more positive way because it was trying to do something different. This is its own game, but it does feel like it wants to use what worked before.
The game can be played in solo or multiplayer modes, but there is no online included here, much like with Raw Thrills other arcade title to get ported to a home console, Cruis’n Blast. This is a bit annoying, especially with how the best beat ’em ups now have some form of online play, and I wish something had been added in here. It can still be enjoyed without online play, but having to get four people in the same room is not as easy as it was in years past.
Each turtle has a meter that, when full, will allow them to do a special move that will draw in enemies and deal massive damage. There are also power ups that fill the meter that are found throughout the level, so do not feel shy about using your move, especially since the meter fills quickly. One thing that is annoying about the power ups is how you cannot pick up a power up if you are holding a throwable object and can often be forced to throw the projectile before you need to, in order to get the item you want.
I did find a lot of fun in the game, and some of the power ups were great, such as two that summoned Leatherhead and Metalhead to do screen clearing attacks. The combat was also smooth and responsive and didn’t feel lacking in that department. What was especially good was how the game felt overall improved over its arcade version in most aspects.
Wrath of the Mutants has expanded its stages for its home console release, with some stages lasting longer, new mid-bosses and some new enemies. A similar thing was done with Cruis’n Blast where more content was added to that game, although the game still feels like it is tied to its arcade roots. What I mean by that is the fact that levels are selected as mentioned above, and you never feel like a classic beat em up where the game feels continuous. It is not bad but does take you out of the experience a bit.
The game is decent visually and has some good audio, but again this was not made for home consumption originally and some things need to be taken into account. One thing I do feel helps the game is that beat em ups always feel replayable, and perhaps even the above-mentioned issue of selectable levels does make replaying the game a lot easier in terms of pickup and play sessions. Still, for a budget beat em up, it could be a lot worse.
That this something else I feel needs to be addressed. This is a budget licensed title, so you know what you are getting into here. It may not be a perfect game, but there is still fun to be had.
I can easily recommend Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants, because while not perfect, it is still a fun game to play with friends. Now if only online play could be patched in via an update at some point.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
