Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants, originally an arcade cabinet game from Raw Thrills and developed for consoles by Cradle Games and published by Limited Run Games, makes its way to the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2024, this beat ’em up aims to deliver a modern arcade experience based on the popular 2012 Nickelodeon animated series. This TMNT Arcade Switch review dives into whether it captures the spirit of the Turtles’ classic brawlers.

Gameplay: Simple, Punchy Arcade Action

At its core, Wrath of the Mutants is a straightforward arcade-style beat ’em up. Players choose from Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael, each with their signature weapons and basic attack combos. The gameplay loop is familiar: move from left to right, defeat waves of Foot Clan soldiers, and take down a boss at the end of each stage.

The controls are simple and responsive, making it easy for players of all ages to pick up and play. Special moves can be unleashed, and there’s a super move that clears the screen, adding a layer of tactical decision-making. The game truly shines in its co-op multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up and bash baddies together, recreating that classic arcade camaraderie. However, the depth is limited; combat can feel repetitive over time, and there isn’t much in the way of character progression or complex mechanics beyond basic button mashing.

• Classic arcade beat ’em up mechanics
• Playable as all four iconic Turtles
• Supports up to four-player local co-op
• Simple, accessible controls
• Features various Foot Clan enemies and bosses

Story and Setting: A Familiar Threat

The narrative in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is minimal, serving primarily as a vehicle for the action. Shredder and Krang are once again up to no good, unleashing a variety of mutants and the Foot Clan to cause chaos. The Turtles must stop them.

The game’s levels are inspired by locations from the 2012 animated series, offering familiar backdrops for fans. The voice acting is a highlight, featuring the original voice cast from the show, which adds a layer of authenticity and charm for those familiar with the series.

Graphics and Sound: Cartoon Come to Life

Visually, Wrath of the Mutants on the Nintendo Switch faithfully recreates the vibrant, stylized look of the 2012 animated series. The character models are distinct, and the animations are fluid, making the action feel dynamic. While it’s not a graphical powerhouse, the art style is appealing and perfectly suits the source material.

The sound design is solid, with punchy sound effects for combat and a soundtrack that evokes the energy of the cartoon. The inclusion of the original voice actors is a major plus, making the characters feel genuinely alive.

Replayability and Value: A Short but Sweet Ride

The main drawback of TMNT Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is its length. As a direct port of an arcade game, it’s designed for short, intense bursts of play rather than a lengthy campaign. While the co-op adds to the fun, the game can be completed relatively quickly. Its value largely depends on whether you’re looking for a quick, nostalgic blast of TMNT action or a more substantial beat ’em up experience.

Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants on Switch Worth Playing?

For fans of the 2012 animated series, younger players, or those seeking a straightforward, family-friendly co-op beat ’em up, TMNT Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants on the Switch offers a fun, if brief, experience. It’s a faithful adaptation of its arcade counterpart, delivering simple, satisfying action. While it doesn’t have the depth of some other modern beat ’em ups, it’s a nostalgic treat for fans of the Turtles and arcade gaming.