Dotemu and Tribute Games — of Streets of Rage 4 and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game fame respectively — recently surprised gamers with the announcement of a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brawler. Unlike some more tepid releases of late, this installment looks to fully embrace the late '80s-early '90s roots of the TMNT games. The game, known as Shredder's Revenge, looks to be a true spiritual successor to the fan-favorite Turtles in Time, with some elements of the arcade beat-'em-ups tossed in for good measure.
At least to this point, little is known about the title, outside of what was showcased in an action-packed trailer. With many details about the game still shrouded in mystery, both the imaginations and expectations of fans have kicked into overdrive after viewing the minute-and-a-half teaser.
There are plenty of elements that the TMNT faithful are likely to point to that could make this bodacious blast to the past a worthy Turtles in Time successor.
10 Extra Content Down The Line
Given the short length of Turtles in Time, it makes sense to assume this game won't exactly be a robust epic either. Even if the campaign does manage to stretch beyond a few hours, most would likely welcome the trickling out of additional content post-release.
Assuming the added DLC was a reasonable price, many players would almost certainly dive into some additional stages, take on with new bosses, or partake in seasonal events. And given the rich, storied lore of TMNT — which includes comics, TV, movies, and games — there's no shortage of established content to pick from.
9 3D And On-Rails Stages
Most levels in Turtles in Time and arcade brawlers of its ilk run with a typical sidescrolling A-to-B style. But ask fans what some of the most memorable stages are, and many will likely point to classics like Sewer Surfin' and the atmospheric Neon Night Riders.
Given the massive potential of modern console hardware, at least a sprinkling of 3D stages seems like a no-brainer to mix things up.
Many would also likely embrace more stages that adhere to the exhilarating Sewer Surfin' formula of moving platforms and flying foes. As it happens, the trailer seems to indicate there will be at least one such stage, as Mike can be seen whizzing through the streets on a skateboard. This then cuts to a shot of all the Turtles gliding across a giant wave on surfboards. Kowabunga!
8 Depth Through Upgrades Or Customization
Of course, beat-'em-ups in the vein of Turtles in Time tend to thrive on frantic, button-mashing simplicity. Still, some sort of depth via a progression system would likely add much to the game. Perhaps a basic RPG-esque system of upgrades or customizable weapons could be utilized when reaching an experience or kill threshold.
At the very least, the game could provide a simple system of tacking on stat points to certain areas a la Castle Crashers.
This could even be allocated to a separate game mode so that an untainted "retro" mode could remain for Turtles in Time traditionalists.
7 A Radical Retro-Style Soundtrack
One aspect of the Shredder's Revenge trailer that stood out to many fans was its awesome soundtrack. From the faithful intro theme cover by Faith No More's Mike Patton to the 16-bit tune that followed, there was much to appreciate.
This gets the imagination jogging as to what sort of delightful tunes Shredder's Revenge could have. One surefire way to please most fans would be a medley of new, more dynamic tracks with some 16-bit tracks mixed in. Perhaps remixes or modern takes of classic Turtles in Time jams — such as Alleycat Blues and Neon Night Riders — could round out its lineup.
6 A Diversity Of Environments
Turtles in Time is renowned for its solid mechanics and thrilling action-packed gameplay; though it's also very much remembered for its cool, colorful worlds. Strengthened and tied together by the fun premise of time traveling, this beat-'em-up takes gamers on an exhilarating ride to charming 16-bit locales that rang from pirate ships to the prehistoric wilderness.
Of course, Shredder's Revenge is likely to feature some staples such as the New York City streets, sewers, as well as the Technodrome. Still, it would be great to see a number of new, imaginative biomes here as well. The game could draw from newer film or TV renditions, or feature all-new locales from across the globe to journey through.
5 Animated Cutscenes
Coupled with the nostalgia-inducing pixel art in the trailer is some nicely detailed animation that manages to look modern while invoking that '80s TMNT cartoon style. This has gotten fans of the original animated series giddy about the prospect of lengthier cutscenes in-between stages and elsewhere.
Such an artistic choice would surely help add to the atmosphere and set the stage for the action-packed gameplay segments. Perhaps some of the original animators and voice actors could even contribute to these animated segments, further driving home that classic TMNT feel.
4 A Competitive Battle Mode
The notion of the Turtles clashing with one-another may raise a few eyebrows — though game like TMNT: Tournament Fighters and Smash-Up have proven this idea can be pulled off successfully. Why not have some sort of competitive battle arena for players to settle their grudges over who can nab that extra pizza or call dibs on Donatello?
Perhaps the Foot or other baddies could even be thrown into the mix to amp up the excitement and chaos?
3 Online Co-Op And Challenges
It seems a virtual guarantee that Shredder's Revenge will come with online play in some fashion. It would certainly make sense for such a multiplayer-oriented game. However, one can't help but wonder how in-depth or interesting this component will be. Could the entire game be completed with four players banding together online? Will there be online score attacks and leaderboards?
How about daily challenges and events in the vein of other brawl-heavy romps like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Only time will tell...
2 An Appearance From The Key Villains
One element that shines through when it comes to TMNT is its memorable cast of villains. They add plenty of character and usually make for natural boss fights; as games like Turtles in Time illustrated.
One would hope that staple foes like Baxter Stockman, Krang, and Shredder will see return appearances in this brawler. But given the abundance of villains originating both before and after this '92 classic, there's the potential for many more to round out this list, as well. From the Turtles in Time arcade exclusive Cement Man to the '03 cartoon's Hun, there's plenty to draw from.
1 Other Playable Characters Beyond The Turtles
One particular detail that had fans buzzing from the trailer was the brief glimpses of Splinter and April O'Neil clashing with foes. Though this could just be for show, logic would dictate that this means the two iconic figures could jump into the action as playable characters. If this is the case, could there be yet more, such as the mask-wearing vigilante Casey Jones?
These inclusions would definitely make for some cool unlockables, incentivizing fans to replay the game or take on tougher challenges.